10 Must-Visit Destinations At London’s Royal Exchange
From luxury beauty brands to cool opticals and the finest food and drink offerings, London’s Royal Exchange is a cornucopia of shopping delights.
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If you’re after somewhere a little different to do your Christmas shopping this year, The Royal Exchange gets our vote. Nestled right in the centre of the city, the destination is steeped in an impressive past – its beginnings date back to 1571 when Queen Elizabeth I gave it its royal title – and brings together a unique blend of history, hors d’oeuvres, and haute couture. You’ll find everything in one spot, like Jo Malone London fragrances and Fortnum & Mason hampers, along with diamonds at Tiffany’s and breakfast at Parisian patisserie Ladurée.
Scroll on to read our top 10 hotspots to visit at The Royal Exchange and make a special occasion out of shopping for your Christmas gifts this year…
1. Fortnum & Mason
Who doesn’t love a trip to Fortnum’s? If you didn’t already know, one of the world’s most iconic food and drinks stores has another outpost at the Royal Exchange in addition to their OG Piccadilly store. There you will uncover all its trademark delights, from world-class chocolate to those famous wicker hampers and indulgent caviars to bottles of bubbly. The Fortnum & Mason Restaurant & Bar also sits within the hugely Instagrammable central courtyard of the Royal Exchange, overlooked by towering Roman-style pillars and limestone walkways. Pull up a pew and order from breakfast through to dinner, or simply drop in for a champagne pitstop.
Earmarked as one of London’s most Instagrammable bars, Fortnum’s is a must-viist whether you pop in for a glass of Chamapgne or to pick up one of their iconic whicker hampers.
2. Tiffany & Co.
Have your very own Holly Golightly moment at the stunning Tiffany & Co. store. The world-class jewellers need little introduction, but if you’re in the market for a very special gift, head there for master craftsmanship and boundary-pushing pieces, whether it’s an engagement ring you’re (*hint hint*) after or one or one of their timeless T bangles.
3. Hermès
From New York to Paris by way of London, and next on our must-visit list is fashion house Hermès. Epitomising the finest in French fashion heritage, they are known as one of the world’s best luxury goods makers, from their beautiful silk scarves to the wait-list-worthy Birkin bags. Head there for designer accessories, refurbishments on your own Hermès collection (should you be so lucky) and luxury fragrances.
4. Ladurée
For the prettiest sweet treats you’ll get this side of the Channel, head to world-famous French confectioner Ladurée. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a sugar almond-hued Parisian tearoom, filled with patisserie, chocolate and confectionery… and those very moreish macarons.
5. Sirplus
Seriously, Sirplus should be on your to-visit list. The Portobello Market-born brand offers a capsule edit of everything a man’s wardrobe needs, from boxers to shirting, everyday jackets to formal suiting.
6. Aspinal of London
When you need a fail-safe gift for the person who has everything, we highly recommend Aspinal of London. The British heritage brand offers a stellar selection of presents, from beautiful leather-bound notebooks to timeless handbags and luxury cufflinks. It’s no wonder their products have been spotted on everyone from Gigi Hadid to Jennifer Lopez.
7. Jo Malone London
From Pomegranate Noir to English Pear & Sweet Pea, we’re yet to meet a Jo Malone London fragrance we didn’t like. Considered the ‘Cool Britannia’ of scents, no one creates such complex, unexpected and beautiful scents than this British brand. Try them for yourself IRL at its Royal Exchange boutique.
We’re yet to meet a Jo Malone London fragrance we didn’t like.
8. Red Eight Gallery
Sitting alongside the Royal Exchange’s boutiques and shopping destinations is the Red Eight Gallery. Here you will find some of London’s most exciting contemporary art, from change-makers like Banksy to creators tipped to be tomorrow’s household names.
Take advice from the gallery’s in-house experts and you could walk away with a masterpiece in your hands.
9. The Libertine
In the ancient vaults that sit beneath the Royal Exchange, stands The Libertine Bar & Restaurant. The site was actually the first to be granted a royal alcohol license – if those walls could talk we’re sure there have been many nights of decadence and debauchery – so it would be rude not to tuck into their fabulous cocktail menu. On the food side of things, delve into anything from oysters to their famous pies and fresh seafood dishes to banging Sunday roasts.
10. Malin + Goetz
Beauty editor favourite Malin + Goetz was founded in NYC to help people simplify their skincare routines. Two decades later and they are still doing just that and have gained a cult following using the latest advances in technology to bring the best out of ancient natural ingredients. Perfect for all skin types, gender-neutral and wrapped up in seriously cool packaging, this is a great gift option for just about anyone.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT THE ROYAL EXCHANGE HAS TO OFFER, VISIT
www.theroyalexchange.co.uk
