Sunday, January 07, 2007

Quirky shops in London - suggestions please . . .

Next weekend Euan and I are going for a weekend to London - it is really to have a look at the Top Drawer trade fair at Earls Court (I am on the lookout for quality vases and planters) - but I would also like to have a look round some offbeat type shops while we are there without the children.
I want to visit shops which are the result of someone's dream, quirky, bootstrapped and full of things that the owner cares about. Shops to be passionate about. Things rather than fashion.
But . . .I don't know London that well and these are not the type of shops that can afford big advertising campaigns that reach Stirlingshire.
Can anyone suggest candidates?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Try Tobias and the Angel in Barnes, take a look at the web site and see if it's your sort of thing -
http://www.tobiasandtheangel.com/

Niki Fretwell said...

I've not visited this shop, but it was recommended to me:
www.basia-zarzycka.com
Apparently it is quite bizarre and is next door to VVRouleaux.
Niki

Heather said...

Have a nice trip - but can't help you with any shopping advice - I try and keep well away.

Heather

Nonnie said...

I agree that Tobias and the Angel is worth a look and Barnes is nice for a wander around anyway. Pimlico Road is another interesting street to browse down. Lots of interesting antique shops and galleries and there's a really inspiring garden shop. Can't remember the name but you wouldn't miss it as it's on quite a prominant corner. You could do this street at the same time as Basia-Zarzycka as it's not far from Sloane Square where B-Z is. I agree with Niki that it's worth a look. My sister had a little tiara made there for her Wedding to match a necklace she'd bought from Liberty. Actually, Liberty is always worth a look as well. Also the bottom end of Fulham Road has a lot of individual shops. The end near Parsons Green Tube, and you could always cut through to the New Kings Road from there where there are also more individual shops than at the other end, such as R K Aliston which you would probably find interesting.
If I think of anything else before the weekend I'll let you know.

Jane said...

Thank you for all your suggestions - It sounds as though there will be lots to plot out on my A-Z.
I'm mumping as, due to lack of organisation, we are now too late to get a table at Moro.
J
x

Anonymous said...

To me the absolute ultimate nirvana for all that is desirable is PORTOBELLO MARKET (central line-Notting Hill or Metropolitan line-Ladbroke Grove). If you are free on Saturday this is a must! Bric-a-brac, shops, antiques. I just salivate thinking about it! We go once a month (only half hour on tube) and make a real day of it, shopping, haggling and cocktails at Electric Brasserie. It does get super busy with the more affluent tourist, but has a great vibe. If you do go (and in general anywhere in London) ALWAYS look after your valuables. Please don't leave your bag on the back of a chair in restaurants and never keep wallets in back pockets. There are "quirky" little shops, but I tend to find that as they are usually in yummy-mummy areas, they tend to have yummy-mummy prices! Anyway have a wonderful visit.

Anonymous said...

Try Oliver Bonas, of which there are few shops here in West London, with an interesting mix of clothes, jewellery, furniture and generally funky and weird bits. There are quite a few of them around, two being in East Twickenham and East Sheen. Stores are very well presented and they suggest you contact their head office if you want them to take on stuff. Look forward to seeing your bags for sale!

Anonymous said...

theres a really quirky clothes shop called "beyond vintage" on great marlborough st (just parallel to oxford st), really worth a visit. Enjoy London