Aesop London

Aesop's first stand-alone store in London opened in 2008, in a former jeweller's shop in Mayfair, and is dominated by a huge circular sink (plucked from an old fish-paste factory) over which customers are encouraged to lather up body washes and smear on face creams. Lining the apothecary shelves, amid the mottled mirrors and glass globe lights, is the entire collection of the Australian brand's skin, hair and body products. A brand for the thinking person who wants to avoid heavily packaged and marketed products, the brand eschews the dubious claims made by other skincare ranges, preferring instead to focus on quality and scrupulously researched natural ingredients and gorgeous scents, such as geranium, primrose and mandarin. Highlights of the core range include the Geranium Leaf body cleanser, the zingy Tahitian Lime cleansing slab and the Parsley Seed skincare range - although we defy you to find a scent you don't like here. Animal, a body wash for dogs, is a surprise big seller, but the Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum might be used more often. Success has seen follow-up branches in east and west London.

Branches Aesop Westbourne, 227A Westbourne Grove, W11 2SE (7221 2008); Aesop Shoreditch, 5A Redchurch Street, E2 7DJ (7613 3793)