Introduction   The shops on Oxford & Regent Streets   Famous stores in Mayfair and Piccadilly   Charing Cross Road's books & Camden Market   Notting Hill's Portobello Road   Buying in Knightsbridge, Kensington & Chelsea   East London's street markets   Bermondsey's Antiques & Greenwich		Oxford & Regent Streets Oxford Street, London's busiest shopping street, is in the heart of the city's West End. It cuts through the city, running from Marble Arch in the west, to Tottenham Court Road in the east. It is home to clothing chain department stores – such as H&M, Zara, and Benetton – hundreds of small shops, and even the odd stall. It stretches one and a half miles, selling all kinds of goods for all manner of bank accounts. An estimated nine million tourists visit Oxford Street each year. Selfridges & Co With its neo-classical façade, Selfridges & Co is perhaps Oxford Street's most famous landmark. This is where you'll find designer labels, home furnishings, perfume, top of the line luggage and gadgetry. The food hall also offers an overwhelming selection of delicacies from around the globe. Address: 400 Oxford Street, W1. Tel: +44 (0) 8708 377 377. Tube: Bond Street/Marble Arch Marks & Spencer An old British favourite, Marks & Spencer has its flagship store on Oxford Street. The shop is respected, amongst women, for its well-made lingerie. The food halls are also renowned for their ready-made meals. Address: 458 Oxford Street, W1. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7935 7954. Tube: Bond Street/Marble Arch Regent Street, which intersects Oxford Street and runs from Langham Place in the north to Piccadilly Circus towards the south, offers many retail opportunities as well. Perhaps its most famous shops are Liberty – a landmark too because of its timbered-Tudor house – and Hamleys, an essential stop for children. Liberty Liberty began in 1875 as a decorative furnishings shop, specialising in textiles. It is now a department store, offering a wide range of merchandise – from innovative fashion design, well-crafted antique and modern furniture, to wedding gifts and bridalwear. Textiles remain a speciality. Proof of this is its scarf hall, an inviting space dedicated to one accessory. Address: Regent Street, W1. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7734 1234 Tube: Oxford Circus/Piccadilly Circus Hamleys According to the British Association of Toy Retailers, total sales for the UK toy and games market in 2001 was $1.89 billion. Toys are of course big business and Hamleys on Regent's Street is a very popular destination for locals and tourists. Hamleys offers seven floors of toys for all ages – from traditional soldiers, dolls and trains to high-tech computer games and robots. At their Bear Factory children can also create their own furry creature. Address: 188–196 Regent St, W1. Tel: +44 (0)870 333 2455. Tube: Oxford Street/Piccadilly Circus Related links: BBC Site – I love Toys Selfridges Marks & Spencer Liberty Hamleys

	^^ Back to top	<< Back to Home