The best shops and independent boutiques in London

London’s shopping scene is as vibrant and diverse as its culture. Cutting-edge concept stores deliver bespoke experiences and events, independent boutiques champion thoughtful curations of emerging artists and designers while iconic department stores serve as a hub for fashion with extensive selections from the world’s hottest brands.

Away from the chain stores and crowds of Oxford and Regent Street, stop off at the likes of Redchurch Street in Shoreditch, which is celebrated for its indie boutiques, or Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross – a creative hub defined by design-forward shops and pop-ups. Elsewhere, Soho remains a hotspot for fashion and culture thanks to its eclectic mix of record shops and streetwear stores while, in West London, the revival of Chelsea’s King’s Road includes concept stores like Rixo, whose fashion rental service is complemented by a swish cocktail bar and coffee station. Here, we pinpoint the best places to shop fashion, homeware, lifestyle and more across London.

The best shops in central London

Daunt Books, Marylebone

Best for: Must-read travel guides and author events
Location: 83-84 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW

Daunt Books has various sites across London, including Notting Hill and Hampstead, but it’s the original outpost, set in a stunning Edwardian building with stained glass windows and oak galleries on Marylebone High Street that we recommend. Here, among classics from Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde, and a strong food writing section, you’ll also find a treasure trove of travel guides organised by country and language – an unusual system that leads to some wonderful discoveries. The collection covers walking guides, road trips, cycling tours and useful titles on history and politics that are sure to inspire your next travel plans. Daunt Books regularly hosts author talks and events, and has a great subscription service that can be tailored to your literary taste.

Choosing Keeping, Covent Garden

Best for: Beautiful stationery and unique ornaments  
Location: 21 Tower Street, London WC2H 9NS

Tucked down the quiet Tower Street in Covent Garden, Choosing Keeping is a sensory delight with a stunning curation of stationery and homeware. Expanding from its original outpost on Colombia Road in 2018, this light-filled space presents an exquisite collection of fine papers, notebooks, pens, inks, watercolours, cards and beautiful ornaments across wooden shelves, brick walls and glass cases. Founder Julia Jeuvell’s mission is for visitors to buy a gift that they will cherish and can’t find elsewhere (the clue is in the name), which translates in her whimsical window displays of bows made from purchasable Japanese silk-screen paper. Each year, Choosing Keeping unveils a new collection of festive ornaments such as hand-blown glass baubles, decorative bunting, tin charms and wooden trinkets.

House of Astrid & Miyu, Soho

Best for: Affordable jewellery, immersive concept store
Location: 5 Foubert’s Place, Carnaby, London W1F 7PY

Launching out of founder Connie Nam’s flat in Notting Hill in the early 2010s, Astrid & Miyu’s signature welded anklets, stylish earrings and pendant bracelets have made it a go-to for affordable, high-quality jewellery. Fast forward a decade and the brand’s new global flagship store on Carnaby Street, an area that has strong associations with the city’s fashion heritage, has a sleek design with earthy tones, soft pink accents, velvet banquettes, potted plants and eye-catching pendant lights. This immersive space offers personalised experiences with welding studios for bracelets and anklets, and a tattoo studio for fine-line tattoos. There’s even a coffee station with beans roasted by Hackney-based Bad Coffee. Small touches like the option to build your own jewellery with custom charms, a handwritten engraving service and a gift-wrapping kiosk make for a memorable shopping experience.

Liberty London, Soho

Best for: Premium homeware, fashion and beauty 
Location: Regent Street, Carnaby, London W1B 5AH

Housed in a stunning Grade II-listed Tudor building – constructed from the timbers of two battleships – Liberty London is the capital’s most legendary department store and a global retail icon. Today the store still embodies its founder Arthur Liberty’s original concept of being an emporium that displays the latest in fashion and design, all showcased through an eclectic mix of clothing, antiques, homeware and premium beauty products. Don’t miss the carpet department for hand-woven rugs sourced by legendary buyer Bruce Lepere from different bazaars and far-flung destinations across the world, or the fabric room, where cutting-edge pieces from top artists and designers await. The stationery department is also worth a visit for its embroidered journals, puzzles and fine pens. If you’re visiting during the festive season, the Christmas shop sprawls across the top floor with decorative baubles and elevated seasonal gifts.

