London’s oldest shops

They may be few and far between, but London still has a few businesses that are going strong after hundreds of years. Thanks to the rise of the supermarket they may not be the cheapest, but what they offer is certainly unique; if you‘re looking for something no one else will have, check out what London’s oldest shops have to offer.

James Smith & Sons
Once upon a time shops had family names and specialised in selling just one type of item, like in the case of James Smith & Sons, which has been selling umbrellas since its launch in 1830. It’s been occupying its current location on New Oxford Street since 1857, and is immediately apparent thanks to its sign, which has kept its Victorian-era typeface. Many of the umbrellas are made to order, and have details like carved animal heads – these are not the kind you want to leave behind on the tube.

Atkinsons
If you hate it when other people start wearing your scent, Atkinsons, established in 1799 are likely to have a smaller, more exclusive customer base than say Gucci or Calvin Klein. In 1826 King George IV made Atkinsons the official perfumer to the court, and from then the company’s fate was sealed. Their fragrances for men and women are quintessentially British, featuring citrus, lavender and cucumber notes among many others. They also stock bath oils, body lotions and scented candles named after places like Mayfair, naturally.

The Old Curiosity Shop
The rickety, half-timbered building that houses The Old Curiosity Shop was built in 1567, and is the oldest remaining shop in the capital. There are unconfirmed rumours that this store was the inspiration for Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name, as he lived in the area and the establishment changed its name to that of the book a few years after its publication. The curios it sells nowadays are shoes with quirky designs which are handmade and are in many cases one-offs.

Dr. Harris & Co
Established in 1790, this is the official chemists for the Queen and Prince Charles, as well as being a favourite of MPs and diplomats. Their specialities are shaving and aftershave products, colognes and soaps; they also supply the toiletries for first class passengers on BA flights. To truly step back in time, visit their St. James’s Street shop which still contains some of its original 18th century furniture.

W. Martyn
The title of oldest grocery store goes to W. Martyn in Muswell Hill, first opened in 1897 and still family-run after being passed down for four generations. Before the days of Tesco and Sainsbury’s people did their weekly shop at stores like these, with larger orders delivered next day by horse and cart. In order to compete with the supermarkets W. Martyn has had to replace everyday items with speciality products like freshly roasted coffee, tea and hampers with cheeses, chutneys and pates.

Fortnum & Mason
Did you know that London’s oldest department store began life as a supplier of candles to the Royal Family? It was the early 1700s, and the not at all frugal Royals required new candles every evening. William Fortnum, footman for Queen Anne, duly obliged, plus the entrepreneurial chap collected the half-burnt candles leftover each day and sold them for a profit. He persuaded his landlord, Hugh Mason, to go into business with him and in 1707 the store was born. There is no doubt that their royal connections helped drum up business, as they soon made a name for themselves stocking luxury foods. They even claim to have invented the Scotch egg in 1738, although this is hotly debated.