Latest reviews for Shops & Amenities in London, United Kingdom

Columbia Road Flower Market - Flowers everywhere by watermelon90

watermelon90 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:29:44 +0000

Review by watermelon90

Rating: 4.00

The now very famous indeed columbia road market is a must visit on a sunday. Get there early, it is open from around 8am if you want to bag a particular bargain. Plant lovers from all over london come to find beautiful plants and flowers, bulbs, evergreens and exotics. It is usually jam packed with both plants and people, so a bit of forward planning may be needed if you want to take home a bigger plant. Check out the tree ferns . Lots of other no plant stuff for sale also. You can reach the market by either bus or tube, but I think that it is possible to park your car for free on the north side of hackney road as the traffic wardens do not operate on sundays. There is also a school car park for a small fee which can be used.The now very famous indeed columbia road market is a must visit on a sunday. Get there early, it is open from around 8am if you want to bag a particular bargain. Plant lovers from all over london come to find beautiful plants and flowers, bulbs, evergreens and exotics. It is usually jam packed with both plants and people, so a bit of forward planning may be needed if you want to take home a bigger plant. Check out the tree ferns . Lots of other no plant stuff for sale also. You can reach the market by either bus or tube, but I think that it is possible to park your car for free on the north side of hackney road as the traffic wardens do not operate on sundays. There is also a school car park for a small fee which can be used.

OnlyRoses - Best roses in London? by simonB

simonB — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:10:23 +0000

Review by simonB

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 02073739595

Website: www.only-roses.com

Tags: bargain

Fantastic staff and the roses, although not cheap, last for ages. A definite find and can't recommend them enough.Fantastic staff and the roses, although not cheap, last for ages. A definite find and can't recommend them enough.

Dots Music Shop - by lesleyI

lesleyI — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:54 +0000

Review by lesleyI

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7482 5424

Website: http://www.dotsonline.co.uk

Tags: music, reasonable, friendly staff

Agree with the above. Lovely friendly shop.Agree with the above. Lovely friendly shop.

Loop - Tiny, lovely knitting shop by messydesk

messydesk — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:35:32 +0000

Review by messydesk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7288 1160

Website: www.loop.gb.com

Tags: helpful staff

There's a Loop knitting shop in New York and a London branch has been opened by an American ex-pat and very lovely it is. It's a tiny, white-washed room stuffed to the gills with yarn, knitting books and needles. Like most knitting shops the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, but in Loop they are particularly so. I was taught the magic loop and intarsia there, I've even had help with projects where no part was bought in their shop.
They seem to specialise mostly in small runs of artisan yarn all of very high quality (with accompanying high price) and have a few knitting books. Their magazine selection is pretty good and they always seem to have Rowan Studio which is not always easy to find. Where they really excel though is needles, they have every kind and every size in every material you could want, all of which are good quality, even the plastic ones.
It's a lovely shop but don't go expecting to be able to buy yarns you know, they most liekly won't sell them, but if you want to find some interesting yarns that you would usually have to buy online or at craft fairs or if you need some knitting advivce, Loop is great.There's a Loop knitting shop in New York and a London branch has been opened by an American ex-pat and very lovely it is. It's a tiny, white-washed room stuffed to the gills with yarn, knitting books and needles. Like most knitting shops the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, but in Loop they are particularly so. I was taught the magic loop and intarsia there, I've even had help with projects where no part was bought in their shop.
They seem to specialise mostly in small runs of artisan yarn all of very high quality (with accompanying high price) and have a few knitting books. Their magazine selection is pretty good and they always seem to have Rowan Studio which is not always easy to find. Where they really excel though is needles, they have every kind and every size in every material you could want, all of which are good quality, even the plastic ones.
It's a lovely shop but don't go expecting to be able to buy yarns you know, they most liekly won't sell them, but if you want to find some interesting yarns that you would usually have to buy online or at craft fairs or if you need some knitting advivce, Loop is great.

