Latest reviews for Shops & Amenities in London, United Kingdom

Swaine Adeney Brigg - Great umbrellas by Lucy_Jones

Lucy_Jones — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:46:00 +0000

Review by Lucy_Jones

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0207 4097277

Website: http://www.swaineadeney.co.uk/

I have two Brigg umbrellas from this shop and have to say they are the strongest sturdiest umbrellas I have ever seen. If I'm honest I "inherited" the first one (a traditional gents full length solid cherry wood shaft umbrella) from a former boyfriend who moved out of my flat, and, when he came back to collect his stuff, the brolly was in my office and not in the flat!! A year or two later I was in London on a stormy day, with a little folding brolly blowing all over the place, and I went into SAB and bought a curved handle golf style brolly which saw me through the rest of the day's wind and rain with no trouble. I walk to work in Brighton every day (about 20 minutes) and the two Briggs are amazing against the winds we get down there, and I am able to use them in even the worst, most violent, weather. Obviously you have to hold on tight against the gusts but I think the wind would blow me over before it blew out either of the Briggs....I have two Brigg umbrellas from this shop and have to say they are the strongest sturdiest umbrellas I have ever seen. If I'm honest I "inherited" the first one (a traditional gents full length solid cherry wood shaft umbrella) from a former boyfriend who moved out of my flat, and, when he came back to collect his stuff, the brolly was in my office and not in the flat!! A year or two later I was in London on a stormy day, with a little folding brolly blowing all over the place, and I went into SAB and bought a curved handle golf style brolly which saw me through the rest of the day's wind and rain with no trouble. I walk to work in Brighton every day (about 20 minutes) and the two Briggs are amazing against the winds we get down there, and I am able to use them in even the worst, most violent, weather. Obviously you have to hold on tight against the gusts but I think the wind would blow me over before it blew out either of the Briggs....

It's done! Smart Home - It's done! Smart Home - Lighting & Home Automation by itsdone

itsdone — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:56:02 +0000

Review by itsdone

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0845 060 5566

Website: www.itsdone-smarthome.co.uk

Tags: amx, kaleidescape, lutron

Itâ¬"s done! Smart Home provide installation and consultancy services for Lutron Lighting Control Systems, Multi-room Audio Video Distribution, AMX Whole Home Control, Home Automation, Home Cinema and Structured Cabling.Itâ¬"s done! Smart Home provide installation and consultancy services for Lutron Lighting Control Systems, Multi-room Audio Video Distribution, AMX Whole Home Control, Home Automation, Home Cinema and Structured Cabling.

Books for Cooks - Great place by Hmm

Hmm — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:39:04 +0000

Review by Hmm

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020-7221-1992

Website: http://www.booksforcooks.com/

Tags: cafe, cookery books shop, workshop

Really nice place with all kind of food books, friendly staff and also a lovely cafe.Really nice place with all kind of food books, friendly staff and also a lovely cafe.

Harrods - Fantastic store by Hmm

Hmm — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:53:46 +0000

Review by Hmm

Rating: 5.00

Tags: expensive, delicatessen, crowded

The Food Halls are magnificent and the rest of the huge store is well worth a visit. Lot of tourist of course but don't let that scare you away.The Food Halls are magnificent and the rest of the huge store is well worth a visit. Lot of tourist of course but don't let that scare you away.

Hamleys - Great fun by Hmm

Hmm — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:50:50 +0000

Review by Hmm

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0844 855 2424

Magnificent toy palace. All the toys you can imagine and fairly good prices. But dont go there the weeks before christmas. Crowded!Magnificent toy palace. All the toys you can imagine and fairly good prices. But dont go there the weeks before christmas. Crowded!

Portobello Road Market - Nice area but the Market is overrated by Hmm

Hmm — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:48:37 +0000

Review by Hmm

Rating: 3.00

Website: http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/

Tags: second hand, bargain, vintage clothing

The area is charming and its easy to find a nice place to eat and drink, but the market is overrated. Not that much antiques, more old crap.The area is charming and its easy to find a nice place to eat and drink, but the market is overrated. Not that much antiques, more old crap.

Westfield - The elephant in the room by ceedoubleu

ceedoubleu — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:15:41 +0000

Review by ceedoubleu

Rating: 5.00

Website: http://uk.westfield.com/london

So I took a trip to the new centre for the worship of Mammon, and it certainly seems to live up to the hype. First of all getting there: Very easy, served by the Central, Hammersmith and City Lines and a mainline station or, in my case, a bus. It was the first Saturday and it was crowded, I mean very, very busy but surprisingly easy to get around. I didn't have any particular purchase in mind but Maryam wanted to buy some cheese, given that I had singularly failed in my Borough Market task the previous day.

