This festive London spot has the perfect gift and feast for every traveller

Words: Agatha Zarzycki

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Regent Street and St James’s breathtaking Spirit of Christmas lights, which, as central London’s largest, feature 30-plus glittering ‘spirits’ to light the way as you shop and stroll – be sure to mark 6 November in your calendar for the magical switch-on. In this sparkling location, from tip-top tailoring on Jermyn Street to Hamley’s ‘Joy Emporium’ for children on Regent Street to Berry Bros & Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine merchant, in St James’s, you’ll find stores that every personality will love, accompanied by the tastiest spots to re-energise.

For the style seeker

Savile Row may be the spot for bespoke suits, but when it comes to gentlemen’s shirts and accessories, Jermyn Street hits it out of all the Royal parks – and has done so since the late 17th century. Don’t miss Royal Warrant holder Turnbull & Asser, which has supplied its classic English shirts with a twist – picture bold colours and dramatic patterns – to the likes of Winston Churchill and James Bond via Sean Connery.

Just as spend-worthy is Grade II-listed Liberty London. The high-end department store offers designer fashion and homeware, beauty bliss and world-renowned fabrics across six stunning floors. Or for something more minimalist, chic COS is just a few blocks away.

This British craftsmanship, timeless tailoring and fabulous style are echoed by the Christmas light display of angel figures in beautiful, billowing robes soaring above the streets.

For a shopping refuel

You’re just as spoiled for dining as you are for shopping on Regent Street and St James’s, so be sure to factor in a well-deserved meal (or two). At Estiatorio Milos on Regent Street Saint James’s, the finest Mediterranean seafood reigns and a signature fish market takes centre stage. Meanwhile, St James’s Market delivers epicurean enchantment in equal measure: there are modern British masterpieces Fallow and new boy on the block Sael, multicultural gem Scully, not to mention Toba’s Indonesian indulgences and beak-to-feet poultry restaurant Fowl, whose previous festive offerings have included fall-off-the-bone Christmas duck confit.

Then there’s pedestrianised Heddon Street – Regent Street’s foodie quarter – which is all about festive twists on classic dishes, from modern European Heddon Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay to authentic Italian dining at elegant Piccolino and Casa Do Frango’s Portuguese sharing plates. Up for something more adventurous? Try contemporary Mexican fare at Fonda, or Punjabi specialities at Ambassadors Clubhouse, inspired by the abandoned party mansions of Northern India.

For the self-care star

Know someone looking to perfect pampering and optimise health, post-panettone? Austrian micronutrient expert Biogena on Regent Street has expert staff on hand to answer any queries about its 70-odd formulations, covering everything from multivitamins to collagen powders.

Afterwards, head over to the holistic heaven of Neom, which is famous for its Wellbeing Pod, a natural essential oil diffuser that supports whatever you need most, whether that’s sleep, focus or energy. Top tip: the new Regent Street location’s complimentary hand massages are reason alone to visit.

End the day on a hair high at Supply 91, which has maintained its title of GQ’s Best Barbers in London since opening in 2021, thanks to its personalised approach amid a classy – albeit chill – setting (treating yourself is essential, too).

For the active adventurer

One of the newest openings on Regent Street? LA-born Alo Yoga, which has grown from asana-approved apparel to fitness and lifestyle must-haves. High-waisted leggings, cropped tops and oversized hoodies are all a hit, and there’s good reason why: the stretchy, breathable fabrics are combined with stylish silhouettes, and the studio-to-streetwear look is loved by countless celebs, including Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner.

Joining Regent Street’s sporty splendour is athleisure guru Gymshark. The British brand is so impressive that its founder Ben Francis has been awarded an MBE for services to commerce. For the ultimate stocking filler, opt for the bestselling multi-activity Vital Seamless 2.0 leggings (available for both men and women): the butter-soft feel will make working off those turkey dinners a positive pleasure. 

For the little jet-setter

It started in 1760. William Hamley opened a toy shop in London’s Holborn that stocked the works: tin soldiers and ragdolls, wooden horses, spinning tops and early versions of draughts and chess. By 1837 (under the leadership of a third generation of Hamleys), Hamleys was dubbed the ‘Joy Emporium’, with regular customers including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Flushed by its success, in 1881 the store required a move to Regent’s Street, where the enchanting experience continues today across seven floors in the form of 450,000 individual toys, plus live demonstrations, entertainers and the most marvellous Christmas window displays.

A cheerful contender? Fortnum & Mason (dating back to 1707) in St James’s, whose elaborate festive displays – imagine hedgehogs in candy-cane skis shredding down hills of meringue – are as adored as its unique tea blends, majestic hampers and wonderfully whimsical Yuletide gifts. Top things to add to your list for Santa: its new crocodile Christmas cracker, a handmade ornament starring a scarf-wrapped Schnauzer, and chocolate tortoises that are almost too cute to eat.

For the wine and spirit enthusiast

Founded by a mysterious woman known as Widow Bourne some 320 years ago, Britain’s oldest wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd started life as an Italian grocer’s shop selling coffee, tea and spices on St James’s Street (its current location), before vintages earned the spotlight.

The Royal Warrant holder encompasses more than 1,000 individual fine wines from esteemed estates in classic regions – Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône and Tuscany are all on the list, as are sipping stars from further afield such as California, New Zealand and South Africa.

The unique expressions are complemented by Berry Bros & Rudd’s spirit selection, whose 1,000 bottlings include rare tequilas and whiskies – we’re counting down the days to snuggle up by the fire with a dram of the Balmenach Christmas edition: a sherry cask-matured dream featuring notes of raisins, warming spices and orange zest. Noël nirvana…

For the foodie

If the idea of those chocolate tortoises has triggered your sweet tooth, wait until we spill the cocoa beans on Prestat in Princes Arcade. One of the striking boutiques connecting Piccadilly with iconic Jermyn Street, the celebrated British chocolatier was founded in 1902 by Antoine Dufour from France, who has our eternal gratitude for introducing the chocolate truffle to England.

Fast forward to today, and the finest ingredients are still used in Prestat’s handcrafted confections. During Christmastime, expect festive sharing boxes, miniature Victorian chocolate houses and the exclusive Christmas Napoleon truffle, only available at the Princes Arcade store.

Fancy cheese over chocolate? Paxton and Whitfield, one of England’s oldest cheesemongers, sits proudly on Jermyn Street, and has every British and European artisan cheese under the sun. Its 12 Days of Christmas hamper features a seasonal assortment of classic and contemporary favourites such as a rich and herby Stilton PDO (aka the ‘King of English Cheeses’), alongside crispy, crumbly crackers and flavoursome slow-cooked chutneys and preserves. A guaranteed triumph with any turophile.

For the fragrance aficionado

Dating back to the 1920s, the gorgeous Grade II-listed Quadrant Arcade on Regent Street combines Art Deco glamour with high-end boutiques, and deserving special perfume praise is Creed – one of the most storied fragrance houses in the world. Established in London in 1760, the family-owned business won its original ticket to stardom by crafting custom-made scents for royalty and aristocrats.

Creed’s most famous creation? Bold Aventus, which has set a new standard for fruity and smoky fragrance. Those looking for a thoughtful touch can also opt for engraving, leather monogramming, bespoke ribbons and a potential gift giver of the season accolade.

Sharing centre stage in the Quadrant Arcade is sought-after home fragrance brand Earl of East, inspired by travel and memories. Home bodies will love its eco-soy wax candles (hand-poured in its East London studios), especially the new Italian harvest collection: the indulgent pasta candle is scent-sational.

Visit Regent Street and St James’s for a wonderful Christmas time.