Harrods
Harrods is all about excess. A marriage of Eastern opulence and English architecture, it has 330 departments and its own parfumerie. It stocks everything from toys to fine wines, but the decadent food hall is a favourite whatever your budget. Its fresh sushi counter, charcuterie and Willy Wonka-esque sweet shop are all great fun. Each winter the store picks a theme for its festive window displays; this year's is A Crystal Christmas, featuring a Swarovski-studded enchanted forest. No wonder everyone has their own reason for loving Harrods: Roberto Cavalli's is "because I can land my helicopter on the roof." harrods.com
Selfridges
Fashionable Selfridges is as supportive of small diffusion brands as the big hitters, but the emphasis is firmly on style. A sharp contrast to green-and-gold Harrods, this store is snowflake-white, creating a crisp and even atmosphere best experienced in its monochrome beauty hall. Last year the store dedicated 35,000 square feet of space to footwear by opening the world's biggest shoe hall. You may even spot the odd superstar — Beyoncé caused a sensation buying shoes there in the summer. selfridges.com
Liberty
You wouldn't guess from its Anglo-tastic Tudor façade, but Liberty started life as a Victorian purveyor of ornaments and fabric from the Far East. It is the artiest of London's department stores, with a long history of designer and painter collaborations. Make a beeline for its quirky gifts and exclusive homewares, and accessories fans should take the opportunity to snap up a printed scarf. Liberty's fragrance department is also small but perfectly formed, stocking rare brands such as Le Labo and Frédéric Malle. liberty.co.uk
Fortnum & Mason
More than 300 years old, this is the place to go for a royal-warrant feel (it remains the official grocer to the Queen and Prince Charles). Fortnum's sees Harrods' Art Nouveau food halls and raises them a pastel-hued, carpeted English parlour. The ground floor is a must-see for its tea and preserves, while the basement is a more continental mix of wines and deli counters. Fortnum's is world-renowned for its luxury hampers, but those who can't commit to the price tags — up to £25,000 — should seek out a quality Earl Grey or some rose and violet creams. fortnumandmason.com
Harvey Nichols
The only department store treated to an affectionate abbreviation, 'Harvey Nicks' sits just up the road from Harrods. Fashion-forward and increasingly marketing itself to the younger Knightsbridge crowd, it stocks newer labels such as Nom de Guerre and Lucy In Disguise. Craving refreshment between departments? Head to the Fifth Floor Perrier-Jouët bar, the recently re-launched Champagne bar with a green-and-pink colour scheme inspired by the brand's 1902 vintage. Despite the company opening stores from Dublin to Dubai, the London original is well worth a visit. harveynichols.com
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