Unbeknown to many, London has a wealth of hidden shopping destinations that are so eclipsed by the big guns that few people frequent them. St. Christopher's Place has long been one of my favourites...
Tucked behind Oxford Street, a stone's throw from Selfridges, St. Christopher's Place boasts some of the finest shopping and dining in London. The tiny alleyway squeezed in between H&M and the O2 shop is quietly marked with a newly-painted clock that wouldn't be out of place in Alice in Wonderland, rather fitting seeing as a wonderland of sorts is what the alleyway leads to really...
Amongst the 27 stores in the area, Jigsaw's sister brand Kew.159 sits next door to London's oldest Mulberry store - long heralded as the brand's 'spiritual' home - which in turn gives way to iconic provençal beauty brand L'Occitane. Further down the street is the newly refurbished Kurt Geiger store housing the brand's incredible new accessories collection. French store The Kooples brings it's trademark cool Parisian chic to London (I have my eyes on an INCREDIBLE fox coat!) while opposite, old school favourite Kookai is one of only two standalone stores left from the brand. Independent designer Lungta de Fancy has the honour of Lady Gaga having bought a pair of their statement denim stilettoes during a recent visit to London and, saving the best for last, the area is also home to the Whistles flagship store, first for new collection drops!
St Christopher's Place comes alive in summer, with the buzz of its 23 restaurants and cafes creating a fabulous al fresco buzz. I recently popped into Cocochan, a pan-Asian restaurant on James Street with seriously tasty food and an incredibly creative cocktail menu! Heading into the winter months there's still plenty to look forward to at St Christopher's Place; late night opening in the run up to Christmas will ensure you've plenty of time to shop, plus there are special events in the pipeline you won't want to miss.
For more information visit www.stchristophersplace.com
Love Laurel x
