the SHOPPING

FORTNUM & MASON

Royal Warrant-holder to Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother and the Prince of Wales, this is where to find the best of British. Serving shoppers since 1707, the splendid premises are equalled by the gorgeous displays of traditional foods including bountiful hampers of rare teas, vintage Stilton, fine wines and champagne.

181 Piccadilly, W1
Tube: Green Park Tel: 020 7734 8040

HARRODS

Twenty-six of the world's finest skincare and cosmetic brands are featured in the notable White Hall. The purchasing of beauty products takes place in a visually exciting environment filled with luxury products from Clé de Peau Beauté (represented exclusively) to Kanebo, Estée Lauder and Crme de la Mer. Enter with great expectations and exit glowing with beauty treatments from expertly trained staff in one of eight bright beauty rooms.

Knightsbridge, SW1
Tube: Knightsbridge Tel: 020 7730 1234

JOHN LEWIS

'Never knowingly undersold', as it proudly claims, this shopping destination is a favourite for practical home-wares. John Lewis stocks more than half a million lines, covering everything from furniture to fashion. Benefit from tax-free shopping if you are from a country outside the EU and spend £75 or more. If you spend £200 or more, 10 percent is deducted - what are you waiting for?

278-306 Oxford Street, W1
Tube: Oxford Circus Tel: 020 7629 7711

NIKETOWN

Nike's flagship store, showing the full range of Nike product in an incredible setting, inspired by the City of London and athletes achievements all over the world. The store has boasts the largest women's sports clothing and footwear area in Europe, with lots of knowledgeable staff on hand to help. Try the latest Shox range!

236 Oxford Street, W1
Tube: Oxford Circus Tel: 020 7612 0800

MARKS & SPENCER

This British institution is a source for everything from aromatic ointments to armchairs. In home decoration, 'Enduring British Style' highlights décor trends from seaside hut to Jacobean grandeur. Fashion innovations are ongoing and the latest 'view from' range of sports-specific clothing is well worth purchasing.

458 Oxford Street, W1
Tube: Marble Arch Tel: 020 7935 7954

SELFRIDGES

Treat your self, your friends and your loved ones - something for everyone awaits you at this top shop. Wander for hours around the new Selfridges. Take note of the brands that scream for attention, with bright and basic as well as up-to-the-minute luxury products.

400 Oxford Street, W1
Tube: Bond Street Tel: 0870 837 7377

BEST OF BRITISH

ANGELA HALE

Need glamorous, glitter-enhanced objects? London's bright young things, including Kate Moss and Yasmin le Bon, acquire their special occasion art deco and 1950s-inspired jewellery here. They also gather up popular vintage handbags by the dozen. Situated in a charming covered shopping arcade, shopping here is part Victorian dream and 100% pleasure.

5 The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, W1
Tube: Green Park Tel: 020 7495 1920
www.angelahale.co.uk

THE BEATLES STORY

The Beatles Story has a great on-line shop at www.beatlesstory.com. You'll find just about every album ever made by The Beatles on CD or cassette plus mugs, caps, ties, T-shirts, calendars, books and even a range of baby clothes and accessories with John Lennon designs. Buy something for yourself, your friends or just have a great time browsing. The Beatles Story, Albert Dock, Liverpool course.

Tel: 0151 709 1963
www.beatlesstory.com

BURTON

Men shopping here have an array of attire to choose from. Their traditional tailoring line provides formalwear offerings with little twists and turns along the way. Sporty offerings include denim in their Vintage Utility range. Burton has risen to meet the increasing demand for eveningwear, by bringing out original fabrics in a rich bright palette.

West One Shopping Centre, W1
Tube: Bond Street Tel: 0870 122 8804

CLARKS SHOES

Trading in 150 countries worldwide, Clarks shoes are worn and admired by both British and overseas visitors. The key to their success? Attention to innovation in design combined with ease of wear. A world of comfort and style awaits you. Trend-led seasonal styles are here to tempt you. Step into Clarks and suit yourself. Mmmm!"

