Our Favourite Places to Buy a Present in London

We've curated a selection of the best independent shops in London to help you find something unique, thoughtful and undeniably "them" (we mean you).

shopping

GOOP

Notting Hill

Knowing its demographic all too well, the latest addition to Westbourne Grove is in good company, plotted alongside 202, Bodyism, Daylesford and others of that ilk. Scan a chic edit of key sartorial items - from cashmere knits to double-breasted coats - and homewares, plus jewellery by designers including Fernando Jorge and Ariel Gordon.

Address

188 Westbourne Grove Notting Hill W11 2RH

shopping

18montrose

Kings Cross

Located on Granary Square, 18montrose boasts a collection of garb that can contend with its uber cool neighbours at Central Saint Martins. Stocking Stone Island, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens, you're likely leave here better dressed than you came. Yeezys are mandatory.

Address

6-8 Stable Street N1C 4AB

shopping

Alex Eagle

Soho

Shop a finely honed edit of fashion, furniture, art, design, photography, ceramics and rare books, all hand selected by creative director Alex Eagle. From ceramic plates to pleated skirts, homeopathy to VEJA sneakers, you'll be glad you diverted to Lexington Street.

Address

6-10 Lexington Street W1F 0LB

shopping

8 Holland Street

Kensington

A new gallery space from designer Tobias Vernon and curator Rowena Morgan-Cox showcasing carefully selected 20th-century British artwork, European vintage furniture and studio pottery, Scandinavian and Moroccan textiles. Phew. Survey objects from across the globe, contemporary design and inspirational reference books; a great spot for bibliophiles and hobbyists.

Address

8 Holland Street W8 4LT

shopping

House of Hackney

Shoreditch

Wade your way through a mix of iconic interiors, unique fashions and must-have accessories at House of Hackney. Whether in search of bespoke furniture or looking to treat yourself to a pair luxe pajamas, this East London mainstay caters to all (in every bold print and exotic pattern imaginable.)

Address

131 Shoreditch High Street E1 6JE

shopping

Alfie’s Antique Market

Marylebone

As the largest antique arcade in the country, Alfie’s Antique Market is a treasure trove of retro goods and rare antiques, modernist furniture and costume jewellery. Pace yourself: 100 antique dealers trade under one Egyptian-style art deco roof.

Address

13-25 Church Street NW8 8DT

shopping

Modern Society

Shoreditch

Shop Modern Society's eponymous unisex label, which focuses on quality, wearability and modern simplicity. Simultaneously scour more notable brands including Rejina Pyo and Chimi Eyewear before recharging over a flat white at the front of the store and watch the foot traffic on Redchurch Street go by.

Address

33 Redchurch St E2 7DJ

shopping

Casely-Hayford Shop

Marylebone

This tailoring hotspot is strategically situated right next to Chiltern Firehouse for a post-brunch consultation with your clothier. Founded by father and son duo, Joe and Charlie, Casely-Hayford’s new store emphasises timeless tailoring, with a brand-new women’s collection offering both ready-to-wear and bespoke designs in delicious velvets, silks and crêpes.

Address

3 Chiltern Street W1U 7PB

shopping

Persephone Books

Holborn

Reprinting neglected fiction and non-fiction by mid-20th century (mostly) female writers, the shelves at Persephone Books are stocked high with intelligent, thought-provoking and beautifully written prose. Neither too literary nor too commercial, pick up any number of titles from diaries and memoirs to cookery books.

Address

59 Lamb's Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB

shopping

Grace and Thorn

Hackney

From Terrarium Tuesdays to The Don Bouquet and everything in-between, spend hours scouring through the best pots and plants at Grace and Thorn to help you green up your gaff. Leave with a cactus (or multiple cacti) and a kitsch animal-shaped pot by Quail to match.

Address

338 Hackney Road E2 7AX

shopping

Pentreath & Hall

Holborn

Founded by Ben (an architectural and interior designer) and Bridie (a decorative artist and maker), Pentreath & Hall is a go-to destination for those seeking beautiful, unusual and decorative things for their home. From Venetian wrapping paper to colourful beeswax candles and alphabet brush pots, here you’ll find everything you never knew you needed.

Address

17 Rugby Street WC1N 3QT

shopping

Labour & Wait

Shoreditch

Seeking out specialist makers from around the world, many of whom manufacture their goods in the traditional way and to their original designs, Labour & Wait offer an evolving range of timeless, functional products for everyday life. From household items and stationery to great gifting ideas (Tabasco chocolate anyone?), we defy you to leave here empty handed.

Address

85 Redchurch Street E2 7DJ

shopping

Summerill & Bishop

Holland Park

Founded by June Summerill and Bernadette Bishop, Summerill & Bishop first opened its doors on 18 May, 1994 in Holland Park, and has remained on the same quiet, leafy corner of Clarendon Cross ever since. A kitchen and tableware shop, this is a great spot to pick up something for your mum. Note: the tablecloths here are the main event.

Address

100 Portland Road W11 4LQ

Discover More
Where to Shop in West London