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Aside from the large array of goods for sale,
many London department stores offer a number of additional services such as restaurants,
cafés, food halls, hair and beauty salons and gift/wedding list ordering. Most also sell
their own gift vouchers.
And, although some of the companies listed below have other outlets around the
country, we've concentrated on their flagship London stores to keep things simple. All of the
websites listed below do, however, have a store locator. Also bear in mind that other branches may
be smaller with a more limited product range.
334-348 Oxford Street, W1N 9AA, Tel: 020 7580 3000,
Open: 9.30am-7pm Mon-Tue, 10am-8pm Wed, 9.30am-9.00pm Thu, 9.30am-8.00pm Fri, 9am-8pm Sat and
12pm-6pm Sun, Tube: Bond Street, All major credit cards accepted,
Show Map
Has a major presence on the UK high street, whilst also recently expanding abroad to the Middle
East and Central Europe. As their main London branch, the store boasts a good range of products,
which also represent good value for budget conscious shoppers.
181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER, Tel: 020 7734 8040, Website: www.fortnumandmason.co.uk (offers online ordering), Open: 10am-6.30pm Mon-Sat,
Sun 11am-5pm (Food Hall and Patio Restaurant only, Tube: Piccadilly Circus, All major credit cards accepted,
Show Map
Fortnum and Mason's offers visitors a sense of England's past with traditional high-quality goods
and services. Moreover, having been in business since 1707, it provides items by appointment to the
Queen and Prince of Wales. Known primarily for its famous food hall, the shop offers traditional
English favourites including teas, relishes, chutneys and preserves. So, if you're after a true
(edible) souvenir of England, you may find it here! What's more, for some items, such as luxury
hampers and teas, they'll even arrange global delivery (especially for goods which may impact upon
your baggage allowance). On the store's upper floors you'll also find fashions and items for the
home, while elsewhere, the Fountain Restaurant on the lower ground floor serves light meals and
ice-cream sundaes (of some repute) with St. James's restaurant offering traditional afternoon tea.
Customer service here acts as a benchmark for others to follow.
87 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge SW1X 7XL, Tel: 020 7730 1234, Website: www.harrods.com (offers online ordering), Open:
10am-7pm Mon-Sat, Sun (3/11 until 23/12) midday-6pm, Tube: Knightsbridge (take "Harrods" exit), All major credit cards
accepted,
Show Map
When most people think of shopping in London they first think of Harrods. Without doubt, it's a
fantastic (albeit pricey) place to shop which, despite losing its Royal Warrants, retains an
international reputation for quality. Spread over seven floors, highlights include the Egyptian
Room and marvellous food halls (simply stunning). If you do plan to visit, make sure you dress
sensibly as the store operates a dress code of sorts. A failure to observe it may mean you're
politely escorted off the premises by one of the Harrods' security officers.
109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, Tel: 020 7235 5000, Website: www.harveynichols.com (online ordering not
available), Open 10am-7pm Mon and Tue, 10am-8pm Wed-Fri, 10am-7pm Sat, noon-6pm Sun,
Tube: Knightsbridge, All major credit cards accepted,
Show Map
Once the place to shop for budding socialites and "it" girls everywhere (Selfridges is
apparently top dog now) Harvey Nichols - or Harvey Nicks to aficionados - primarily sells fashions
from renowned designers such as Paul Smith and Yohji Yamamoto, along with other top-notch designer
labels. In addition, there are extensive beauty and home furnishing departments, as well as a high
class food hall. The store's famous 5th Floor restaurant is equally chic, offering the ladies of Knightsbridge
a chance to catch up on some serious celebrity gossip.
318 Oxford Street, W1C 1HF, Tel: 020 7529 4700, Website: www.houseoffraser.co.uk (no online
ordering), Open: 10am-7pm Mon-Tue, 10am-8pm Wed, 10am- 9pm Thu-Fri, 9.30am-7.30pm Sat, normally
closed Sun (but Xmas opening hours may apply), Tube: Bond Street, All major
credit cards accepted,
Show Map
Although The House of Fraser trades under a number of different guises - Army and Navy, Dickins and
Jones etc. they have their flagship store on Oxford Street. Stocks a good range of designer brands,
although prices can be high.
278-306 Oxford Street, W1A 1EX, Tel 020 7629 7711, Open: 9.30am-7pm Mon-Wed,
9.30am-8pm Thu, 9.30am-7pm Fri/Sat, closed Sunday, Tube: Bond Street, All major credit cards accepted.
Another big high-street player, John Lewis's motto "never knowingly undersold" has helped them to
remain popular in an increasingly competitive marketplace. And, as employees effectively have a
stake in the business, you're likely to notice higher standards of customer service than in some
other stores.
Marks and Spencer
458 Oxford Street, W1N 0AP, Tel 020 7935 7954, Open: 9am-9pm Mon-Fri,
8.30am-7.30pm Sat, 12pm-6pm Sun, Tube: Marble Arch, All major
credit cards accepted,
Show Map
Back in 2000, Marks and Spencer had been in the news for all the wrong reasons. A profits decline
and sharply falling sales eventually gave rise to a huge revamp of its stores and fashion ranges to
make them more 'now'. Although, initially at least, the changes met with mixed reaction, it seems
that M & S is back in favour once again. Of course, the popularity of M &
S's food halls has never been in doubt, as queues at lunchtime will confirm. So, if you fancy a
picnic in nearby Hyde Park, buy your lunch before midday to avoid the rush.
There are two Marks and Spencer stores on Oxford Street. The biggest (and
best) is the Marble Arch branch at the street's Western end (just across the road from
Selfridges).
400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB, Tel: 08708 377 377, Website: www.selfridges.co.uk, Open: 10am-8pm
Mon-Fri, 9.30am-8pm Sat, 12pm-6pm Sun, Tube: Bond Street/March Arch,
Show Map
Having undergone a major transformation over recent years, Oxford Street's most famous store is now
an even better shopping experience, and one that's certainly hard to beat (anywhere) in London.
Boasting designer labels for both and women, plus excellent home furnishings, electrical,
children's and book departments, the sheer range of goods on offer is overwhelming. Of course,
prices are higher than elsewhere in London, but for tourists visiting, it's a great way to
begin a West End shop.
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