The most-loved shops in London

Get the inside track on retail therapy with the help of London’s most-loved shops

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London is one of the greatest cities on the planet for shopping: you can buy anything here. But which shop do you love the most?

Below you’ll find London’s most-loved shops during the last week, the last month and since the beginning of time. Don't see your favourite? Click the Love It button and it could make it into London’s most-loved.

  • Shopping
  • Brick Lane
  • Recommended
The Goodhood Store
The Goodhood Store
What is it? A first stop for East End trendies, Goodhood is a clothing and lifestyle shop owned by streetwear obsessed couple Kyle Stewart and Jo Sindle. After seven years on Hoxton’s Coronet Street, and a decade on Curtain Road, it recently upped sticks again to a super-size, 5,500 square foot site just off Brick Lane. What does it sell? A deftly curated edit of womenswear, menswear, accessories, kids’ stuff, beauty and grooming products, plus homeware, audio equipment and fancy camping gear. Japanese independent labels are well represented, while other covetable brands include Aries, Brain Dead, Engineered Garments, Pendleton, Ganni, Norse Projects, Our Legacy and Wood Wood. You’ll also find matcha whisks, wall tapestries and quality basics from the shop’s own brand, Goodhood Lifestore – designed in collaboration with Brain Dead co-founder Ed Davis – plus curated edits of stock from Broadway Market bookshop Artwords, vintage brand Unified Goods and Hackney record store Stranger Than Paradise.  The upscale, leftfield stock is hand picked to appeal to Goodhood’s very East End customer, but is shot through with a real sense of humour and a few easy, low-cost buys: branded tees, socks and hats, plus affordable trinkets, mugs, badges and stickers. Opening times 11am to 7pm daily Time Out tip If you want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to streetwear-influenced fashion, be sure to keep tabs on the brands represented here; Goodhood has a knack for stocking...
  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • London Fields
What is it?  This compact Hackney street, which neatly connects London Fields to the Regent’s Canal, has had a traditional fruit and veg market since the 1890s. But it went into steep decline in the ‘80s, and trade had all but petered out before the community relaunched it in 2004. It has since become a hub for the Hackney hipsters and East End creatives, bursting into life each weekend with more than 100 stalls popping up and people travelling from all over London to peruse its eclectic offering of food, drink and gifts.  Why go?  For the sheer array of sensational things to eat and buy. There’s street food from the likes of Deeney’s (Scottish toasties), Lord of the Wings, Makatcha (Indonesian-Malay classics), OSU Coconuts (coconut pancakes) and Zardosht (two sisters taking a fresh look at Persian food). There’s also lots of gift-inspo including Japanese stationery, screen-printed posters, second-hand clothes, vinyls and vintage books. Don’t miss  If you’d prefer a sit down meal, some of our favourites include five-star neighbourhood bistro Café Cecilia, casual Japanese joint Koya Ko, Argentinian grill Buen Ayre and seafood joint Fin and Flounder.  Ticket info No tickets needed.  When to visit  Broadway Market happens every Saturday from 9am-5pm, with a pared back edition on Sundays from 10am-5pm. Time Out tip Broadway Market can get very busy, especially when the weather’s good, so it’s best to allow plenty of time to avoid stress when browsing the stalls. RECOMMENDED:...
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  • Shopping
  • King’s Cross
  • Recommended
Here’s a fact for you: it’s impossible for a shopping district that’s born out of what was once a Victorian coal depot to be anything other than ultra cool and trendy. Worlds away from your standard Westfield (much as we love the multiplex), the list of stores, bars and restaurants in Coal Drops Yard is pretty alternative. Of the shops, some, you may know – Aesop, Cos, Paul Smith – but most will be completely new (and also your new obsession), such as LA label Twiin and menswear boutique Universal Works. On the food and drink front you’ll find a new outpost for the trusty tapas restaurant Barrafina nestled among edgy new eateries and concept bars. Check out Casa Pastor for tacos and Coal Office for delicious mezze fare.