Iknit - Large boutique knitting shop by messydesk

messydesk — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:52:24 +0000

Review by messydesk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7261 1338

Website: http://www.iknit.org.uk

Tags: knitting yarn lys

Iknit has recently moved from its original site in Vauxhall to the current location in Waterloo and is a million times better for it. The new shop is by far the largest speciality knitting shop in London (and I've visited them all). Due to all the space in the new location they've been able to extend their range massively, keen knitters will know how many knitting shops only carry a small range or stick to one particular brand of yarn so the expanded stock is a real point in Iknit's favour. I think their greatest asset however is their book selection, as well as a really wide range of standard knitting books they source copies of very hard to find but classic titles, they're the only place in the UK I've ever seen selling new copies of Barbara Walker of Elizabeth Zimmerman, for example. They fall down slightly in their needle selection though, they only straight needles they sell are wooden and though they sell quality Aldi circulars they're often out of stock in many sizes. My other complaint, and the thing that stops me giving them the fifth star, is that the guy who works there is stunningly rude and unhelpful (there's a lady works on a Friday morning though who is as lovely as the other guy is nasty so I stick to going only when she's working). A great shop for knitters, make sure you leave a whole day and go as close to payday as you can. It's almost the perfect knitting shop, if only I felt able to take advantage of their sofa and library, but the sarky, rude guy puts a stop to that.Iknit has recently moved from its original site in Vauxhall to the current location in Waterloo and is a million times better for it. The new shop is by far the largest speciality knitting shop in London (and I've visited them all). Due to all the space in the new location they've been able to extend their range massively, keen knitters will know how many knitting shops only carry a small range or stick to one particular brand of yarn so the expanded stock is a real point in Iknit's favour. I think their greatest asset however is their book selection, as well as a really wide range of standard knitting books they source copies of very hard to find but classic titles, they're the only place in the UK I've ever seen selling new copies of Barbara Walker of Elizabeth Zimmerman, for example. They fall down slightly in their needle selection though, they only straight needles they sell are wooden and though they sell quality Aldi circulars they're often out of stock in many sizes. My other complaint, and the thing that stops me giving them the fifth star, is that the guy who works there is stunningly rude and unhelpful (there's a lady works on a Friday morning though who is as lovely as the other guy is nasty so I stick to going only when she's working). A great shop for knitters, make sure you leave a whole day and go as close to payday as you can. It's almost the perfect knitting shop, if only I felt able to take advantage of their sofa and library, but the sarky, rude guy puts a stop to that.

Macari's - 5 neck guitar by guitarnut

guitarnut — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:51:33 +0000

Review by guitarnut

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 9149

Website: http://www.macaris.co.uk

I bought a 5 neck guitar off these guys and was treated like a king ! They tuned and set up every neck while i waited then packed and sent it to my house free of charge !!!!!
Ok , I know I'm slightly insane anyway but it was great to be served well with none of the guitar widdling elitist nonsense of Denmark Street .I bought a 5 neck guitar off these guys and was treated like a king ! They tuned and set up every neck while i waited then packed and sent it to my house free of charge !!!!!
Ok , I know I'm slightly insane anyway but it was great to be served well with none of the guitar widdling elitist nonsense of Denmark Street .

The Amber Centre - If you like amber, you'll love this place by Natnat

Natnat — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:57:23 +0000

Review by Natnat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7224 2953

Website: http://ambercentre.com/

This shop has to be seen to be believed. It is literally full of amber in all shades, shapes and sizes, including brooches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants, some set in gold or silver. Some pieces contain fossilised creatures which, depending on your point of view, can either add to the intrigue of the piece or freak you out a little! I wandered in looking for a present for a friend and it took about half an hour to narrow it down to one piece, there were simply so many things to choose from. The man who runs the store was able to offer advice and was extremely helpful, and I came away with a gorgeous pendant. The store is located just off Oxford Street, in St Christopher's Place, a haven of calm away from the busy main street.This shop has to be seen to be believed. It is literally full of amber in all shades, shapes and sizes, including brooches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants, some set in gold or silver. Some pieces contain fossilised creatures which, depending on your point of view, can either add to the intrigue of the piece or freak you out a little! I wandered in looking for a present for a friend and it took about half an hour to narrow it down to one piece, there were simply so many things to choose from. The man who runs the store was able to offer advice and was extremely helpful, and I came away with a gorgeous pendant. The store is located just off Oxford Street, in St Christopher's Place, a haven of calm away from the busy main street.