So we wandered around and what struck me was the genuine enthusiasm of the people working there - they really are proud of being part of such a massive project.

Coming in from the Shepherds Bush entrance, you pass the restaurant row and then arrive in the luxury goods atrium - I think it is called the Village. Smack bang in the middle is a Champagne Bar, so we found time for a quick drink before going on to shop - it's fine and makes a good pit stop and is strategically placed fpr Tiffany's for some champagne fuelled shopping that I fear will cost a few people close to Christmas!

The opening hours are 0900 - 2200 with the restaurants remaining open until midnight. The cinema multiplex opens early next year.

So, its easy to get to, has shopping for all budgets but I would try and arrive early.So I took a trip to the new centre for the worship of Mammon, and it certainly seems to live up to the hype. First of all getting there: Very easy, served by the Central, Hammersmith and City Lines and a mainline station or, in my case, a bus. It was the first Saturday and it was crowded, I mean very, very busy but surprisingly easy to get around. I didn't have any particular purchase in mind but Maryam wanted to buy some cheese, given that I had singularly failed in my Borough Market task the previous day.

So we wandered around and what struck me was the genuine enthusiasm of the people working there - they really are proud of being part of such a massive project.

Coming in from the Shepherds Bush entrance, you pass the restaurant row and then arrive in the luxury goods atrium - I think it is called the Village. Smack bang in the middle is a Champagne Bar, so we found time for a quick drink before going on to shop - it's fine and makes a good pit stop and is strategically placed fpr Tiffany's for some champagne fuelled shopping that I fear will cost a few people close to Christmas!

The opening hours are 0900 - 2200 with the restaurants remaining open until midnight. The cinema multiplex opens early next year.

So, its easy to get to, has shopping for all budgets but I would try and arrive early.

Jubilee Arts & Crafts Market - useful stuff in the heart of Covent Garden by Navajo_Pete

Navajo_Pete — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:46:10 +0000

Review by Navajo_Pete

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7836 2139

Website: http://www.jubileemarket.com

The Jubilee Market is a large, covered market hall with a huge number of stalls, in the heart of Covent Garden.

It is not to be confused with 'Covent Garden Market' which is opposite and which is perhaps the more visible of the two covered markets. Jubilee Market is a brilliant source of slightly more traditional market goods and crafts.

I like Jubilee Market because it is non-pretentious, straight forward and a guaranteed source of something novel, but not at silly, inflated prices. Most of the traders here come from quite a distance and have their stall either full-time or share stalls, depending on the day of the week. They all own a 'stake' in the company and are committed to making it a success. Because they are in it for the long haul, you will always be able to go back to the stall and talk with the trader if you have discovered a problem with the item you bought.

The Market here has existed for over 20 years and is an integral part of Covent Garden. Below it is the Roadhouse Bar & Restaurant and Wagamama, whilst above it is the excellent Jubilee Sports Hall and a block of Housing Association flats housing many local people. The building is relatively new and was formed from the redeveloped market building that has stood in this place for decades.

Once you're inside, you will discover a wealth of individual traders and plenty of food and drink and comfortable facilities to spend an enjoyable couple of hours browsing, shopping and resting.The Jubilee Market is a large, covered market hall with a huge number of stalls, in the heart of Covent Garden.

It is not to be confused with 'Covent Garden Market' which is opposite and which is perhaps the more visible of the two covered markets. Jubilee Market is a brilliant source of slightly more traditional market goods and crafts.

I like Jubilee Market because it is non-pretentious, straight forward and a guaranteed source of something novel, but not at silly, inflated prices. Most of the traders here come from quite a distance and have their stall either full-time or share stalls, depending on the day of the week. They all own a 'stake' in the company and are committed to making it a success. Because they are in it for the long haul, you will always be able to go back to the stall and talk with the trader if you have discovered a problem with the item you bought.

The Market here has existed for over 20 years and is an integral part of Covent Garden. Below it is the Roadhouse Bar & Restaurant and Wagamama, whilst above it is the excellent Jubilee Sports Hall and a block of Housing Association flats housing many local people. The building is relatively new and was formed from the redeveloped market building that has stood in this place for decades.

Once you're inside, you will discover a wealth of individual traders and plenty of food and drink and comfortable facilities to spend an enjoyable couple of hours browsing, shopping and resting.

