Don’t worry. You certainly wouldn’t be the first person to come home from the capital replete with a union jack flag and an ‘I Heart London’ teeshirt. However, if you’re looking for a souvenir that’s a little more original, then this week we will be having a look at some of the most interesting shops in London.
London has a long history as one of Europe’s centers of trade, commerce and fashion. It’s also been an international melting pot for centuries, serving the needs of countless diverse communities. All this has meant that, over the years, the city has collected some pretty strange places to part with your pennies, from quaint traditional retailers to bizarre modern wonders.
Explore some of London’s most unusual shops with us here at Evan Evans.
Lock & Co Hatters
Some styles just never cease to look cool. And the guys down at Lock & Co should know – they’ve been serving up those styles for over 350 years. You really won’t find a higher quality hat anywhere in the city. But don’t take them lightly – these are real hats for serious fashionistas.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
Are you dead? Looking for the perfect gift for your favourite ghoul or ghastly? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Hoxton Street Monster Supplies sells anything and everything a monster could need, from cans of mortal terror, to fang floss and cookbooks for the undead. Just please try not to eat the staff.
The Moomin Shop
If you’re a fan of these classic children’s characters then there’s no better place to be. From collectibles to clothing, stuffies, and accessories, whatever you buy here its bound to have a Moomin on it.
Cyberdog
Even if you don’t intend to buy anything in this techno-punk nightmare vision, it’s worth visiting Cyberdog for the experience alone. It’s one of Camden’s most eccentric clothing stores – and that’s really saying something! Futuristic fashion, clubwear, goth-punk accessories and even adult entertainment products can be found amongst its maze-like floors. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind superstore of the future.
Maille Boutique, London
This shop sells some of the world’s best mustard and vinegar. A real treat for foodies, Maille is known for its exceptional quality and global brand. Anywhere else in the world, you’d probably be surprised to find a shop that sells almost nothing but mustard. Not in London, however!
James Smith & Sons
If you’re a gentleman who prefers the finer things in life, James Smith & Sons might just be the place for you. It’s been selling umbrellas, walking sticks and various gentlemanly goods for nearly 190 years and business is still booming. If you’re looking for high-quality umbrellas, cufflinks, hipflasks or wooden spoons – and let’s face it, who isn’t – then you simply must stop by. They even have a special umbrella section for the ladies.
M&M World London
There are few places in the world that make you feel like you’ve just stepped into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but Leicester Square’s M&M shop is one of them. We’ve loved these delicious little chocolate knobs since childhood, so to be surrounded by three entire floors of sugary goodness is like a dream come true. You’ll find any color of M&M under the sun here and can even have your own face printed on them.
If you’d like to explore more of London’s unique heritage and culture, take a look at our fantastic walking tours and small group tours.
