Royal Exchange
Blending in with the banks and businesses around it, Royal Exchange was a 16th century stock exchange before it swapped traders for luxury retailers. Its impressive Corinthian façade gives a hint of the treasure within — jewellers Tiffany & Co, Bulgari and De Beers twinkle alongside established fashion brands such as Gucci, Hermés and Paul Smith. Over 30 stores give you gift options from fragrance to watches to lingerie (cult favourite Agent Provovateur has a branch here), and you can re-energise at one of its five restaurants and bars. Go there to shop for the man or woman who has everything (but could do with something shiny to go with it). theroyalexchange.com
BOXPARKTM
Freshly opened on 3rd December, Boxpark is the world's first pop-up shopping mall. The concept: 61 disused shipping containers are set up near Shoreditch High Street and transformed into a rough and ready shopping mall. The focus is on urban fashion and sportswear brands like Vans and Boxfresh, while modern eateries Chop'd and Cyber Candy provide the (kitsch) snacks. With arts publisher Phaidon and design company Marimekko in residence, Boxpark is set to be a whole new shopping experience. To clear your shopping-addled head, check out London charity Art Against Knives' first permanent gallery. boxpark.co.uk
Spitalfields
Situated close to Liverpool Street station, this Victorian market is the place to go for rare finds, from vinyl to affordable art. Redesigned in 2003, the old market sits beside a newer arcade, giving browsers the choice of old school and glossy new gifts. Head here on a Sunday to snap up vintage and independent jewellery and accessories, or the first Thursday-Sunday of the month to find unusual prints and canvases at the arts market. Café a Vin and Galvin la Chapelle are there for your fine dining needs, but we'd recommend a good old-fashioned bangers and mash at British food champion Canteen. spitalfields.co.uk
One New Change
Located in the heart of London's Square Mile, the gleaming One New Change shopping centre celebrated its first birthday this October. Home to 60 stores, it has everything from H&M to LK Bennett. Offerings like Malika, a fish pedicure spa, and Searcy's, an indulgent champagne bar, mean ONC makes for a great day out rather than just a shopping expedition. Designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, ONC incorporates elements of traditional shopping arcades, while its steel and glass façade is uncompromisingly modern. The piece de resistance is found on the rooftop — Madison bar and restaurant, which serves up hearty food and tasty cocktails as well as one of the best panoramic views of the London skyline and St Paul's you'll find. onenewchange.com
Brixton Market
A bohemian collection of wig shops, nail salons and purveyors of jerk chicken, this well-loved spot on Electric Avenue is not your average London market. As well as being an up-and-coming foodie destination (The Guardian's Jay Rayner recently called it 'the most exciting, radical venture on the British restaurant scene'), there are also independent shops and delis, as well as a thriving Makers Market (crafts, food and art) and Vintage & Retro Market on every second and third Saturday of the month respectively. Not for those who need the hushed tones of a high-end department store; reggae and Afrobeat pulse through the market and add yet more flavour to your Brixton visit. brixtonmarket.net
Plan your Perfect Day in London with our Facebook app.