Columbia Road Flower Market - Flowers everywhere by watermelon90

watermelon90 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:29:44 +0000

Review by watermelon90

Rating: 4.00

Tags: cheap, rare finds, crowded

The now very famous indeed columbia road market is a must visit on a sunday. Get there early, it is open from around 8am if you want to bag a particular bargain. Plant lovers from all over london come to find beautiful plants and flowers, bulbs, evergreens and exotics. It is usually jam packed with both plants and people, so a bit of forward planning may be needed if you want to take home a bigger plant. Check out the tree ferns . Lots of other no plant stuff for sale also. You can reach the market by either bus or tube, but I think that it is possible to park your car for free on the north side of hackney road as the traffic wardens do not operate on sundays. There is also a school car park for a small fee which can be used.The now very famous indeed columbia road market is a must visit on a sunday. Get there early, it is open from around 8am if you want to bag a particular bargain. Plant lovers from all over london come to find beautiful plants and flowers, bulbs, evergreens and exotics. It is usually jam packed with both plants and people, so a bit of forward planning may be needed if you want to take home a bigger plant. Check out the tree ferns . Lots of other no plant stuff for sale also. You can reach the market by either bus or tube, but I think that it is possible to park your car for free on the north side of hackney road as the traffic wardens do not operate on sundays. There is also a school car park for a small fee which can be used.

OnlyRoses - Best roses in London? by simonB

simonB — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:10:23 +0000

Review by simonB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 02073739595

Website: www.only-roses.com

Tags: bargain

Fantastic staff and the roses, although not cheap, last for ages. A definite find and can't recommend them enough.Fantastic staff and the roses, although not cheap, last for ages. A definite find and can't recommend them enough.

Dots Music Shop - by lesleyI

lesleyI — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:54 +0000

Review by lesleyI

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7482 5424

Website: http://www.dotsonline.co.uk

Tags: music, reasonable, friendly staff

Agree with the above. Lovely friendly shop.Agree with the above. Lovely friendly shop.

Loop - Tiny, lovely knitting shop by messydesk

messydesk — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:35:32 +0000

Review by messydesk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7288 1160

Website: www.loop.gb.com

Tags: helpful staff

There's a Loop knitting shop in New York and a London branch has been opened by an American ex-pat and very lovely it is. It's a tiny, white-washed room stuffed to the gills with yarn, knitting books and needles. Like most knitting shops the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, but in Loop they are particularly so. I was taught the magic loop and intarsia there, I've even had help with projects where no part was bought in their shop.
They seem to specialise mostly in small runs of artisan yarn all of very high quality (with accompanying high price) and have a few knitting books. Their magazine selection is pretty good and they always seem to have Rowan Studio which is not always easy to find. Where they really excel though is needles, they have every kind and every size in every material you could want, all of which are good quality, even the plastic ones.
It's a lovely shop but don't go expecting to be able to buy yarns you know, they most liekly won't sell them, but if you want to find some interesting yarns that you would usually have to buy online or at craft fairs or if you need some knitting advivce, Loop is great.There's a Loop knitting shop in New York and a London branch has been opened by an American ex-pat and very lovely it is. It's a tiny, white-washed room stuffed to the gills with yarn, knitting books and needles. Like most knitting shops the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, but in Loop they are particularly so. I was taught the magic loop and intarsia there, I've even had help with projects where no part was bought in their shop.
They seem to specialise mostly in small runs of artisan yarn all of very high quality (with accompanying high price) and have a few knitting books. Their magazine selection is pretty good and they always seem to have Rowan Studio which is not always easy to find. Where they really excel though is needles, they have every kind and every size in every material you could want, all of which are good quality, even the plastic ones.
It's a lovely shop but don't go expecting to be able to buy yarns you know, they most liekly won't sell them, but if you want to find some interesting yarns that you would usually have to buy online or at craft fairs or if you need some knitting advivce, Loop is great.

Iknit - Large boutique knitting shop by messydesk

messydesk — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:52:24 +0000

Review by messydesk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7261 1338

