There’s nowhere quite like London in the run-up to Christmas; its merry mix of glittery street lights, quaint Victorian arcades, seasonal markets and festive cheer tripping out of every bar, pub and restaurant are unmatched by any other city.
Should you be in London looking to get your seasonal shop on, follow our Soho shopping guide, created by London resident curator and fashion maven Suzanne Delahunty. You’ll find the complete edit of Suzanne’s recommendations, plus more shopping itineraries with offline maps in the LUXE London guide.
Starting at Oxford Street Station, head down the eastern side of Regent Street, famous for its sweeping John Nash architecture festooned with festive lights. It’s also home to every High Street brand imaginable, plus storied toy shop Hamleys, which is busier than Santa’s grotto but worth braving for the little darlings. While most of the chains are same same, Arket, the latest addition to the H&M stable has thoughtfully designed, minimalist Scandi basics.
Across the street from Arket is Liberty, one of our longtime London loves for, well, everything; it would be rude not to have a sticky beak. Exit Liberty onto Carnaby Street and pop into Brit staple Barbour at 29 Foubert’s Place to stock up on your weekend country gear.
Soho is littered with streetwear and sneaker shops (many with long queues snaking outside). Despite its moniker, Oi Polloi on Marshall Street is the go-to for a smart, grown-up edit of streetwear by eclectic global brands like A.P.C, Nudie and Fjallraven – and nary a line-up in sight.
Wanting more? Read London’s Top Indie Fashion Stores
Restore flagging energies and fraying tempers with a java from Soho Grind on Beak Street then zip right into Golden Square and left into Brewer Street where outdoor experts Woolrich have set up shop with their parkas, mountain jackets and other heavy-duty winter garb. Next, continue up Brewer and take the second right into Great Windmill Street where you’ll spy Folk repping beautifully detailed and functional British-made menswear; opposite is Dinosaur Designs, the only European outlet of the iconic Australian jewellery and homeware designers.
Hang a right into Ham Yard and if celeb spotting is your thing, Ham Yard Hotel’s bar is here for an A-list refresher. Alternatively, zip to My Cup of Tea for cha-riffic stocking fillers.
Backtrack along Great Windmill Street, past Folk and cross Brewer into Lexington Street where Alex Eagle Studio is up next – we adore her immaculately curated stash of niche and now names amid the lofty gallery-meets-shopping space. Ben Gorham’s cult perfume and leather house Byredo recently opened its flagship on Lexington Street and is worthy of a visit for its standout interior alone; if you’re looking to add to your pared-back French wardrobe, A.P.C is but a shimmy farther.
It’s a 15-min amble eastwards to Berwick Street, home to Sweden’s Sandqvist packing sleek, sustainably minded and functional bags and backpacks. Exit right out of Sandqvist and trot down Berwick, swing left into Peter Street and continue over Wardour Street into Meard Street where you’ll find Men’s shoemakers Grenson shelving handsome brogues and updates on the classics. Dean Street Townhouse is stride or two further on the left for Brit bites and private member’s club vibe without actual membership required. Now, order that G&T and congratulate yourself – cheers!
Heading to the Old Smoke this Christmas?
