Shopping in London: Regent Street and Seven Dials

London, England, proffers some of the best shopping in the world with numerous districts featuring popular flagship stores, eclectic boutiques, Bohemian-chic quarters and an exhilarating atmosphere. The streets of London are always whirring with activity and cutting-edge lifestyles, as well as retaining a traditional British posh. Whether you wish to don smart couture and attend an elegant high tea, or sport a casual look and explore the trendy areas, London caters to all preferences.

Regent Street

Regent Street, located in London’s west end, is considered one of the top shopping avenues. In 1811, architect John Nash was commissioned to create a wide boulevard similar to Napoleon’s urban centers. This French design is seen in the beautiful buildings and expansive road that flows with arching curves through Oxford and Piccadilly Circus. Moreover, the heritage and style associated with this grand boulevard is ever-present in boutiques such as Penhaligon’s, one of London’s oldest perfumeries.

With a pedigree dating back to the 1870s, Penhaligon’s founder William Henry Penhaligon, became the illustrious court perfumer to Queen Victoria. Several of the perfumery’s original scents, including Hammam Bouquet and English Fern, are quite popular today, along with exquisite newer fragrances such as the divine Ellenisia (a must try!). Penhaligon’s perfumes are famous for their gorgeous floral notes, and superior fragrances. Set amidst the boutique’s elegant interior of rich, dark wood and inset lit cabinets lined with luxurious soaps, are body crèmes and perfumes; guests are invited to experience a personal perfume testing.

National Geographic opened its first global retail store in the fall of 2008. The amazing flagship store features an enormous footprint across three floors offering the very latest in clothing, footwear, eyewear, maps, children's products, riveting interactive visual displays and a huge selection of books, magazines and DVDs.

The in-house auditorium presents fascinating public lectures with some of National Geographic’s most eminent explorers, photographers, authors and excellent free film screenings. After exploring the store’s cool cartographic library, visit the popular café. Or, stress-test National Geo’s explorer apparel in the incredible weather chamber that produces wind gusts, extreme temperatures and simulates various conditions often experienced by adventurers in the field. There are multitudes of fascinating products, educational features and exhibits to the new National Geographic store; visitors can spend a whole day exploring the world without leaving Regent Street.

For apparel to suit the urban jungle, visit Austin Reed for classic British panache. For over 180 years, this iconic store has appealed to the style conscious with their distinctive fashions. Austin’s lower level proffers an excellent little café to savor a cuppa or a glass of wine and their marvelous and coveted spa. Austin Reed’s Beauty and Grooming Salon resides in an authentic, top-tear 1930s renovated Art Deco salon. The salon is exceptionally elegant and features a full accompaniment of the finest products and treatments for men and women by London’s leading stylists and beauty therapists. The salon’s atmosphere is unusually alluring and worth a visit just to experience and indulging in a treatment; it’s absolutely a must for spa aficionados.

Regent Street offers visitors a wealth of flagship stores, beauty emporiums and shopping. Stores such as Apple, the Organic Pharmacy (exceptional beauty and skin care), Duchamp, Jaeger and Swarovski Crystallized (new innovative & interactive store) are just a very few of the enticing retailers that residents and visitors flock to explore year-round. A confident shopper may make numerous appointments at various establishments and savor from a day to a week of complementary experiences and consultations. And, when shopping exploits have been met, cuisine is the next order of business.

An outstanding choice for lunch and dinner are Tibits and the renowned Veeraswamy. Tibits is located on Heddon Street, just off Regent’s and is a veritable upscale buffet of vegetarian fare. The restaurant is perfect for lunch and the Swiss-inspired menu features numerous ethic dishes as well. Tibit’s atmosphere is stylish yet simple and the perfect environment to enjoy a healthy repast. Veeraswamy is the oldest and one of the absolute best Indian restaurants in London. The second floor interior imbues the lavishness of Royal India in the 1920s with intimate lighting and a classically inspired menu from several regions. Veeraswamy’s curries are complex and heavenly and their large, curried prawns attract guests from all over Europe and the U.S. The romantic restaurant is a complete and satisfying stimulation of all the senses, in an atmosphere you will wish to linger in long after the cuisine has disappeared.

Seven Dials

London’s Seven Dials is the eclectic shopping and lifestyle area that is located close to Covent Garden. Seven streets radiate out from a central monument in this historic center that has retained its bohemian chic since the ‘70s. The area features everything from Neal’s Yard that offers alternative therapies and remedies, to messages and healthy lifestyle shops. History also adds to the colorful ambience of this area with Monty Python once residing in the offices above Neal’s Yard.

Venture over a street and visitors will find beautiful and unique jewelry designed by local artisans, such as Gary Holder Jewellery, located in the Thomas Neal Centre. Alternatively, visit Monmouth Street in Seven Dials for fabulous boutiques including Miss La La’s Boudoir where celebrities shop for sophisticated and elegant dainties, to famous perfumer Miller Harris. The perfumer will even design a personal fragrance for the individual. Several of the glorious scents to try are Jasmin Vert, with a lovely and crisp bouquet and Couer de Fleur, a fragrance that is never tiresome and perfect for a summer day.

In addition to all of the fabulous boutiques and interesting shops in Seven Dials, one hotel stands preeminent, the Covent Garden Hotel. The hotel’s fashionable rooms are classic, yet comfortable, and the atmosphere is perfect for hanging out and chatting. With its affable environment and central location, it’s no surprise that stars such as Keanu Reeves and Kate Hudson frequent Covent Garden while in town.

Seven Dials is a remarkably fun area to visit and shop. Every street yields a surprising and unique find that will encourage you to explore further.