Old Curiosity Shop

Built around 1567, this building can justifiably lay claim to being the oldest shop premises in central London – though whether it actually inspired the Charles Dickens novel of the same name is anyone’s guess (though Dickens lived in nearby Bloomsbury and was known to have visited the shop). It’s a joy to visit, anyhow, with small winding staircases and low wooden ceiling beams. These days, Japanese designer Daita Kimura creates unique handmade shoes in the basement workshop – his avant-garde (and sometimes eccentic) styles for men and women start at around £200; the jazz shoe styles, such as the Paris model, are particularly covetable, while the Hog Toe styles are particularly emblematic of his work. Margo Salby designs are also sold here. Duck as you go in to avoid bumping your head.