London is well known for being one for the top cities in the world for shopping. From vintage fashion to the cutting edge of clothes, the UK capital is a must for not only clothing brands but for technology, accessories and food as well. Whilst the high streets promise a unique mix of cultural identity and historic beauty, guests in London from abroad might also want to explore the wide array of shopping centres located in London.
With beautiful new complexes side by side with historic staples, London’s history of shopping districts has paved the way for the birth of the department store. The one-of-a-kind shopping centres offer more than just different outlets and shop fronts, but a singular personality that provides everything from dining experiences to home entertainment systems. Throw the London department store in with the revolutionary malls of the city, and you have days, if not week’s worth of shopping opportunity during your visit to London hotel special offer accommodation.
Stratford Westfield
Based in East London, Stratford’s Westfield Shopping Centre is one of the most innovatively designed shopping centres in London. With its cutting-edge glass-ceilinged and light-filled walkways, this beautiful shopping centre is easy to reach via Stratford Station on both national, international and underground rail lines. With over 250 high street shops, 65 different restaurants, a cinema and much more, Stratford is the perfect shopping centre, whatever your needs may be.
White City Westfield
The White City branch of the Westfield empire is located near Shepherds Bush Overground Station, and has 300 different shops, alongside its restaurants and cinema. With even more recognisable high street shops and easy to reach for those living in West London, White City Westfield is a bastion of London’s thirst for commerce.
Debenhams
Debenhams is a department store that was founded in 1778 by William Clark but was rebranded in 1813 as Clark and Debenham. With 3 branches across London, including one in Westfield White City, the original outlet is located on Oxford Street, making for easy access for guests at the Park Grand Paddington Court Hotel. With its historic mix of clothes, homeware and furniture, Debenhams is the perfect British shopping experience.
John Lewis
Much like Debenhams, John Lewis has made its name through accessible yet fashionable clothes, furniture and homeware. With its affiliated Waitrose supermarket, the John Lewis brand is well known not only in the UK but internationally as one of the country’s best department stores. The Oxford Circus headquarters of this 1864 founded department store also holds storerooms that deliver online bought products as well as being a pickup point for internet purchases.
House of Fraser
Although founded in Glasgow in 1849, the headquarters of House of Fraser is located on Oxford street but has 4 separate branches across the city. This historic department store offers fashion clothing, accessories, toys and electronics, and is definitely a contender for the most historic and diverse store of its kind in London.
Harrods
Another 1849 founded department store, Harrods is one of the West London crowning jewels for shopping. Owned by the state of Qatar, Harrods is famous for taking up a jaw-dropping 5 acres of land with 330 departments. With its historic royal warrants, Harrods is well known for being at the height of luxury London shopping with its Knightsbridge locale and is one of the best spots for Paddington hotel London guests who want a sumptuous gift to bring home with them.
Liberty London
Nestled in the middle of Soho, Liberty London is a was founded in 1875 and now has a mock Tudor facade clad shop on Marlborough Street. With the original shop selling haberdashery items and Japanese ornaments, it has now expanded into fashion, fabric prints and furniture, making it the perfect department store for the budding homemaker.
Fortnum and Masons
From fruit and flower-loving foodies to fashionistas, Fortnum and Mason is over 300 years old and has quite the history to it. With boutique food items and meals competing with the Grand restaurant’s glamour, the departments have since grown to include clothing and homeware. From indulgent chocolate treats to own brand and award-winning gins, Fortnum and Masons offer customers a wealth of taste from its Piccadilly headquarters.
Selfridges
Selfridges is not only a brilliant Oxford Street department store, but also the subject of an ITV drama about its founder! It goes without saying then, that Selfridges is a very British establishment, and its cheerful collections of fashion and homeware attract locals and visitors alike. One of the reasons that Selfridges stands out as a vibrant and revolutionary shopping experience, is its founder, Harry Selfridge’s focus on the customer experience, leading to colourful window designs and displays as well as plush interiors among its four branches.
Angel Central
For the busy commuter, getting to the aforementioned department stores can be more hassle than it’s worth. That’s why the Angel Central shopping centre acts as the perfect antidote for the more practically minded shopper. Located close to Angel and Kings Cross, this alluring shopping centre in the heart of North London promises everything from painting framers to cinemas.
Hay’s Galleria
Hays Galleria overlooks the River Thames near London Bridge and has a long history dating back to the 1840s’ when it was used as a wharf and dock for ships and boats carrying produce into the city. With tailors, gentlemen’s clothing and restaurants overlooking the river, Hays Galleria is also famous for its resident artists, who provide the lavishly gilded hall with sculptures and paintings.
BOXPARK Shoreditch
Boxpark has several branches across London but originated in Shoreditch. Comprising of a block of repurposed shipping containers, this Shoreditch High Street Station based complex gives a platform to unique independent retailers. From yoghurt and ice cream shops to independent fashion stores, this multicultural shopping centre is a must for trendy boutique clothing and unique eateries.
Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre
Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre is a vibrant shopping centre in East London that provides international brands and local produce alike. The bowling alley and arcades on the top floor are of particular interest, being popular with local adults and children alike on account of its cheap prices and cheerful atmosphere.