Octopus - Kiddy fun for adults and children alike by Natnat

Natnat — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:47:48 +0000

Review by Natnat

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7836 2911

Tags: quirky

Octopus is a quirky, colourful, fun shop offering a cornucopia of wonderful gifts and knick knacks for the young at heart. There are handbags in the shape of watering cans, purses made from pressed and dried flowers, unusual jewellery and funky items for the home - including dusters - to jazz up even the most mundane household chore. Their tables and lamps go to show that even the most fun products can have a practical purpose. There are now several Octopus stores dotted around, including one in the Covent Garden arcade, and one in Carnaby Street, and the first was on Kings Road.Octopus is a quirky, colourful, fun shop offering a cornucopia of wonderful gifts and knick knacks for the young at heart. There are handbags in the shape of watering cans, purses made from pressed and dried flowers, unusual jewellery and funky items for the home - including dusters - to jazz up even the most mundane household chore. Their tables and lamps go to show that even the most fun products can have a practical purpose. There are now several Octopus stores dotted around, including one in the Covent Garden arcade, and one in Carnaby Street, and the first was on Kings Road.

Liberty - Relaxed and decadent by Natnat

Natnat — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:16:25 +0000

Review by Natnat

Rating: 5.00

Website: www.liberty.co.uk

Tags: helpful staff

The place of the purple bags has something for all tastes and budgets. I often pop in for a browse - there's a wonderful cards and gifts department on the ground floor, in with a heavenly selection of chocolates and yummy things. The stationery department, also on the ground floor, has similarly inspiring bits and bobs, from leather bound notebooks to quirky invitation cards. Stop at one of the cafes for a cream tea or slice of cake, or head round the kitchen section for ideas and novelty items. You don't need to be a millionaire to shop here, and the staff are extremely welcoming and never snooty. For those with a larger budget, however, it's possible to go crazy in the bags and clothes departments. Heavenly.The place of the purple bags has something for all tastes and budgets. I often pop in for a browse - there's a wonderful cards and gifts department on the ground floor, in with a heavenly selection of chocolates and yummy things. The stationery department, also on the ground floor, has similarly inspiring bits and bobs, from leather bound notebooks to quirky invitation cards. Stop at one of the cafes for a cream tea or slice of cake, or head round the kitchen section for ideas and novelty items. You don't need to be a millionaire to shop here, and the staff are extremely welcoming and never snooty. For those with a larger budget, however, it's possible to go crazy in the bags and clothes departments. Heavenly.

Camden Market - eclectic style by clubby2

clubby2 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:23:18 +0000

Review by clubby2

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 5473

Website: http://www.camdenlock.net

Tags: second hand, helpful staff, vintage clothing

Camden market has its own sense of style that can be found no where else. It has such a wide variety of fashions and accessories to choose from, that there is some thing for every one. We went looking for some funky trousers and found a lot of colours and styles that we liked. Have been many times looking for different stuff and have never been unable to find a bargain. I have found that some stalls can be over priced, so plead poverty and haggle a bit for their best prices. The selection of food out lets is great too and never fails to please. A great place to shop till you dropCamden market has its own sense of style that can be found no where else. It has such a wide variety of fashions and accessories to choose from, that there is some thing for every one. We went looking for some funky trousers and found a lot of colours and styles that we liked. Have been many times looking for different stuff and have never been unable to find a bargain. I have found that some stalls can be over priced, so plead poverty and haggle a bit for their best prices. The selection of food out lets is great too and never fails to please. A great place to shop till you drop