  • Shopping
  • Bookshops
  • Marylebone
  • Recommended
Daunt Books - Marylebone
Daunt Books - Marylebone
What is it? This beautiful Edwardian building, that is now home to Daunt Books has always had a literary history. Before James Daunt took over the premise in 1990, it was home to antiquarian booksellers, Francis Edwards - which claims to be the first custom-built bookshop in the world. Edwards' legacy can still be felt inside today and Daunt Books still keeps many of its original, gorgeous features. What does it sell? Though not strictly a travel bookshop, this beautiful store will always be seen first and foremost as a travel specialist thanks to its elegant three-level back room complete with oak balconies, viridian-green walls, conservatory ceiling and stained-glass window – home to row upon row of guide books, maps, language reference, history, politics, travelogue and related fiction organised by country. France, Britain, Italy and the United States are particularly well represented; go downstairs to find more far-flung destinations. Travel aside, Daunt is also a first-rate stop for literary fiction, biography, gardening and much more. Opening times: Monday-Saturday 9am-7.30pm; Sunday 11am-6pm Time Out tip: James Daunt’s commitment to providing proper careers for his workers ensures an informed and keen team of staff - so we recommend asking them questions! They'll be sure to find the right book for your next read. Branches: Cheapside, Chelsea, Hampstead, Holland Park. As featured in the 100 best shops in London
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  • Shopping
  • Vintage shops
  • Portobello Road
  • Recommended
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market
What is it? London's largest antiques market occupies a prime, colourful stretch of Notting Hill, an area that manages to feel diverse and surprising despite heavy gentrification (how Hugh Grant in that movie could afford a one-person flatshare while working in a bookshop is well beyond us) in the ’90s. Portobello Road Market is really five markets in one, with different sections dedicated to secondhand goods; clothing and fashion; household essentials; fruit, veg and other food; and the main event: antiques. Why go? To sift through thousands of one-off treasures and haggle for bargains on pieces that you’ll get compliments on for the rest of time.  Don’t miss  Under the Westway and along the walkway to Ladbroke Grove, second-hand clothes sit next to the wares of up-and-coming fashion designers. Fridays are a little less hectic here, and you’ll be able to explore fashion-focused Portobello Green Market, which comprises more than 800 stalls. When to visit Portobello Road is worth exploring any day of the week, but Friday and Saturday are by far the busiest.  The market itself is open Monday-Wednesday 9am-6pm; Thursday 9am-1pm; Friday-Sat 9am-7pm and closed on Sundays. The antiques stalls are open Friday and Saturday 9am-7pm.  Ticket info No tickets needed. Just turn up and enjoy!  Time Out tip For a sweet mid-shopping treat, walk a little further down the street to Golbourne Road, where the crowd thins out substantially. There you’ll find the no fuss, no frills Lisboa...
  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Brick Lane
Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane Market
What is it? Now far more than just a string of stalls selling bric-à-brac and fruit and veg, Brick Lane Market, in the heart of Shoreditch, has grown and mutated over the years to incorporate seven different markets known as The Truman Markets. Operating at its fullest on Sundays, Brick Lane and its surrounding streets come alive, teeming with sellers shifting their wares. Outside the bagel bars, curry houses and vintage shops, people without proper stalls set up shop on carpets and tables, selling old electrical equipment, toys, records, broken musical instruments and furniture. There’s Backyard Market with stalls focused on arts and crafts, the Sunday Upmarket is a food hall brimming with street food vendors selling a global smorgasbord of cuisine plus vintage clothing, fashion by new and established designers, jewellery and homewares. The Vintage Market does what it says on the tin and if you’re into chintz, The Tea Rooms host charming stalls selling things like typewriters, taxidermy and vintage maps. Why go?  To shop for almost everything under the sun. Don’t miss  If you need to fuel up, there’s the Boiler House Food Hall, which has around 30 stalls selling culinary delights from all around the world. You can also explore Ely’s Yard Street Food where you’ll find favourites such as Orange Buffalo and Caboose – among many other Brick Lane restaurants. Ticket info No tickets needed.   When to visit  Open Monday to Saturday at 11am-6:30pm and Sunday from 10am-6pm. Time...
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  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Bethnal Green
  • Recommended
  What is it?  One of London’s best-known and prettiest markets, Columbia Road Flower Market is a bustling botanical paradise in London’s East End.  It takes place each Sunday, when market traders line the narrow Victorian street selling flowers, houseplants, herbs, bulbs and shrubs.  A hugely popular destination for weekend jaunts, it draws large crowds of tourists and locals alike. But it’s not just the market itself that draws crowds; the quaint little street is home to over 60 independent businesses, many of which follow the market’s opening hours. Why go? To soak up the atmosphere at one of the city’s longest-running markets, dating all the way back to 1869. And to pick up some colourful buds to brighten up your living room.  Don’t miss: When you’ve bought your blooms, head behind the stalls and down side streets for a good browse around the surrounding indie shops, which range from cafés, restaurants and delis to homeware shops, antique dealers, vintage stalls and small galleries. Pop into Jones Dairy Cafe for organic and local produce or go crate-digging at Idle Moments before heading to cosy boozer The Nelson’s for a locally-brewed pint.  When to visit:  The market opens at 8am and officially closes at 3pm, though it tends to start winding down an hour or so before that. During the midday rush you may well find yourself being jostled by the waves of visitors shuffling down the narrow street. If you can’t bear crowds or just want to guarantee the pick of the crop,...