Website: http://www.iknit.org.uk

Tags: knitting yarn lys

Iknit has recently moved from its original site in Vauxhall to the current location in Waterloo and is a million times better for it. The new shop is by far the largest speciality knitting shop in London (and I've visited them all). Due to all the space in the new location they've been able to extend their range massively, keen knitters will know how many knitting shops only carry a small range or stick to one particular brand of yarn so the expanded stock is a real point in Iknit's favour. I think their greatest asset however is their book selection, as well as a really wide range of standard knitting books they source copies of very hard to find but classic titles, they're the only place in the UK I've ever seen selling new copies of Barbara Walker of Elizabeth Zimmerman, for example. They fall down slightly in their needle selection though, they only straight needles they sell are wooden and though they sell quality Aldi circulars they're often out of stock in many sizes. My other complaint, and the thing that stops me giving them the fifth star, is that the guy who works there is stunningly rude and unhelpful (there's a lady works on a Friday morning though who is as lovely as the other guy is nasty so I stick to going only when she's working). A great shop for knitters, make sure you leave a whole day and go as close to payday as you can. It's almost the perfect knitting shop, if only I felt able to take advantage of their sofa and library, but the sarky, rude guy puts a stop to that.Iknit has recently moved from its original site in Vauxhall to the current location in Waterloo and is a million times better for it. The new shop is by far the largest speciality knitting shop in London (and I've visited them all). Due to all the space in the new location they've been able to extend their range massively, keen knitters will know how many knitting shops only carry a small range or stick to one particular brand of yarn so the expanded stock is a real point in Iknit's favour. I think their greatest asset however is their book selection, as well as a really wide range of standard knitting books they source copies of very hard to find but classic titles, they're the only place in the UK I've ever seen selling new copies of Barbara Walker of Elizabeth Zimmerman, for example. They fall down slightly in their needle selection though, they only straight needles they sell are wooden and though they sell quality Aldi circulars they're often out of stock in many sizes. My other complaint, and the thing that stops me giving them the fifth star, is that the guy who works there is stunningly rude and unhelpful (there's a lady works on a Friday morning though who is as lovely as the other guy is nasty so I stick to going only when she's working). A great shop for knitters, make sure you leave a whole day and go as close to payday as you can. It's almost the perfect knitting shop, if only I felt able to take advantage of their sofa and library, but the sarky, rude guy puts a stop to that.

Macari's - 5 neck guitar by guitarnut

guitarnut — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:51:33 +0000

Review by guitarnut

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 9149

Website: http://www.macaris.co.uk

I bought a 5 neck guitar off these guys and was treated like a king ! They tuned and set up every neck while i waited then packed and sent it to my house free of charge !!!!!
Ok , I know I'm slightly insane anyway but it was great to be served well with none of the guitar widdling elitist nonsense of Denmark Street .I bought a 5 neck guitar off these guys and was treated like a king ! They tuned and set up every neck while i waited then packed and sent it to my house free of charge !!!!!
Ok , I know I'm slightly insane anyway but it was great to be served well with none of the guitar widdling elitist nonsense of Denmark Street .

The Amber Centre - If you like amber, you'll love this place by Natnat

Natnat — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:57:23 +0000

Review by Natnat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7224 2953

Website: http://ambercentre.com/

This shop has to be seen to be believed. It is literally full of amber in all shades, shapes and sizes, including brooches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants, some set in gold or silver. Some pieces contain fossilised creatures which, depending on your point of view, can either add to the intrigue of the piece or freak you out a little! I wandered in looking for a present for a friend and it took about half an hour to narrow it down to one piece, there were simply so many things to choose from. The man who runs the store was able to offer advice and was extremely helpful, and I came away with a gorgeous pendant. The store is located just off Oxford Street, in St Christopher's Place, a haven of calm away from the busy main street.This shop has to be seen to be believed. It is literally full of amber in all shades, shapes and sizes, including brooches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants, some set in gold or silver. Some pieces contain fossilised creatures which, depending on your point of view, can either add to the intrigue of the piece or freak you out a little! I wandered in looking for a present for a friend and it took about half an hour to narrow it down to one piece, there were simply so many things to choose from. The man who runs the store was able to offer advice and was extremely helpful, and I came away with a gorgeous pendant. The store is located just off Oxford Street, in St Christopher's Place, a haven of calm away from the busy main street.

Octopus - Kiddy fun for adults and children alike by Natnat

Natnat — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:47:48 +0000

Review by Natnat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 2911

Tags: quirky

Octopus is a quirky, colourful, fun shop offering a cornucopia of wonderful gifts and knick knacks for the young at heart. There are handbags in the shape of watering cans, purses made from pressed and dried flowers, unusual jewellery and funky items for the home - including dusters - to jazz up even the most mundane household chore. Their tables and lamps go to show that even the most fun products can have a practical purpose. There are now several Octopus stores dotted around, including one in the Covent Garden arcade, and one in Carnaby Street, and the first was on Kings Road.Octopus is a quirky, colourful, fun shop offering a cornucopia of wonderful gifts and knick knacks for the young at heart. There are handbags in the shape of watering cans, purses made from pressed and dried flowers, unusual jewellery and funky items for the home - including dusters - to jazz up even the most mundane household chore. Their tables and lamps go to show that even the most fun products can have a practical purpose. There are now several Octopus stores dotted around, including one in the Covent Garden arcade, and one in Carnaby Street, and the first was on Kings Road.