Soundhouse Turnkey - Phone order went ok by vik

vik — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:37:11 +0000

Review by vik

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7379 6766

Website: http://www.turnkey.uk.com

Ordered a guitar for a gift a few years ago and can not fault the care and help we had. THe staff were friendly and helpful and our choice of guitar was offered at a really unbeatable price too, which included spares and all the postage and packing costs. It arrived with in a week and was in top class condition, and in the colour we had wanted. It went down really well as a gift and is still going strong after being played again and again. Have not seen the store in person but would expect it has a varied stock.Ordered a guitar for a gift a few years ago and can not fault the care and help we had. THe staff were friendly and helpful and our choice of guitar was offered at a really unbeatable price too, which included spares and all the postage and packing costs. It arrived with in a week and was in top class condition, and in the colour we had wanted. It went down really well as a gift and is still going strong after being played again and again. Have not seen the store in person but would expect it has a varied stock.

Hamleys - Toy town by vik

vik — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:33:01 +0000

Review by vik

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0844 855 2424

The Hamleys toy store on regent street is a great place to tempt the kids with all the stuff they can and cant have.
It is hands on in some places and you can still find a cheap keepsake for the kids once you have admired everything there is to see.
The giant furry toys were amazing and looked like baby zebras, lions and zebra.
The girls sections are massive and boys are not neglected here either.
Some of the more spectacular toys are quite expensive and I would not want to spend the amounts of money required to get them, but hey, this is no budget super store, its a classy store and wonderful to browse in and pick up the odd special treat.The Hamleys toy store on regent street is a great place to tempt the kids with all the stuff they can and cant have.
It is hands on in some places and you can still find a cheap keepsake for the kids once you have admired everything there is to see.
The giant furry toys were amazing and looked like baby zebras, lions and zebra.
The girls sections are massive and boys are not neglected here either.
Some of the more spectacular toys are quite expensive and I would not want to spend the amounts of money required to get them, but hey, this is no budget super store, its a classy store and wonderful to browse in and pick up the odd special treat.

Apple Store - Apple tastic by vik

vik — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:27:30 +0000

Review by vik

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7153 9000

Website: http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/regentstreet/

Tags: fun, helpful staff, free wifi

Having been to a couple of apple stores I must say that this one is the best, uber cool and chic, well it would be it is full of all things apple and not the granny smith variety either. Had to sort out an ipod for a gift and wanted the red one so did eventually have to go on line to get it but never mind, just loved the apple store and the staff were helpful. Am i a mac user, well, used to have a windows pc but am now firm convert to all things apple. The sleek white design of the desk and lap top computers is so stylish and usable that I will never go back to boring old windows. Looks like I will be making many happy future visits to the wonderful apple store then.Having been to a couple of apple stores I must say that this one is the best, uber cool and chic, well it would be it is full of all things apple and not the granny smith variety either. Had to sort out an ipod for a gift and wanted the red one so did eventually have to go on line to get it but never mind, just loved the apple store and the staff were helpful. Am i a mac user, well, used to have a windows pc but am now firm convert to all things apple. The sleek white design of the desk and lap top computers is so stylish and usable that I will never go back to boring old windows. Looks like I will be making many happy future visits to the wonderful apple store then.

Tomlinsons - A real treasure trove by Natnat

Natnat — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:18:46 +0000

Review by Natnat

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8299 1260

This gift shop, located in Dulwich village, is a real little treasure trove. Ideal for finding presents and nick nacks for the home, it's well worth a browse, and I think it's pretty good value too, with products for every budget. In previous years they've had great Christmas ranges too, perfect for decorating your home and Christmas tree. They also have bits and bobs for children, the garden, and some pretty clothes as well. The Dulwich location is another bonus - a wander round the park, something to eat and then a browse in here makes for a lovely chilled out weekend.This gift shop, located in Dulwich village, is a real little treasure trove. Ideal for finding presents and nick nacks for the home, it's well worth a browse, and I think it's pretty good value too, with products for every budget. In previous years they've had great Christmas ranges too, perfect for decorating your home and Christmas tree. They also have bits and bobs for children, the garden, and some pretty clothes as well. The Dulwich location is another bonus - a wander round the park, something to eat and then a browse in here makes for a lovely chilled out weekend.