Margaret Howell, Marylebone

Best for: Minimalist clothing, design exhibitions 
Location: 34 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2RS

Margaret Howell is a cornerstone of British fashion, celebrated for its minimalist and timeless designs such as tailored trousers, collared shirts, wool coats and trenches. The British designer opened her first shop in central London in 1980, and today, has over 100 stores in cities across the world, including Paris and Tokyo. This Marylebone store has a serene aesthetic with original Victorian floorboards, whitewashed walls, and natural light pouring in from skylights. Among rails of clothing, you’ll find tables, cabinets and spindle-back chairs from Buckinghamshire-based brand Ercol available to purchase. The store also doubles up as an exhibition space, showcasing works such as Lucienne Day’s silk mosaics and George Dannat’s paintings and drawings.

Palace, Soho

Best for: Iconic skatewear, rave-ready clothing
Location: 26 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SW

Since 2009, Lev Tanju’s legendary London skate brand Palace has gone from scrappy startup to global streetwear titan with outposts in LA, NYC, Tokyo and Seoul. Its cult following initially took off thanks to exclusive pop-ups and limited-edition drops before the opening of this permanent space on Soho’s Berwick Street in 2015. Inside, the space blends skate culture with design: walls are lined with skateboards and 1990s-inspired pieces featuring the brand’s iconic triangle logo, a DJ booth can be found (where Boiler Room has previously hosted sets), and a marble floor is engraved with a huge letter ‘P’. Palace has also become known for its unexpected collaborations with brands such as Arc’teryx, Polo Ralph Lauren and UGG – with the lengthy queues outside the store a likely giveaway that something new has just dropped.

Aries, Soho

Best for: Unisex streetwear
Location: 31 Great Pulteney Street, London W1F 9NN

You could easily visit this Soho store just to soak up design inspiration for your own space. The shop was designed by the same duo behind the iconic Supreme store in Hollywood, so you know it’s going to impress, with concrete walls, scaffolding stairs and walls adorned with artworks that blur the line between retail and gallery. Italian founder Sofia Prantera (of skatewear brands Holmes and Siles) brings the same edgy aesthetic seen in its interiors to Aries’ clothing and signature “No Problemo” merch, featuring graphic tees, caps and illustrative shirts. Aries organises clothes by menswear, womenswear and a “don’t care” section that is suited to all genders. A recent standout collaboration saw a collection with New Balance, which featured a remodel of the iconic 1080v11 trainer.

Dover Street Market, Haymarket

Best for: High-end goods, eccentric displays 
Location: 18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG

When Dover Street Market opened in Mayfair in 2004, it made waves by bringing together the best of British and international design under one roof. The four-storey space showcases 60 diverse brands, from high-end labels like Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu, and Celine to cutting-edge streetwear names like Stüssy and Palace. Recognised for its striking window displays, the store often collaborates with renowned artists and designers like Molly Goddard, Simone Rocha, Gary Card and Iris van Herpen to create captivating installations. This theme continues inside, where items are presented as art with eccentric displays like bags cascading down a playground-style slide and clothes hanging from a climbing frame. Even the mannequins are uniquely posed in unexpected ways. Dover Street Market is a must-visit destination for creative inspiration and investment pieces.

