The 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 – the Hog Toe styles priced at around £500 are particularly emblematic of his work. Duck as you go in to avoid bumping your head.