Harrods - all under one roof by Alsation

Alsation — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:55:09 +0000

Review by Alsation

Rating: 4.00

Tags: expensive, delicatessen, crowded

For sheer convenience, Harrods beats everything.
The breadth and depth of their range of goods and services is second to none, but almost all prices reflect this.
The huge staff team that work here make it possible to get a good service from knowledgeable people (on the whole).
The store itself is vast and it can be a bit hard to find a specific department, unless you're just 'window shopping' and wandering through.

Its mantra used to be that it sold EVERYTHING. If it doesn't stock something, the chances are high that they can order it for you.
As long as you are desperate enough and have deep pockets, Harrods can get it for you.

The focal point of the store for me is always the Food Halls - the range of weird and rare foods available seems to have shrunk, but you can still chose from 20 different salamis or more than 150 different cheeses.For sheer convenience, Harrods beats everything.
The breadth and depth of their range of goods and services is second to none, but almost all prices reflect this.
The huge staff team that work here make it possible to get a good service from knowledgeable people (on the whole).
The store itself is vast and it can be a bit hard to find a specific department, unless you're just 'window shopping' and wandering through.

Its mantra used to be that it sold EVERYTHING. If it doesn't stock something, the chances are high that they can order it for you.
As long as you are desperate enough and have deep pockets, Harrods can get it for you.

The focal point of the store for me is always the Food Halls - the range of weird and rare foods available seems to have shrunk, but you can still chose from 20 different salamis or more than 150 different cheeses.

Andy's Guitar Workshop - Fair enough by bristle

bristle — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:59:55 +0000

Review by bristle

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7916 5080

Bought a classic (Spanish) guitar from Andy's. I paid what I consider a fair price and received a free zip-up guitar case. Have been back since to buy some strings and accessories and have never had cause for complaints.
The shop itself is a bit quirky and the street can be disgusting at times, but the staff were friendly and quite helpful.
Perhaps my purchase was a tiny one for them, but they still took time to help & explain. What more can you ask for?
Although I must admit that Denmark St must be one of the hardest places in which to run a retail business â¬ the local street scene is not great, if youâ¬"re not used to it â¬ Iâ¬"d go back there if I needed something special.
Bought a classic (Spanish) guitar from Andy's. I paid what I consider a fair price and received a free zip-up guitar case. Have been back since to buy some strings and accessories and have never had cause for complaints.
The shop itself is a bit quirky and the street can be disgusting at times, but the staff were friendly and quite helpful.
Perhaps my purchase was a tiny one for them, but they still took time to help & explain. What more can you ask for?
Although I must admit that Denmark St must be one of the hardest places in which to run a retail business â¬ the local street scene is not great, if youâ¬"re not used to it â¬ Iâ¬"d go back there if I needed something special.

Primark - Politics Aside, This Place Is Really Cheap by Iss

Iss — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:48:07 +0000

Review by Iss

Rating: 5.00

Website: www.primark.co.uk

Tags: brand bargains

Primark have has some bad press recently over so called slave labour. But it is difficult to compare our values and cultures with those of an eastern country without being bias.
So keeping the politics aside with the sometimes bias reporting, basically the items that Primark sell are amazingly cheap, so cheap that it is often easier to thrown the item away and get a new one from Primark rather than getting it repaired. The quality is not brilliant but you definitely get what you pay for and if they are so bad there are still plenty of people who will shop there because it saves you money and who wants to pay a fortune for a top or outfit when you can get it here for a few quid.
They specialise in kids and womenâ¬"s clothing and the clothing is practical and in some ways fashionable as well. They also sell household items like towels and things really cheaply.

Primark have has some bad press recently over so called slave labour. But it is difficult to compare our values and cultures with those of an eastern country without being bias.
So keeping the politics aside with the sometimes bias reporting, basically the items that Primark sell are amazingly cheap, so cheap that it is often easier to thrown the item away and get a new one from Primark rather than getting it repaired. The quality is not brilliant but you definitely get what you pay for and if they are so bad there are still plenty of people who will shop there because it saves you money and who wants to pay a fortune for a top or outfit when you can get it here for a few quid.
They specialise in kids and womenâ¬"s clothing and the clothing is practical and in some ways fashionable as well. They also sell household items like towels and things really cheaply.