  • Shopping
  • Home decor
  • Soho
  • Recommended
What is it? Liberty was founded in 1875 - when founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty borrowed £2,000 from his future father-in-law and took a building on Regent Street with just three staff - but the present Marlborough Street site, with its ships’ timbers and leaded windows, was built in the 1920s. The interconnecting jumble of rooms, with the odd fireplace and cushioned window seat, makes for an intimate feel – as if you’ve strayed into a private room in a stately home. It’s not an accident, Arthur wanted customers to feel as if they were exploring someone’s home, keeping the shopping galleries small, albeit linked to three rather grand atriums. Although Liberty trades well on its history, it constantly squeezes innovation into its wood-panelled rooms. Over the years Liberty has launched its own clothing and homeware lines which have become firm favourites among the stars. But for all its pomp and fizz, Liberty doesn’t take itself too seriously – there’s a genuine sense of whimsy in its approach to retail. Why go? Alongside one of the best edits for fashion shopping in the world, its expansive beauty hall juxtaposes world-renowned makeup and skincare brands beside lesser known, but equally high quality, offerings.  Piercing expert Maria Tash, widely worn by celebrities and members of the fashion community, has her own parlour on the ground floor, while those who want a remodel for their home rather than their body can head up to homeware. Renowned for their unparalleled...
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  • Shopping
  • Art, craft and hobbies
  • Seven Dials
  • Recommended
Choosing Keeping
Choosing Keeping
As far as shops for the essentials go, this cosy store in Seven Dials certainly isn't the cheapest, but it is an absolute haven for stationery fetishists. It’s entirely possible to walk out of Choosing Keeping having just spent £45 on a stapler feeling like it was the smartest purchase you’ve ever made. The thing with this shop is that everything is just so damn beautiful: dinky rulers shaped like Toblerones, slightly sinister hole punches that look like they were crafted in Soviet Russia, and golden scissors that snap together to form the sleekest of lines. Of favourite of all, though, is the brilliantly bizarre decorations that they come out with each Christmas. From dinky little anthropomorphic toadstools to delicate hand-blown glass flowers, hanging bats and blackbirds to all manner of foodstuffs, we could spend hours browsing its magnificent collection of Christmas baubles alone. Visit when it isn’t crammed with tourists and you might find yourself choosing to keep the lot. As featured in the 100 best shops in London
  • Shopping
  • London Fields
If you’re into crystals, tarot and astrology (and who isn’t these days?), you need to pay a visit to She’s Lost Control on Broadway Market. Aesthetically pleasing sets of tarot cards sit next to books about waking your inner witch, as well as stylish jewellery, natural skincare and gifty bits and bobs for the horoscope obsessive in your life. But if you’re considering a visit, plan ahead and book in to have your aura photographed. At the back of the shop, you and your aura get snapped and then you’re guided through what the different colours could mean. Once you’re happy with the interpretation, you get a nice printed out polaroid of yourself surrounded by a cloud of colour, which is a pretty cool souvenir even for non-believers.
  • Shopping
  • Brick Lane
  • Recommended
The Goodhood Store
The Goodhood Store
What is it? A first stop for East End trendies, Goodhood is a clothing and lifestyle shop owned by streetwear obsessed couple Kyle Stewart and Jo Sindle. After seven years on Hoxton’s Coronet Street, and a decade on Curtain Road, it recently upped sticks again to a super-size, 5,500 square foot site just off Brick Lane. What does it sell? A deftly curated edit of womenswear, menswear, accessories, kids’ stuff, beauty and grooming products, plus homeware, audio equipment and fancy camping gear. Japanese independent labels are well represented, while other covetable brands include Aries, Brain Dead, Engineered Garments, Pendleton, Ganni, Norse Projects, Our Legacy and Wood Wood. You’ll also find matcha whisks, wall tapestries and quality basics from the shop’s own brand, Goodhood Lifestore – designed in collaboration with Brain Dead co-founder Ed Davis – plus curated edits of stock from Broadway Market bookshop Artwords, vintage brand Unified Goods and Hackney record store Stranger Than Paradise.  The upscale, leftfield stock is hand picked to appeal to Goodhood’s very East End customer, but is shot through with a real sense of humour and a few easy, low-cost buys: branded tees, socks and hats, plus affordable trinkets, mugs, badges and stickers. Opening times 11am to 7pm daily Time Out tip If you want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to streetwear-influenced fashion, be sure to keep tabs on the brands represented here; Goodhood has a knack for stocking...