The best shops in East London

Percival, Spitalfields

Best for: Staple menswear, playful brand collaborations  
Location: 59 Brushfield Street, London E1 6AA

London-born menswear brand Percival has just opened a new shop at Old Spitalfields Market, following the success of its Soho flagship on Marshall Street. Known for its bold, distinctive designs and commitment to ethical production, Percival is celebrated for its stylish and functional wardrobe staples. Signature pieces include linen suits, wool fleeces and waterproof macs. Inside the new store, a minimalist layout showcases latest collections, bestselling pieces, accessories and footwear. Percival is also known for its playful collaborations with brands like Champion, Umbro and Ilaria, as well as one-off collections with top trailblazers including a food-focused line with Ed Gamble and James Acaster from hit podcast Off Menu. It’s been a remarkable journey for founder Chris Gove, who once liquidated the company to today being recognised as one of the city’s cult menswear brands.

Rough Trade East, Shoreditch

Best for: Rare vinyl, live performances 
Location: Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL

Rough Trade has fostered a strong sense of community among music lovers ever since the opening of its first record shop in Ladbroke Grove in 1976. Its flagship store is located in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane and is filled with a stellar selection of vinyl covering punk, garage, indie, dub and soul (to name a few), as well as a bar and photo booth. While its namesake label is famously known for signing The Smiths in the 1980s, today the in-store team continue to champion emerging and established artists with daily performances from a mix of emerging and cult artists in this lively shop, with previous live events including appearances from Little Simz, Sampha and The Hives.

Goodhood, Shoreditch

Best for: Multi-brand streetwear, Japanese goods
Location: 15 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR

In 2024, cult concept store Goodhood relocated to a new location on Hanbury Street, just a short stroll from Brick Lane and Spitalfields. This new space maintains the same tight edit that Goodhood fans know and love, centering around a selection of fashion, lifestyle and homeware from big-hitting brands like Ganni, Carne Bollente, Aries and Snow Peak. There’s unique pieces from Broadway Market’s Artwords bookstore, as well as an exclusive collection of Japanese goods handpicked in and around Tokyo. Co-founders Jo Sindle and Kyle Stewart’s own line, Goods by Goodhood, includes tote bags, beanies, T-shirts and organic chocolate. The store’s layout has an inviting vibe, heightened by a feel-good playlist courtesy of Hackney-based record shop Stranger Than Paradise.

Aida Shoreditch, Shoreditch

Best for: Scandinavian-inspired fashion, independent concept store
Location: 133 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE

Located in the heart of Shoreditch, Aida Shoreditch has become a staple London boutique for its Scandinavian-inspired fashion and lifestyle products. This concept shop feels more like a community hub, with a cosy coffee shop and events space for  candle painting, yin yoga, and sound healing sessions. The womenswear selection features statement pieces such as trainers from Barcelona-based Alhoas, delicate jewellery from Daisy London and beautiful knitwear from Denmark’s Selected Femme. Aida’s homeware collection is equally impressive, with tableware and kitchen textiles from Sacred + Wilde and HKLiving. Be sure to sign up to their its loyalty programme to unlock discounts on future purchases.

Son of a Stag, Shoreditch

Best for: Speciality denim, Japanese workwear
Location: 9 Dray Walk, London E1 6QL

For the finest denim and workwear selection in London, look no further than Son of a Stag in Shoreditch. Here, founder Rudy Budhdeo specialises in premium selvedge men’s denim, offering an impressive selection from brands like Spellbound, Warehouse & Co, Levi’s and Full Count. There’s a range of different styles, sizes, colours and washes on the shelves, all of which can be tailored to your fit with an expert in-store alteration service. Need a refresh? They also offer a laundry service. You’ll find high-quality men’s workwear and accessories here, too, including chinos, chore jackets, hoodies and footwear from brands such as Sanders, Moonstar and Paraboot. As for the setting, floor-to-ceiling shelves are bounded by rolling ladders on hand to reach items, and knowledgeable staff share their top picks and help style new fits.

Labour and Wait, Shoreditch

Best for: Functional and timeless everyday goods
Location: 85 Redchurch Street, London E2 7DJ

Set in a former pub on the lively Redchurch Street in Shoreditch, Labour and Wait is a destination for timeless, functional homeware, clothing, and accessories. The store combines everyday essentials like kitchenware and garden tools with niche finds such as fabric shears and carpet sweepers, alongside a curated clothing collection featuring classic wardrobe staples inclduing gilets, jeans and boots. The store’s minimalist, fuss-free layout reflects co-founders Rachel Wythe-Moran and Simon Watkins’ philosophy of prioritising timeless design over fast-changing trends. Labour and Wait has locations in Marylebone and Tokyo, and for those in a hurry, a counter service at their Bethnal Green headquarters offers a convenient collection for online orders.

