Christmas is the time when we all want to spend a little extra on our loved ones (and ourselves) and the Piccadilly area of London is the perfect place to indulge in some top quality, luxurious retail therapy.  The Piccadilly Arcade (opened 1910) is a treasure trove of tiny shops selling (though that word seems far too plebeian for the sensory experience these shops offer) a vast range of luxury items from modern and vintage jewellery, handmade waistcoats and tailoring to unusual and unique giftware.  Beautifully festooned Christmas decadence decorates its colonnades, ornate ceiling, balconies and domes, all conspiring to make you feel extra special as you wander along its marble floor.  Bespoke tailors Benson & Clegg (est 1937) have Royal Warrents for both King George VI and HRH The Prince of Wales.  If you can’t afford one of their hand-made suits then maybe purchase a pair of cufflinks to give to Dad.  I’d love an embroidered shantung silk jacket or a velvet coat from Favourbrook Womenswear.  Santa Maria Novella was established in 1612 and is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world.  The smell of their beauty products made from natural herbs and oils is temptation enough to buy an armful of product.  For a collector of military memorabilia, how about a regimental bugle or toy soldier from the Armoury of St James? 

Burlington Arcade

On the other side of the road, next to the Royal Academy, is the famous Burlington Arcade, built in 1819 by Lord George Cavendish, apparently to prevent passers-by throwing their rubbish into his garden …  There’s a smartly-uniformed ‘Beadle’ at the entrance who has the authority to eject anyone who runs, to carry large packages, open an umbrella to shelter you from precipitation and also to whistle, hum or sing!  Just stroll along the wooden fronted shops and dream of what you would buy if you won the lottery. One of my favourite shops is Penfriend, ‘the world’s most celebrated fountain pen specialist’. If Santa brought me one of their Mont Blanc pens I’d be a very happy writer.  Lulu Guiness shows off her quirky handbags – the iconic ‘Lips’ clutch can be found in a rainbow of shades and in Penhaligon’s you can select a perfume to match your every mood.

The Princes Arcade was originally built to house the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and was opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1883. The Arcade itself was opened in 1933. It offers “traditional quality, luxury and style with a unique blend of small independent specialist shops and exclusive boutiques”.  As with the other arcades, Christmas decorations hang languorously along its length and it’s the perfect hedonistic escape from the hurly burly of nearby Regent’s Street and Oxford St.  I unashamedly covet the exquisite (Theo) Fabergé eggs and jewellery in the St Petersberg Collection.  The choice in Global Luggage would satisfy the most intrepid quirky traveller.  Loake shoemakers have produced quality hand-made footwear for decades, Andy & Tully have a brilliant collection of jewellery and for chocoholics everywhere, Prestat chocolates and truffles are a must.

St Petersburg Collection

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, I can highly recommend The Cavendish Hotel on the corner of Duke Street and Jermyn Street, parallel to Piccadilly, behind that glorious food emporium Fortnum & Masons.  (Their Christmas window displays are legendary.) The Cavendish provides contemporary luxury with friendly, unobtrusive service and excellent food.  Their famous cocktails mixed by Head Barman Gabor, Hungary’s renowned Cocktail Flair champion, or charming Warryn, are the perfect way to relax after all that exhausting shopping …

Berry Blazer

Zoe Dawes is the Quirky Traveller Editor for Wandering Educators.

For more Quirky Traveller's Tales and information on Tours & Walks in the Lake District and beyond www.thequirkytraveller.com

All photos courtesy and copyright Zoe Dawes