Over Oxford Street? Worn out Westfield? Portman Village might be the answer to your dreams...
Tucked away behind Marble Arch, Portman Village - made up of Seymour Place and New Quebec Street - is packed with wonderful gems minutes from Oxford Street but away from the hustle a bustle. A veritable feast of shopping, dining and beauty treats are right at your fingertips - read on for my pick of the bunch and liven up your shopping this weekend.
London Fashion Week favourite Osman Yousefzada (scroll back for my review of his AW11 LFW show!) resides at 3 New Quebec Street. Internationally renowned for his sculptural skills with fabric, the shop is home to his current Spring/Summer collection as well as his debut jewellery collection, taking inspiration from art deco and futurism and consisting of a statement neckace, two-row collar, bracelet and earrings in 18ct white gold, hard polished squares of rock crystal and brilliant-cut blue sapphires.
Just across the road, pamper yourself silly at Greenhouse hair salon. Having built up an arguably enviable clientele over the last 20 years, Greenhouse offers a first class service along with a specially selected range of natural hair products. In the basement you'll find the gem that is Beauty Rose. This independent beauty salon is an oasis of calm in the hub of London, and offers a range of traditional beauty treatments from bespoke eye lash designs, bio sculpture gel nails and Ellipse facial and body treatments to speedy Hollywood waxes. A highly recommended treat is the Green Peel Facial with the amazing Katja Falinski. Natural organic herbs are used to scrub the skin clear in a deep cleansing and 5-day peeling process - my skin has never felt so clear.
Stroll down the street and you will come across Voy Clothing, an intimate new boutique showroom offering beautifully tailored contemporary classics. The 'transitional' collection of dresses and separates extract the beast of 40s and 50s haute couture.
If you're looking for the latest designers, Fashion Capital is the emporium for you. This boutique is a treasure trove of the latest up and coming names, some are graduates, others fresh from the latest catwalk shows. Amongst their special events is an ongoing weekly event, Designers Lounge, where press and selected buyers are invited to view the new collections being showcased.
And if all the shopping and pampering has made you peckish, Portman Village definitely won't disappoint. If Mauritanian seafood tickles your fancy, Seaport Restaurant is a friendly family run establishment located on Seymour Place. Vinoteca has a variety of over 250 wines and offers a changing daily menu - enthusiasts can even enjoy portfolio wine tasting sessions twice a year of shop online and take advantage of the home delivery service. Or if a gastropub is more your scene, The Grazing Goat's country house style interior and best of British pub cuisine is the perfect setting for some chilled out afternoon grub.
Whatever your style, Portman Village has something for everyone and is sure to become London's hottest shopping destination! For more information visit www.portmanvillage.com
Love Laurel x
