That little place I know...

One of the joys of living in London is discovering little “go to” places that are sometimes still under the radar. They’re your own special emporiums selling something hugely useful. Or something crazily impractical – but luxurious. 

Simon Rose, owner of Rose & Partners, seeks out The Conran Shop on Fulham Road for traditional Christmas inspiration, especially “out of the box design and gadgets”. He also enjoys checking out custom-made leather watch straps at Jean Rousseau in Mayfair’s Piccadilly Arcade. (Simon’s an avid watch collector, so now you can guess what’s on his Christmas wish-list).

A further “go to” spot is Orlebar Brown on Sloane Avenue “for colourful beachwear and to feel youthful (when I’m not),” he adds. 

South Kensington’s Elystan Street’s the location for maintaining clothing and shoes. Lewis & Wayne Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services can get rid of that inevitable stain on your favourite garment, insists Simon. “These pros work their magic.” And Simon’s been visiting adjacent Chelsea Green Shoe Care to get his shoes resoled for the past 30 years.

“When you want a widget to fit in the wotsit on the sewing machine, you want somewhere like Robert Dyas on Kensington High Street,” suggests Tom Tangney of Rose & Partners.

Tom’s also a fan of Pickwick Gifts on Holland Street in Kensington, marketing cards, gifts and toys. “My wife calls it a knick-knack shop, and I think it’s a real one-off.” 

Another good find is De Winter Ltd at the top of Kensington Church Street. Established in 1925, it supplies curtains, blinds and soft furnishings. “You can pop in for three metres of material or get your house totally kitted out,” Tom notes.

A local treasure is family-run Henry Hallpike on Kensington High Street, selling jewellery, silverware and clocks since 1876. Tom has memories of his father taking him to see “Mr Francis”, who is no longer alive, but his son – also “Mr Francis” – is now in charge. Tom recalls meetings in the shop stopping on the hour when all the clocks chimed. You can acquire a new battery for your watch, get your favourite string of pearls restrung, and earrings or cufflinks for a 21st birthday gift.

Across the way is Reza Supermarket, with Persian produce such as fruit and veg, freshly baked pastries and caviar. Its fairy lights glimmer in the evening, cheering up the neighbourhood.

Hornets, off Kensington’s Church Walk, is a diminutive gentlemen’s outfitters run by resting actor, Orlando. He displays a mix of new and retro Barbours, hats and cricket gear. Recently, Tom’s son was kitted out with top hat and tails for a special occasion.

Zoe Rose, who heads up lettings at Rose & Partners, is partial to places “that are softer and more human, offering comfort in difficult times”. A hot favourite is luxe interiors de le Cuona on Pimlico Road, where Zoe heads straight for the velvet cushions.

When she fancies nice scents, she trots over to Daylesford on Sloane Avenue for a vine tomato candle for the kitchen. Or, to Rachel Vosper, candle chandler of note based on Kinnerton Street, for her Choisya (Mexican orange) candles and diffusers. “I like the smell so much, I’ve planted three Choisya shrubs in my garden.”

David Mellor, on nearby Sloane Square, offers serious kitchen equipment. Zoe recommends the signature glass bowls in blue and green. “Some are ornamental, while others are for nibbles or ice cream.”

A family tradition Zoe’s inherited from her father is to visit Marilou on Fulham Road to purchase foie gras for Christmas Eve.

And keeping with tradition, she’s in love with tiny old-fashioned Andrews Pharmacy on Sloane Street. “They sell everything,” she says, “including Mason Pearson hairbrushes. I bought pink and blue ones when both my kids were born.”

One hopes these small “go to” places in the capital – supplying everyday items and sumptuous treats – will survive for many more years to come.

by Cheryl Markosky