London boasts some of the world's most beloved department stores, hosting more shopping opportunities than you could shake a Platinum Card at...
If done correctly, shopping is an exhausting pursuit - so it's essential that you rehydrate and recharge those batteries, maintaining a peak level of alertness whilst amongst the clothing rails.
Happily, those clever department store managers have thought to keep you from straying outside their palaces of wonder by providing some great restaurants in which to refuel. Indeed, these restaurants are not just pit-stops for shoppers but, rather, acclaimed restaurants in their own right, so it's absolutely necessary that you try some on our list!
Just don't over-do the deserts else you'll never fit into those jeans you've just bought...
Shop and re-fuel: London's top department store restaurants
Designed by Sir Terence Conran’s team, the Selfridges outpost offers a snapshot of one of Mark Hix’s restaurants. With oysters, caviar, steaks and the famous ‘Hix cure’ smoked salmon, this is a luxurious way to unwind after a gruelling day of shopping.
Being located in the ground floor food hall means this oyster bar gets very busy indeed. There’s a good selection of oysters and champagne, as well as other dishes like salmon blinis, gravadlax, caviar and lobster.
This is the second outpost of Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, located on the ground floor of Harrods. The menu has seasonal shellfish and fish dishes.
A new branch from the excellent Galvin stable, this restaurant is overseen by Sara Galvin. The bistro has classic French dishes like duck confit, cocottes, and parmentier of beef.
Rowley Leigh fuses French and British cuisines at this highly acclaimed restaurant. He’s also devised the menu at the mall’s Odeon Cinema, where you can eat while you watch a movie.
The menu couldn’t be simpler here, as it just consists of entrecôte steak, a sauce, French fries and salad for £21. Generous portions and sharp service have ensured this Parisian export has become a hit in London.
The D&D-owned Plateau has great views of Canary Wharf thanks to its floor to ceiling windows, which add a touch of drama to this corporate area. The menu has French and British influences, and in addition to the restaurant there is a more casual brasserie.
The City’s newest retail destination boasts this bar where every dish has been chosen to match the champagne on offer. Choose from cheeses, caviar, lobster and dressed crab after a hard day spent shopping.
This uber-trendy burger joint is expanding rapidly, and Covent Garden’s Jubilee Hall Market now has its own branch. The no reservations policy means the queues are as lengthy as at their other venues, so arm yourself with patience.
While not strictly a department store, at the Oxo Tower Wharf you can shop for designer clothing, jewellery and homewares. On the 8th floor you’ll find the Oxo Tower Restaurant, which combines Eastern and Western influences, and the <a href=”http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/restaurants/restaurant-12821.php”>Brasserie</a>, which focuses on Mediterranean flavours. Both have fantastic views of the City and St. Paul’s.