Marks & Spencer - Good Quality Clothing by Iss

Iss — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:36:25 +0000

Review by Iss

Rating: 4.00This chain of stores has really picked itself up of late because at one time not so long ago it was really starting to go downhill. They then seemed to change their focus and have now started to sell some really fashionable items of clothing and their food side has also started to become very popular, which is strange because their food isnâ¬"t the cheapest but it is the best quality in my opinion.
Iâ¬"ve always liked M&S because the clothing was always good quality and well made and I presume that almost every woman in the UK must have some item of M&S underwear in their draw somewhere, such was their hold and quality reputation in the UK womanâ¬"s underwear department.
Menâ¬"s and childrenâ¬"s clothing are equally well made and throughout the stores their prices are relatively cheap.This chain of stores has really picked itself up of late because at one time not so long ago it was really starting to go downhill. They then seemed to change their focus and have now started to sell some really fashionable items of clothing and their food side has also started to become very popular, which is strange because their food isnâ¬"t the cheapest but it is the best quality in my opinion.
Iâ¬"ve always liked M&S because the clothing was always good quality and well made and I presume that almost every woman in the UK must have some item of M&S underwear in their draw somewhere, such was their hold and quality reputation in the UK womanâ¬"s underwear department.
Menâ¬"s and childrenâ¬"s clothing are equally well made and throughout the stores their prices are relatively cheap.

The British Boot Company - Boots! by Artemidor

Artemidor — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:54:43 +0000

Review by Artemidor

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 8505

Website: www.britboot.co.uk

Tags: brand bargains, helpful staff, exclusive boutique

Great casual, with different designs, from the traditional thing, to the originality of the season, colors that rarely you find in any other shoe store. The quality is top, I still have got some shoes from my teen years. I find them still very useful, even if colorful.

The worst part: the prices. The shoes are very expensive. I always get them on sale, but even then they make a hole in my wallet. I try to save on clothes to spend here. Anyway, I think they sell the loveliest boots and shoes. Great way to look original (which is difficult when other shoe shop is selling the same designs).
Great casual, with different designs, from the traditional thing, to the originality of the season, colors that rarely you find in any other shoe store. The quality is top, I still have got some shoes from my teen years. I find them still very useful, even if colorful.

The worst part: the prices. The shoes are very expensive. I always get them on sale, but even then they make a hole in my wallet. I try to save on clothes to spend here. Anyway, I think they sell the loveliest boots and shoes. Great way to look original (which is difficult when other shoe shop is selling the same designs).

American Apparel - great prices by Artemidor

Artemidor — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:45:33 +0000

Review by Artemidor

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7012 1112

Website: http://store.americanapparel.co.uk/

Tags: bargain

I love this place. I would like to describe their lines.
Woman: generally the most extensive one and is subdivided in many sections where to find from clothes to dress, to the denim... Attention to the basic, always renewed and to very good price.
Man: the footwear is very original. Interior and Bath; simple but hot tokens, always with a sound super amusing, the weavings are very smooth and very comfortable, a little expensive but is worth while because the quality of the intimate clothes is very good. Complements; unimaginable! From umbrella, to suitcases, to belts, to clips for the hair, shoes, caps, is perhaps where they waste more imagination, besides the prices are done more accessible.
Great place to shop.
I love this place. I would like to describe their lines.
Woman: generally the most extensive one and is subdivided in many sections where to find from clothes to dress, to the denim... Attention to the basic, always renewed and to very good price.
Man: the footwear is very original. Interior and Bath; simple but hot tokens, always with a sound super amusing, the weavings are very smooth and very comfortable, a little expensive but is worth while because the quality of the intimate clothes is very good. Complements; unimaginable! From umbrella, to suitcases, to belts, to clips for the hair, shoes, caps, is perhaps where they waste more imagination, besides the prices are done more accessible.
Great place to shop.