  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • London Fields
What is it?  This compact Hackney street, which neatly connects London Fields to the Regent’s Canal, has had a traditional fruit and veg market since the 1890s. But it went into steep decline in the ‘80s, and trade had all but petered out before the community relaunched it in 2004. It has since become a hub for the Hackney hipsters and East End creatives, bursting into life each weekend with more than 100 stalls popping up and people travelling from all over London to peruse its eclectic offering of food, drink and gifts.  Why go?  For the sheer array of sensational things to eat and buy. There’s street food from the likes of Deeney’s (Scottish toasties), Lord of the Wings, Makatcha (Indonesian-Malay classics), OSU Coconuts (coconut pancakes) and Zardosht (two sisters taking a fresh look at Persian food). There’s also lots of gift-inspo including Japanese stationery, screen-printed posters, second-hand clothes, vinyls and vintage books. Don’t miss  If you’d prefer a sit down meal, some of our favourites include five-star neighbourhood bistro Café Cecilia, casual Japanese joint Koya Ko, Argentinian grill Buen Ayre and seafood joint Fin and Flounder.  Ticket info No tickets needed.  When to visit  Broadway Market happens every Saturday from 9am-5pm, with a pared back edition on Sundays from 10am-5pm. Time Out tip Broadway Market can get very busy, especially when the weather’s good, so it’s best to allow plenty of time to avoid stress when browsing the stalls. RECOMMENDED:...
Advertising
  • Shopping
  • King’s Cross
  • Recommended
Here’s a fact for you: it’s impossible for a shopping district that’s born out of what was once a Victorian coal depot to be anything other than ultra cool and trendy. Worlds away from your standard Westfield (much as we love the multiplex), the list of stores, bars and restaurants in Coal Drops Yard is pretty alternative. Of the shops, some, you may know – Aesop, Cos, Paul Smith – but most will be completely new (and also your new obsession), such as LA label Twiin and menswear boutique Universal Works. On the food and drink front you’ll find a new outpost for the trusty tapas restaurant Barrafina nestled among edgy new eateries and concept bars. Check out Casa Pastor for tacos and Coal Office for delicious mezze fare.
  • Shopping
  • Bookshops
  • Marylebone
  • Recommended
Daunt Books - Marylebone
Daunt Books - Marylebone
What is it? This beautiful Edwardian building, that is now home to Daunt Books has always had a literary history. Before James Daunt took over the premise in 1990, it was home to antiquarian booksellers, Francis Edwards - which claims to be the first custom-built bookshop in the world. Edwards' legacy can still be felt inside today and Daunt Books still keeps many of its original, gorgeous features. What does it sell? Though not strictly a travel bookshop, this beautiful store will always be seen first and foremost as a travel specialist thanks to its elegant three-level back room complete with oak balconies, viridian-green walls, conservatory ceiling and stained-glass window – home to row upon row of guide books, maps, language reference, history, politics, travelogue and related fiction organised by country. France, Britain, Italy and the United States are particularly well represented; go downstairs to find more far-flung destinations. Travel aside, Daunt is also a first-rate stop for literary fiction, biography, gardening and much more. Opening times: Monday-Saturday 9am-7.30pm; Sunday 11am-6pm Time Out tip: James Daunt’s commitment to providing proper careers for his workers ensures an informed and keen team of staff - so we recommend asking them questions! They'll be sure to find the right book for your next read. Branches: Cheapside, Chelsea, Hampstead, Holland Park. As featured in the 100 best shops in London
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  • Shopping
  • Vintage shops
  • Portobello Road
  • Recommended
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market
What is it? London's largest antiques market occupies a prime, colourful stretch of Notting Hill, an area that manages to feel diverse and surprising despite heavy gentrification (how Hugh Grant in that movie could afford a one-person flatshare while working in a bookshop is well beyond us) in the ’90s. Portobello Road Market is really five markets in one, with different sections dedicated to secondhand goods; clothing and fashion; household essentials; fruit, veg and other food; and the main event: antiques. Why go? To sift through thousands of one-off treasures and haggle for bargains on pieces that you’ll get compliments on for the rest of time.  Don’t miss  Under the Westway and along the walkway to Ladbroke Grove, second-hand clothes sit next to the wares of up-and-coming fashion designers. Fridays are a little less hectic here, and you’ll be able to explore fashion-focused Portobello Green Market, which comprises more than 800 stalls. When to visit Portobello Road is worth exploring any day of the week, but Friday and Saturday are by far the busiest.  The market itself is open Monday-Wednesday 9am-6pm; Thursday 9am-1pm; Friday-Sat 9am-7pm and closed on Sundays. The antiques stalls are open Friday and Saturday 9am-7pm.  Ticket info No tickets needed. Just turn up and enjoy!  Time Out tip For a sweet mid-shopping treat, walk a little further down the street to Golbourne Road, where the crowd thins out substantially. There you’ll find the no fuss, no frills Lisboa...