The best shops in North London

Twentytwentyone, Islington

Best for: Classic and contemporary furniture 
Location: 274-275 Upper Street, London N1 2UA

Contemporary and mid-century furniture store Twentytwentyone has been a key player in London’s design scene since it opened in 1966. Co-founders Simon Alderson and Tony Cunningham – who launched the business after discovering a shared love of design while selling from neighbouring stalls at Camden Stables Market – boast a stylish collection of homewares at their Islington outpost, including lighting, chairs, tables and an impressive range of accessories such as prints, frames, rugs, and textiles. There’s an excellent online outlet offering ex-display items at significant discounts, including mirrors, stools, tables and sofas. Discover a vast index of designers including heavyweights like Tom Dixon, Robin Day and Bertjan Pot.

MagCulture, Clerkenwell

Best for: Niche print magazines, publishing masterclasses
Location: 270 St John Street, London EC1V 4PE

This Clerkenwell shop has become an institution for London print enthusiasts thanks to its selection of rare and niche titles. Its supreme collection covers everything from architecture, cannabis, disability and graphic design, with a daily changing selection of more than 700 magazine titles meticulously updated by founder Jeremy Leslie. The beauty of MagCulture is that every form of print is celebrated, whether it’s a pocket-sized paperback or a lavish, large-format hardback. On the shelves, you might find bestsellers like The Gentlewoman, and Apartamento alongside quirky titles such as Amsterdam-born MacGuffin, which explores a new object each issue, such as trousers, tables and rugs. MagCulture offers engaging events including an online flatplan masterclass, annual talks in London and New York with industry experts, and get-togethers here in its Clerkenwell shop celebrating new magazine issues.

The best shops in West London

Rixo, Chelsea

Best for: Eclectic womenswear, fashion rental service 
Location: 114-116, King’s Road, London SW3 4TX

It’s impossible to miss Rixo’s flagship London store on the King’s Road, with its scalloped red-and-orange awnings and distinctive sage-green tile facade. Inside, visitors will find a mix of  mainline and vintage womenswear, a bridal suite, a coffee and alteration station, and a showstopping cocktail bar flanked by potted palm trees. The colourful space has been designed by Gemma McClosky of Cúpla Studio – sister of Rixo co-founder Orlagh McClosky – to embody the playful, chic aesthetic the brand is known for. It’s a riot of colour, featuring patterned wallpaper, hand-painted paper lampshades, recycled terrazzo flooring and stunning vintage furnishings including antique mirrors and upholstered armchairs. Rixo’s rental service includes pieces from its capsule collection such as maxi dresses and clutch bags that are available to rent for up to 30 days.

The best shops in South London

Lamp LDN, Peckham

Best for: Independent homeware, vintage furnishings 
Location: 20b Maxted Road, London SE15 4LF 

If in doubt of where to find Lamp, track down the glorious pink facade on Maxted Road in Peckham. Here, a bold and colourful cast of homeware champions independent artists with cushions, candles, lights, and ceramics sourced from small-batch producers across the UK and Europe. There’s an ever-changing vintage edit consisting of stunning tableware, ceramics and upholstered furnishings worth stopping by for, plus, ideal gifts for housewarmings, birthdays and weddings. The team also offer a custom lampshade service, where you can choose your favourite size, fabric, colour and pattern, and order a bespoke piece crafted by British designers Rosi de Ruig, Fermoie and Loving String. You might find rattan chairs, bar trolleys, diffusers, and wallpapers in the store during your visit.

Seeking some retro-chic fashion? Check out our guide to the best vintage shops in London.