260 Oxford Street, W1
Tube: Oxford Circus Tel: 020 7499 0305

DESIGNERS GUILD

This store is visually refreshing and filled with gift-wrap-able items as well as curtains, rugs and bedspreads. You'll be greeted by visions of pastels, large prints, checks and materials. Accessories that match make excellent gifts to let people know you've been in the design hub of Europe and shopped with an educated eye for the graphic best.

269-271 King's Road, SW2
Tube: Sloane Street Tel: 020 7351 5775

FILOFAX

The originators of the loose-leaf organisers have a wide range of products in a variety of colours and sizes, to suit all tastes. Tailor-make a unique and indispensable tool, for personal and business use. Make sure you take a look at the selection of 2003 Financial Times and Economist Diaries, now in stock

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21 Conduit Street, W1
Tube: Oxford Circus Tel: 020 7499 0457

GEO F TRUMPER

Established for over a century, this gentleman's hairdresser is a British institution. Go to Trumpers to enjoy the ultimate luxury - a wet shave by an experienced barber. The best-groomed men in London come here to purchase colognes, shaving products and grooming-related gifts.

9 Curzon Street, W1
Tube: Green Park Tel: 020 7499 1850

HACKETT

A Hackett man looks like everyone's image of the quintessential British gent but cool with it. No cobwebs here, but real fabrics from cords to seersucker to tweed, all with a hint of irony. You can't put a step wrong here from the natty caps to colourful socks. Fly the flag and wear the t-shirt.

143-147 Regent Street, W1
Tube: Oxford Circus Tel: 020 7494 1855

HIGH AND MIGHTY

This is the great British brand renowned as the hallmark of quality for the big and tall man. As the world's population is getting taller, the tallest are no longer seen as outsize. 'King-size' and 'Tall' consumers shop here for a wide choice of fashionable garments.

81-83 Knightsbridge, SW1
Tube: Knightsbridge Tel: 020 7589 7454

JAMES SMITH & SONS

Virtually unchanged since it was founded in 1830. There are more walking sticks than you can shake a stick at, as well as hundreds of canes, including those with silver tops and wooden and horn-carved handles. Umbrellas and English seat sticks will also impress.

53 New Oxford Street, W1
Tube: Tottenham Court Road Tel: 020 7836 4731

JANE BROWN

This is a new flagship for one of London's few own-label shoe designers. Three salons are dedicated to the diverse shoes on offer. Make sure you experience the delights of the silver walk-in display cabinet featuring the famed silver sandals, extraordinary jewellery for feet.

189 Westbourne Grove, W11
Tube: Notting Hill Gate Tel: 020 7229 7999

LINKS

Indulge yourself in silver fancies from the multitude of gift ideas from Links. Celebrate the bright moments in your life with jewellery, watches and mementos from this award-winning company. Packaging is superb and every gift looks great with some good enough to eat. Their sweetie bracelet mimics candy pastilles on a thread to perfection.

160 Sloane Street, SW1
Tube: Sloane Square Tel: 020 7730 3133

MAP WORLD

Intriguing gallery displaying genuine antique maps dating from 1500 to 1850. Whether you are buying antique art for investment or considering a fascinating addition to your décor, there's something for everyone. 25 Burlington Arcade, W1

Tube: Piccadilly Circus Tel: 020 7495 5377
www.map-world.com

WATERSTONES

More floor space (66,000 square feet) than any bookstore in Europe but that's not all. A licensed restaurant, lounge bar, juice bar and café - bookworms have never had it so good. All this takes place behind one of London's most admired shop facades - the curved windows are a unique original feature.

Piccadilly, W1
Tube: Piccadilly Circus Tel: 020 7851 2400

RETAIL THERAPY

COCCINELLE

One of Italy's latest exports, Coccinelle is tipped as the next big name in handbags, shoes and accessories. Synonymous with the finest quality, the company's extensive collection employs only the most supreme, durable leathers. Innovative design and outstanding craftsmanship ensure an elegant, modern style. A selection of styles, materials and products to suit all tastes.

44 South Molton Street, W1
Tube: Bond Street Tel: 020 7491 7414
www.coccinelle.com

COUNTRY TRADITIONALS

Exclusive importers of Original Bunzlau Ceramics, hand-crafted stoneware from Poland. The pottery, in pretty mix-and-match designs, is hand-decorated and truly user-friendly - oven, microwave and dishwasher-proof.