  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Brick Lane
Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane Market
What is it? Now far more than just a string of stalls selling bric-à-brac and fruit and veg, Brick Lane Market, in the heart of Shoreditch, has grown and mutated over the years to incorporate seven different markets known as The Truman Markets. Operating at its fullest on Sundays, Brick Lane and its surrounding streets come alive, teeming with sellers shifting their wares. Outside the bagel bars, curry houses and vintage shops, people without proper stalls set up shop on carpets and tables, selling old electrical equipment, toys, records, broken musical instruments and furniture. There’s Backyard Market with stalls focused on arts and crafts, the Sunday Upmarket is a food hall brimming with street food vendors selling a global smorgasbord of cuisine plus vintage clothing, fashion by new and established designers, jewellery and homewares. The Vintage Market does what it says on the tin and if you’re into chintz, The Tea Rooms host charming stalls selling things like typewriters, taxidermy and vintage maps. Why go?  To shop for almost everything under the sun. Don’t miss  If you need to fuel up, there’s the Boiler House Food Hall, which has around 30 stalls selling culinary delights from all around the world. You can also explore Ely’s Yard Street Food where you’ll find favourites such as Orange Buffalo and Caboose – among many other Brick Lane restaurants. Ticket info No tickets needed.   When to visit  Open Monday to Saturday at 11am-6:30pm and Sunday from 10am-6pm. Time...
Advertising
  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Bethnal Green
  • Recommended
  What is it?  One of London’s best-known and prettiest markets, Columbia Road Flower Market is a bustling botanical paradise in London’s East End.  It takes place each Sunday, when market traders line the narrow Victorian street selling flowers, houseplants, herbs, bulbs and shrubs.  A hugely popular destination for weekend jaunts, it draws large crowds of tourists and locals alike. But it’s not just the market itself that draws crowds; the quaint little street is home to over 60 independent businesses, many of which follow the market’s opening hours. Why go? To soak up the atmosphere at one of the city’s longest-running markets, dating all the way back to 1869. And to pick up some colourful buds to brighten up your living room.  Don’t miss: When you’ve bought your blooms, head behind the stalls and down side streets for a good browse around the surrounding indie shops, which range from cafés, restaurants and delis to homeware shops, antique dealers, vintage stalls and small galleries. Pop into Jones Dairy Cafe for organic and local produce or go crate-digging at Idle Moments before heading to cosy boozer The Nelson’s for a locally-brewed pint.  When to visit:  The market opens at 8am and officially closes at 3pm, though it tends to start winding down an hour or so before that. During the midday rush you may well find yourself being jostled by the waves of visitors shuffling down the narrow street. If you can’t bear crowds or just want to guarantee the pick of the crop,...
  • Shopping
  • Home decor
  • Soho
  • Recommended
What is it? Liberty was founded in 1875 - when founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty borrowed £2,000 from his future father-in-law and took a building on Regent Street with just three staff - but the present Marlborough Street site, with its ships’ timbers and leaded windows, was built in the 1920s. The interconnecting jumble of rooms, with the odd fireplace and cushioned window seat, makes for an intimate feel – as if you’ve strayed into a private room in a stately home. It’s not an accident, Arthur wanted customers to feel as if they were exploring someone’s home, keeping the shopping galleries small, albeit linked to three rather grand atriums. Although Liberty trades well on its history, it constantly squeezes innovation into its wood-panelled rooms. Over the years Liberty has launched its own clothing and homeware lines which have become firm favourites among the stars. But for all its pomp and fizz, Liberty doesn’t take itself too seriously – there’s a genuine sense of whimsy in its approach to retail. Why go? Alongside one of the best edits for fashion shopping in the world, its expansive beauty hall juxtaposes world-renowned makeup and skincare brands beside lesser known, but equally high quality, offerings.  Piercing expert Maria Tash, widely worn by celebrities and members of the fashion community, has her own parlour on the ground floor, while those who want a remodel for their home rather than their body can head up to homeware. Renowned for their unparalleled...
