What to Buy & How Much to Pay - Information, Featured Articles

What to Buy & How Much to Pay

London has to be one of the finest places in the world in which to shop. It's not just the act of buying things you want (and some you may not), it's the surroundings and ambience in which you do it that is just as important.

For those of you wishing to have everything conveniently under one roof seek out one of the big department stores, and where better to go than Harrods in Knightsbridge, until recently the holder of Warrants for several members of the Royal Family.

The fact that Harrods no longer holds them says more about the abrasive nature of its proprietor than the quality of its goods, which remains superb and widely diverse. To enter the Food Hall at Harrods is to approach the holy grail of fine foods. Many of these fine foods can be delivered directly to your door at top speed ensuring they're as fresh as possible. Click here for details.

However, it may be that you prefer to tackle your shopping in a somewhat more ad hoc manner. You could not do better than head for St James, and seek out Jermyn Street. Here and in various surrounding streets and arcades it is possible to buy most of life's little necessities with style.

Twenty years ago shopping in Jermyn Street was essentially a masculine experience, but in these more politically correct times the ladies also have come into man's own. A sure sign was the closing down of the Turkish Baths, a place where a man could recoup his defences at any hour of the day or night after some serious revelry.

At No. 20 you will find Trumpers, without doubt the finest traditional barber in London, some would say UK. The haunt of the select and the discerning it demonstrates that truly all men are equal in the hands of their barber.

No. 97 is the home of B & M Bijoux, where bespoke hand-crafted jewellery is on offer.

Repairs can also be undertaken and their motto could well be 'all things are possible'.

Time for a new shirt ? As with many items you have choices and if Charles Tyrwhitt at No.92 cannot meet your needs, try Turnbull and Asser, Shirtmakers and Clothiers at No.71-72. Thomas Pink the Shirtmaker is another famous Jermyn Street name - it is from him that we get the phrase 'in the pink'! You can order your very own Jermyn Street shirts online by clicking here.

AKS need little introduction and there they are at No. 32-34, for both Himself and Herself to revel in the sheer excellence of it all. Dunhills, however, make no bones about it and the standard of male chauvinism flutters proudly above this purveyor of luxury accessories and clothes - for men.

By this time a little mild culture might assist the soul to re-focus, in which case pop along to St James's Church, near Simpsons, for a recital, a service even or a browse round one of the excellent crafts or antique fairs frequently held in the churchyard, followed by lunch at No.55 where Wiltons is renowned for its fish served amidst panelled and understated luxury, with napery standing smartly to attention.

And so to Hackett at No. 87 for that essential bit of British kit which slipped your mind earlier in the day, be it a polo shirt or traditional tweed suit. You might feel sufficiently mellow to make a call to John Lobb at No. 88 where footwear par excellence is made. I know Americans who come across specifically to buy their shoes from Lobbs even though their personal foot-last is held - and amended when necessary - on the premises.

By this time you will become aware of the need for some extra carrying capacity and it is likely that at No. 54 Swaine Adeney Briggs and Herbert Johnson will be able to assist you. Luggage, umbrellas and outdoor kit are their specialities and they are also hatters - here equality of the sexes prevails.

A browse through Europe's largest bookshop, Waterstones at No. 23 Piccadilly will perhaps help solve some of the gift problems which have been nagging you, after which you may feel entitled to head for Davidoffs at No. 25 where fine cigars, tobacco and other smoker's accessories are displayed in tasteful surroundings.

Edging guiltily past Paxton and Whitmore, purveyors of artisan cheeses and other gourmet foods, and holders of two Royal Warrants in an area where Warrants abound, you could be overtaken by the pleasant thought that tea at Fortnum and Masons could be a permitted pleasure, followed by an amble through their Food Hall, a worthy rival to Harrods.

And so to Crombies at No. 99 where the people who gave their name to the coat still offer the best to be had. By now the onset of evening is becoming apparent, the coal-face is being rapidly deserted and ones thoughts turn to a little sharpener and other more nocturnal activities.

Where better to do so than in the hands of those who understand such matters, when one can discuss in a civilised manner the superb array of fine wines and spirits offered by Vintage Hallmark of St James at No.36 St James. Be sure, even if you are not of that inclination, to marvel at their assembly of Scotch blends and single malts.

Emerging into the evening air you are caught totally unawares by your wife, whose powers of perception constantly amaze - and sometimes alarm - you. She smilingly informs you that she knew only too well the course the day would take and a short stroll will take you to No. 22, Jermyn Street, a small luxury hotel where your every need will be anticipated and dealt with in an unfussed and totally competent manner.

Oh, and by the way, yes she did remember to round the day off by booking seats at the Jermyn Street Theatre, an intimate little 70 seat place offering plays, musicals and cabaret, an evening out from which you return later rather wishing that the Turkish Baths had not closed long years ago.

The following day you wake late and whilst polishing off a sturdy breakfast in your room at No. 22, become aware of a large range of purchases scattered round a relatively small area of London, about which you have only the faintest idea what to do.

Take heart! One call to Parcelforce Worldwide at Milton Keynes on 01908 687 545, the specialists in worldwide retail delivery and think no more about it. Collection and delivery, paperwork, VAT reclaims, all handled with precision leaving you free perhaps to plan a further foray to Jermyn Street and visit some of the many places you missed yesterday . . .

If you've missed something, or even if you haven't yet arrived, we can ship you some of the finest quality British goods wherever you are in the world - simply click here.