15 Christopher's Place, W1
Tube: Bond Street Tel: 020 7486 1101
www.countrytraditionals.com

FARLOWS

Royal Warrant holder to the Prince of Wales, this is London's oldest fishing goods shop. It stocks tackle, shooting accessories and all the sporting clothing necessary for men and women preparing for their country weekend engagements. Be well-dressed in country style wherever your journeys may take you.

5 Pall Mall, SW1
Tube: Piccadilly Circus Tel: 020 7839 2423
www.farlows.co.uk

JOEL & SONS FABRICS

If you love to sew and enjoy luxury fabrics enter this wonderland of fine materials. The most recent haute couture fabrics are here, as well as men's suitings from high-profile designers that include Loro Piana and Ermenegildo Zegna. Discover this wonderful Aladdin's Cave. .

75-83 Church Street, NW8
Tube: Edgware Road Tel: 020 7724 6895

LIBERTY

After its 21st-century make-over, this venerable department store now boasts a sleek cosmetics and perfume hall with sassy modern products - a splendid revamp for the 'grande dame' of shops. London's once great 'shawl and cloak emporium' continues charming us with their colourful design-led products from around the world. A truly inspiring holiday shopping destination.

214 Regent Street, W1
Tube: Oxford Circus Tel: 020 7734 1234

MARINA RINALDI

MaxMara Group brings you a brand with attitude for women who wear sizes 12-28. Five different styles of jeans make sure there's a stylish pair for everywhere you want to go. It's the casual uniform that just won't quit.

39 Old Bond Street, W1
Tube: Bond Street Tel: 020 7629 4454

WOOLWORTHS

TWitness the transformation of this former five-and-dime department store. When considering your lounging, eating, sleeping and outdoor spaces look here to adorn your home with stylish design-lead products.Witness the transformation of this former five-and-dime department store. When considering your lounging, eating, sleeping and outdoor spaces look here to adorn your home with stylish design-lead products.

168-176 Edgware Road, W2
Tube: Edgware Road
Tel: 020 7723 2391 Tel: 01706 862 789

XS BAGGAGE CO

A wide range of elegant antique travel requisites, from Louis Vuitton travelling trunks to Cartier crocodile cases. Beautiful boxes and opulent old English sporting goods fill the shop, making it an entertaining place to seek out the extra- special item from the past.

Antiquarius Antiques Centre,
131-141 Kings Road, SW3
Tube: Sloane Square Tel: 020 7376 8781
www.xsbaggage.co.uk

Branches:

CLULOW
Canary Wharf, Promenade Level, E14
Tube: Canary Wharf Tel: 020 7345 9181

FILOFAX
69 Neal Street, WC2
Tel: 020 7836 1977 Tube: Covent Garden

FURLA
31 New Bond Street, W1
Tube: Bond Street Tel: 020 7629 9827

GEO F TRUMPER
20 Jermyn Street, SW1
Tube: Piccadilly Circus Tel: 020 7734 1370

MARIMEKKO
16-17 St. Christopher's Place, W1
Tube: Bond Street Tel: 020 7486 6454

PENHALIGONS
16 Burlington Arcade, W1
Tube: Piccadilly Circus Tel: 020 7629 1416

GEOX
5 South Molton Street, W1
Tube: Bond Street Tel: 020 7493 5628

HIGH AND MIGHTY
145 Edgware Road, W2
Tube: Edgware Road
Tel: 020 7723 8754
Kayak, The Plaza, Oxford Street, W1
Tube: Oxford Circus Tel: 020 7436 4861

KIEHL'S
29 Monmouth Street, WC2
Tube: Covent Garden Tel: 020 7240 2411

RONIT ZILKA
34 Brook Street, W1
Tube: Bond Street Tel: 020 7499 3707

TANNER KROLLE
3 Burlington Gardens, W1
Tube: Piccadilly Circus Tel: 020 7287 5121

VOYAGE
33 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, WC2 Tube: Covent Garden
Tel: 020 7836 5309

WILD AT HEART
Tel: 020 7229 1174