Advertising
  • Shopping
  • Art, craft and hobbies
  • Seven Dials
  • Recommended
Choosing Keeping
Choosing Keeping
As far as shops for the essentials go, this cosy store in Seven Dials certainly isn't the cheapest, but it is an absolute haven for stationery fetishists. It’s entirely possible to walk out of Choosing Keeping having just spent £45 on a stapler feeling like it was the smartest purchase you’ve ever made. The thing with this shop is that everything is just so damn beautiful: dinky rulers shaped like Toblerones, slightly sinister hole punches that look like they were crafted in Soviet Russia, and golden scissors that snap together to form the sleekest of lines. Of favourite of all, though, is the brilliantly bizarre decorations that they come out with each Christmas. From dinky little anthropomorphic toadstools to delicate hand-blown glass flowers, hanging bats and blackbirds to all manner of foodstuffs, we could spend hours browsing its magnificent collection of Christmas baubles alone. Visit when it isn’t crammed with tourists and you might find yourself choosing to keep the lot. As featured in the 100 best shops in London
  • Shopping
  • London Fields
If you’re into crystals, tarot and astrology (and who isn’t these days?), you need to pay a visit to She’s Lost Control on Broadway Market. Aesthetically pleasing sets of tarot cards sit next to books about waking your inner witch, as well as stylish jewellery, natural skincare and gifty bits and bobs for the horoscope obsessive in your life. But if you’re considering a visit, plan ahead and book in to have your aura photographed. At the back of the shop, you and your aura get snapped and then you’re guided through what the different colours could mean. Once you’re happy with the interpretation, you get a nice printed out polaroid of yourself surrounded by a cloud of colour, which is a pretty cool souvenir even for non-believers.
  • Shopping
  • Brick Lane
  • Recommended
The Goodhood Store
The Goodhood Store
What is it? A first stop for East End trendies, Goodhood is a clothing and lifestyle shop owned by streetwear obsessed couple Kyle Stewart and Jo Sindle. After seven years on Hoxton’s Coronet Street, and a decade on Curtain Road, it recently upped sticks again to a super-size, 5,500 square foot site just off Brick Lane. What does it sell? A deftly curated edit of womenswear, menswear, accessories, kids’ stuff, beauty and grooming products, plus homeware, audio equipment and fancy camping gear. Japanese independent labels are well represented, while other covetable brands include Aries, Brain Dead, Engineered Garments, Pendleton, Ganni, Norse Projects, Our Legacy and Wood Wood. You’ll also find matcha whisks, wall tapestries and quality basics from the shop’s own brand, Goodhood Lifestore – designed in collaboration with Brain Dead co-founder Ed Davis – plus curated edits of stock from Broadway Market bookshop Artwords, vintage brand Unified Goods and Hackney record store Stranger Than Paradise.  The upscale, leftfield stock is hand picked to appeal to Goodhood’s very East End customer, but is shot through with a real sense of humour and a few easy, low-cost buys: branded tees, socks and hats, plus affordable trinkets, mugs, badges and stickers. Opening times 11am to 7pm daily Time Out tip If you want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to streetwear-influenced fashion, be sure to keep tabs on the brands represented here; Goodhood has a knack for stocking...
  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • London Fields
What is it?  This compact Hackney street, which neatly connects London Fields to the Regent’s Canal, has had a traditional fruit and veg market since the 1890s. But it went into steep decline in the ‘80s, and trade had all but petered out before the community relaunched it in 2004. It has since become a hub for the Hackney hipsters and East End creatives, bursting into life each weekend with more than 100 stalls popping up and people travelling from all over London to peruse its eclectic offering of food, drink and gifts.  Why go?  For the sheer array of sensational things to eat and buy. There’s street food from the likes of Deeney’s (Scottish toasties), Lord of the Wings, Makatcha (Indonesian-Malay classics), OSU Coconuts (coconut pancakes) and Zardosht (two sisters taking a fresh look at Persian food). There’s also lots of gift-inspo including Japanese stationery, screen-printed posters, second-hand clothes, vinyls and vintage books. Don’t miss  If you’d prefer a sit down meal, some of our favourites include five-star neighbourhood bistro Café Cecilia, casual Japanese joint Koya Ko, Argentinian grill Buen Ayre and seafood joint Fin and Flounder.  Ticket info No tickets needed.  When to visit  Broadway Market happens every Saturday from 9am-5pm, with a pared back edition on Sundays from 10am-5pm. Time Out tip Broadway Market can get very busy, especially when the weather’s good, so it’s best to allow plenty of time to avoid stress when browsing the stalls. RECOMMENDED:...
