London

Aria
Recently relocated to grand new premises in a former music hall, Aria’s collection of beautiful homewares and accessories is bigger and better than ever.
Barnsbury Hall, Barnsbury St, N1 (020 7704 6222) Highbury & Islington tube. Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-6.30pm, Thur 10am-7pm, Sun 12noon-5pm.

Twentytwentyone
Small but perfectly formed design shop selling contemporary pieces from names like Aalto and Vitra.
274 Upper St, N1 (020 7288 1996) Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 12noon-5pm.

Space NK
For the man or woman who has everything, a well-picked beauty product rarely goes amiss.
299 Upper St, N1 (020 7704 2822) Open 10am-6.30pm, Sun 12noon-5pm.

Mini electric guitar, £75, Gill Wing

Gill Wing gifts
A humorous gift shop appealing to both kids and adults.
194/195 Upper St, N1(020 7359 7697) Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm.

Paddle Rider Tigger, £42, Igloo Kids

Igloo
An imaginatively stocked children’s shop where you’ll find everything from Barbies to Brio.
300 Upper St, N1 (020 7354 7300) Angel tube. Open Mon-Wed 10am-6.30pm, Thur 10am-7pm, Fri, Sat 9.30am-6.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

Metallic purse, £42, Labour of Love

Labour of Love
Nip in here for one-off fashion and accessories for a hard-to-please friend.
193 Upper St, N1 (020 7354 9333) Open Mon-Sat 11am-6.30pm, Sun 12noon-5pm.

Day & Mikkelsen scarf, £75, Diverse Men

Diverse Men
Diverse is a well stocked menswear store with an expensive but ultra-desirable range.
286 Upper St, N1 (020 7359 0081) Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-6.30pm, Sun 12noon-5.30pm.

Getting there

Angel or Highbury & Islington tube/4, 19, 30, 43, 271, 277, 393 bus.

Refuel

There’s no shortage of perfectly good cafés serving sarnies and tea, but if you’re after something a little more hearty, like a late fry-up or scrumptious Turkish dishes with an Italian twist, head to Mem & Laz (8 Theberton St/020 7704 9089).