Liberty - Relaxed and decadent by Natnat

Natnat — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:16:25 +0000

Review by Natnat

Rating: 5.00

Website: www.liberty.co.uk

Tags: helpful staff

The place of the purple bags has something for all tastes and budgets. I often pop in for a browse - there's a wonderful cards and gifts department on the ground floor, in with a heavenly selection of chocolates and yummy things. The stationery department, also on the ground floor, has similarly inspiring bits and bobs, from leather bound notebooks to quirky invitation cards. Stop at one of the cafes for a cream tea or slice of cake, or head round the kitchen section for ideas and novelty items. You don't need to be a millionaire to shop here, and the staff are extremely welcoming and never snooty. For those with a larger budget, however, it's possible to go crazy in the bags and clothes departments. Heavenly.The place of the purple bags has something for all tastes and budgets. I often pop in for a browse - there's a wonderful cards and gifts department on the ground floor, in with a heavenly selection of chocolates and yummy things. The stationery department, also on the ground floor, has similarly inspiring bits and bobs, from leather bound notebooks to quirky invitation cards. Stop at one of the cafes for a cream tea or slice of cake, or head round the kitchen section for ideas and novelty items. You don't need to be a millionaire to shop here, and the staff are extremely welcoming and never snooty. For those with a larger budget, however, it's possible to go crazy in the bags and clothes departments. Heavenly.

Camden Market - eclectic style by clubby2

clubby2 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:23:18 +0000

Review by clubby2

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 5473

Website: http://www.camdenlock.net

Tags: second hand, helpful staff, vintage clothing

Camden market has its own sense of style that can be found no where else. It has such a wide variety of fashions and accessories to choose from, that there is some thing for every one. We went looking for some funky trousers and found a lot of colours and styles that we liked. Have been many times looking for different stuff and have never been unable to find a bargain. I have found that some stalls can be over priced, so plead poverty and haggle a bit for their best prices. The selection of food out lets is great too and never fails to please. A great place to shop till you dropCamden market has its own sense of style that can be found no where else. It has such a wide variety of fashions and accessories to choose from, that there is some thing for every one. We went looking for some funky trousers and found a lot of colours and styles that we liked. Have been many times looking for different stuff and have never been unable to find a bargain. I have found that some stalls can be over priced, so plead poverty and haggle a bit for their best prices. The selection of food out lets is great too and never fails to please. A great place to shop till you drop

Soundhouse Turnkey - Phone order went ok by vik

vik — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:37:11 +0000

Review by vik

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7379 6766

Website: http://www.turnkey.uk.com

Ordered a guitar for a gift a few years ago and can not fault the care and help we had. THe staff were friendly and helpful and our choice of guitar was offered at a really unbeatable price too, which included spares and all the postage and packing costs. It arrived with in a week and was in top class condition, and in the colour we had wanted. It went down really well as a gift and is still going strong after being played again and again. Have not seen the store in person but would expect it has a varied stock.Ordered a guitar for a gift a few years ago and can not fault the care and help we had. THe staff were friendly and helpful and our choice of guitar was offered at a really unbeatable price too, which included spares and all the postage and packing costs. It arrived with in a week and was in top class condition, and in the colour we had wanted. It went down really well as a gift and is still going strong after being played again and again. Have not seen the store in person but would expect it has a varied stock.

Apple Store - Apple tastic by vik

vik — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:27:30 +0000

Review by vik

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7153 9000

Website: http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/regentstreet/

Tags: fun, helpful staff, free wifi

Having been to a couple of apple stores I must say that this one is the best, uber cool and chic, well it would be it is full of all things apple and not the granny smith variety either. Had to sort out an ipod for a gift and wanted the red one so did eventually have to go on line to get it but never mind, just loved the apple store and the staff were helpful. Am i a mac user, well, used to have a windows pc but am now firm convert to all things apple. The sleek white design of the desk and lap top computers is so stylish and usable that I will never go back to boring old windows. Looks like I will be making many happy future visits to the wonderful apple store then.Having been to a couple of apple stores I must say that this one is the best, uber cool and chic, well it would be it is full of all things apple and not the granny smith variety either. Had to sort out an ipod for a gift and wanted the red one so did eventually have to go on line to get it but never mind, just loved the apple store and the staff were helpful. Am i a mac user, well, used to have a windows pc but am now firm convert to all things apple. The sleek white design of the desk and lap top computers is so stylish and usable that I will never go back to boring old windows. Looks like I will be making many happy future visits to the wonderful apple store then.