Advertising
  • Shopping
  • King’s Cross
  • Recommended
Here’s a fact for you: it’s impossible for a shopping district that’s born out of what was once a Victorian coal depot to be anything other than ultra cool and trendy. Worlds away from your standard Westfield (much as we love the multiplex), the list of stores, bars and restaurants in Coal Drops Yard is pretty alternative. Of the shops, some, you may know – Aesop, Cos, Paul Smith – but most will be completely new (and also your new obsession), such as LA label Twiin and menswear boutique Universal Works. On the food and drink front you’ll find a new outpost for the trusty tapas restaurant Barrafina nestled among edgy new eateries and concept bars. Check out Casa Pastor for tacos and Coal Office for delicious mezze fare.
  • Shopping
  • Bookshops
  • Marylebone
  • Recommended
Daunt Books - Marylebone
Daunt Books - Marylebone
What is it? This beautiful Edwardian building, that is now home to Daunt Books has always had a literary history. Before James Daunt took over the premise in 1990, it was home to antiquarian booksellers, Francis Edwards - which claims to be the first custom-built bookshop in the world. Edwards' legacy can still be felt inside today and Daunt Books still keeps many of its original, gorgeous features. What does it sell? Though not strictly a travel bookshop, this beautiful store will always be seen first and foremost as a travel specialist thanks to its elegant three-level back room complete with oak balconies, viridian-green walls, conservatory ceiling and stained-glass window – home to row upon row of guide books, maps, language reference, history, politics, travelogue and related fiction organised by country. France, Britain, Italy and the United States are particularly well represented; go downstairs to find more far-flung destinations. Travel aside, Daunt is also a first-rate stop for literary fiction, biography, gardening and much more. Opening times: Monday-Saturday 9am-7.30pm; Sunday 11am-6pm Time Out tip: James Daunt’s commitment to providing proper careers for his workers ensures an informed and keen team of staff - so we recommend asking them questions! They'll be sure to find the right book for your next read. Branches: Cheapside, Chelsea, Hampstead, Holland Park. As featured in the 100 best shops in London
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  • Shopping
  • Vintage shops
  • Portobello Road
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Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market
What is it? London's largest antiques market occupies a prime, colourful stretch of Notting Hill, an area that manages to feel diverse and surprising despite heavy gentrification (how Hugh Grant in that movie could afford a one-person flatshare while working in a bookshop is well beyond us) in the ’90s. Portobello Road Market is really five markets in one, with different sections dedicated to secondhand goods; clothing and fashion; household essentials; fruit, veg and other food; and the main event: antiques. Why go? To sift through thousands of one-off treasures and haggle for bargains on pieces that you’ll get compliments on for the rest of time.  Don’t miss  Under the Westway and along the walkway to Ladbroke Grove, second-hand clothes sit next to the wares of up-and-coming fashion designers. Fridays are a little less hectic here, and you’ll be able to explore fashion-focused Portobello Green Market, which comprises more than 800 stalls. When to visit Portobello Road is worth exploring any day of the week, but Friday and Saturday are by far the busiest.  The market itself is open Monday-Wednesday 9am-6pm; Thursday 9am-1pm; Friday-Sat 9am-7pm and closed on Sundays. The antiques stalls are open Friday and Saturday 9am-7pm.  Ticket info No tickets needed. Just turn up and enjoy!  Time Out tip For a sweet mid-shopping treat, walk a little further down the street to Golbourne Road, where the crowd thins out substantially. There you’ll find the no fuss, no frills Lisboa...
  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Brick Lane
Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane Market
What is it? Now far more than just a string of stalls selling bric-à-brac and fruit and veg, Brick Lane Market, in the heart of Shoreditch, has grown and mutated over the years to incorporate seven different markets known as The Truman Markets. Operating at its fullest on Sundays, Brick Lane and its surrounding streets come alive, teeming with sellers shifting their wares. Outside the bagel bars, curry houses and vintage shops, people without proper stalls set up shop on carpets and tables, selling old electrical equipment, toys, records, broken musical instruments and furniture. There’s Backyard Market with stalls focused on arts and crafts, the Sunday Upmarket is a food hall brimming with street food vendors selling a global smorgasbord of cuisine plus vintage clothing, fashion by new and established designers, jewellery and homewares. The Vintage Market does what it says on the tin and if you’re into chintz, The Tea Rooms host charming stalls selling things like typewriters, taxidermy and vintage maps. Why go?  To shop for almost everything under the sun. Don’t miss  If you need to fuel up, there’s the Boiler House Food Hall, which has around 30 stalls selling culinary delights from all around the world. You can also explore Ely’s Yard Street Food where you’ll find favourites such as Orange Buffalo and Caboose – among many other Brick Lane restaurants. Ticket info No tickets needed.   When to visit  Open Monday to Saturday at 11am-6:30pm and Sunday from 10am-6pm. Time...
