The Mercantile London

While most of Spitalfields Market’s units are being snapped up by global brands, this exceedingly tasteful boutique is an example of independent retail at its best. The shop is designed to be airy, soft and welcoming rather than stark and modern (there’s even a well-behaved shop dog called Robert), and rails are filled with independent labels from all over Europe.Founder Debra McCann has a good eye for striking fashion that ordinary women will covet, so labels err on the side of tasteful rather than daft – think high-waisted jeans, batwing silk blouses and cool ankle boots at sensible prices (£70-£100 for a silk top, £150 for well-made leather boots). 

As featured in the 100 best shops in London