London teenager shopping bliss - Rokit and Superdry

I can’t be the only Londoner who’s wondering what to do with a teenager this half term week. But yesterday I found a sure fire way to raise a smile – and even some enthusiasm. Unbelievable.

We took a train to Waterloo and spent a short while pottering around the Slow Food Festival on the South Bank before jumping on the RV1 bus that whisks you to the heart of Covent Garden. Then a short trot down Long Acre (don’t forget to stop and admire the fabulous belts and buckles in Elliott Rhodes) and into Endell Street so that you reach Shelton Street. And here was the answer to our quest – Rokit.

An amazing “vintage” shop (don’t mention “second hand”). With prices that are highly accessible to the young set. Mind you, we saw lots of not-so-young people in there so the concept of buying affordable, really unique and on-style pieces has clearly caught on. I recently spent ages seeking the perfect pair of cowboy boots. Should have come to Rokit – every colour and style imaginable. As well as enough spangly, stappy shoes to melt the heart of even Carrie Bradshaw. Huge net petticoats in rainbow colours. Leather jackets – short and long, black and brown (and every other colour you could want), with and without tassles. And dresses to make an impressive entrance – or simply to show that you are a quietly confident trend setter. Bags, belts and so much more.

My teenager was on a mission – to find one of those US college jackets. And he found plenty. And spent some significant time trying to decide between a black and grey one or a bright number in red, white and blue. Both Canadian. And priced at just £25 and £20 respectively. He settled for the black and grey one – and people now think that he was a graduate in 1994! There are also, apparently, Rokit stores in both Camden and Brick Lane. Visit soon.

Then off we went along to Neal’s Yard – to admire the funky old world architecture, brilliantly bright colour decoration and World Café and the salad bar. It was a bit too breezy to eat out al fresco but a great conversation generator and somewhere quite cool to hang out on warmer days.

Then a little discovery. Quite by accident (I was looking for some loos – which are there). The shopping area underneath Thomas Neal Square. My teenager was off like a shot to Size? shoe shop. But then he was stopped in his tracks by a huge, two level Superdry store. Teenager shopping heaven. Luckily for me there was a curiously quiet café in the central area so I could sit and admire the fabulous skylight and the pretty balcony above – and spied further teenage retail delights – Fat Face, Kappa and Urban Chaos – get those surf boards out. And I was sorely tempted to get into the scene at the table football.

Anyway. Time to go home so we strolled across Seven Dials, along Long Acre and through Covent Garden piazza. Admired a few street artists (well done for continuing to perform despite freezing temperatures and a light, drizzly rain). Stopped for excellent pasta and service at Bella Italia. And home again on that nifty RV1 bus. Happy teenager in tow.


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