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  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Bethnal Green
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  What is it?  One of London’s best-known and prettiest markets, Columbia Road Flower Market is a bustling botanical paradise in London’s East End.  It takes place each Sunday, when market traders line the narrow Victorian street selling flowers, houseplants, herbs, bulbs and shrubs.  A hugely popular destination for weekend jaunts, it draws large crowds of tourists and locals alike. But it’s not just the market itself that draws crowds; the quaint little street is home to over 60 independent businesses, many of which follow the market’s opening hours. Why go? To soak up the atmosphere at one of the city’s longest-running markets, dating all the way back to 1869. And to pick up some colourful buds to brighten up your living room.  Don’t miss: When you’ve bought your blooms, head behind the stalls and down side streets for a good browse around the surrounding indie shops, which range from cafés, restaurants and delis to homeware shops, antique dealers, vintage stalls and small galleries. Pop into Jones Dairy Cafe for organic and local produce or go crate-digging at Idle Moments before heading to cosy boozer The Nelson’s for a locally-brewed pint.  When to visit:  The market opens at 8am and officially closes at 3pm, though it tends to start winding down an hour or so before that. During the midday rush you may well find yourself being jostled by the waves of visitors shuffling down the narrow street. If you can’t bear crowds or just want to guarantee the pick of the crop,...
  • Shopping
  • Home decor
  • Soho
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What is it? Liberty was founded in 1875 - when founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty borrowed £2,000 from his future father-in-law and took a building on Regent Street with just three staff - but the present Marlborough Street site, with its ships’ timbers and leaded windows, was built in the 1920s. The interconnecting jumble of rooms, with the odd fireplace and cushioned window seat, makes for an intimate feel – as if you’ve strayed into a private room in a stately home. It’s not an accident, Arthur wanted customers to feel as if they were exploring someone’s home, keeping the shopping galleries small, albeit linked to three rather grand atriums. Although Liberty trades well on its history, it constantly squeezes innovation into its wood-panelled rooms. Over the years Liberty has launched its own clothing and homeware lines which have become firm favourites among the stars. But for all its pomp and fizz, Liberty doesn’t take itself too seriously – there’s a genuine sense of whimsy in its approach to retail. Why go? Alongside one of the best edits for fashion shopping in the world, its expansive beauty hall juxtaposes world-renowned makeup and skincare brands beside lesser known, but equally high quality, offerings.  Piercing expert Maria Tash, widely worn by celebrities and members of the fashion community, has her own parlour on the ground floor, while those who want a remodel for their home rather than their body can head up to homeware. Renowned for their unparalleled...
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  • Shopping
  • Art, craft and hobbies
  • Seven Dials
  • Recommended
Choosing Keeping
Choosing Keeping
As far as shops for the essentials go, this cosy store in Seven Dials certainly isn't the cheapest, but it is an absolute haven for stationery fetishists. It’s entirely possible to walk out of Choosing Keeping having just spent £45 on a stapler feeling like it was the smartest purchase you’ve ever made. The thing with this shop is that everything is just so damn beautiful: dinky rulers shaped like Toblerones, slightly sinister hole punches that look like they were crafted in Soviet Russia, and golden scissors that snap together to form the sleekest of lines. Of favourite of all, though, is the brilliantly bizarre decorations that they come out with each Christmas. From dinky little anthropomorphic toadstools to delicate hand-blown glass flowers, hanging bats and blackbirds to all manner of foodstuffs, we could spend hours browsing its magnificent collection of Christmas baubles alone. Visit when it isn’t crammed with tourists and you might find yourself choosing to keep the lot. As featured in the 100 best shops in London
  • Shopping
  • London Fields
If you’re into crystals, tarot and astrology (and who isn’t these days?), you need to pay a visit to She’s Lost Control on Broadway Market. Aesthetically pleasing sets of tarot cards sit next to books about waking your inner witch, as well as stylish jewellery, natural skincare and gifty bits and bobs for the horoscope obsessive in your life. But if you’re considering a visit, plan ahead and book in to have your aura photographed. At the back of the shop, you and your aura get snapped and then you’re guided through what the different colours could mean. Once you’re happy with the interpretation, you get a nice printed out polaroid of yourself surrounded by a cloud of colour, which is a pretty cool souvenir even for non-believers.
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