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Have you finished all the Christmas shopping? Or are you still looking for a few last bits? Experiencing a shopping fever in London also means wandering through countless beautiful old streets and browsing in shops that have changed just a little since they were built hundreds of years ago. Here’s our list of the 12 oldest shops in London that are still open today – trust us, you may want to check out a few of these.
12. James Smith & Sons – 1830
– 53 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1BL
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There’s nothing that suits London better than an umbrella! Would you agree? Make sure to visit this gorgeous Victorian shop which is commonly referred to as “The Umbrella Shop” by locals! James Smith & Sons was founded at Foubert’s Place by Mr James Smith in 1830, however, as the business grew, James Smith II had to move to larger premises in 53 New Oxford Street, where the shop remains to this day, selling handcrafted customized umbrellas, walking sticks, and other real masterpieces.
11. Henry Poole & Co – 1806
– 15 Savile Row, Mayfair, London W1S 3PJ
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A family run business tailoring the finest suits since 1806. Henry Poole & Co has been referred to as the founding tailor of Savile Row which started the long tradition of the custom-made, tailored Savile Row suits. Each client has their own individual pattern, and all items are still made on the premises at 15 Savile Row. Famous clientele includes Sir Winston Churchill, Madame Tussauds, Charles Dickens, as well as many royals and celebrities from all around the world.
10. Hatchard’s – 1797
– 187 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LE
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Hatchard’s is the United Kingdom’s oldest bookshop which is still selling books in the heart of Piccadilly, where it was founded in 1797. The store still holds the Royal Warrant and it has been visited by many of great British authors. Therefore, at Hatchard’s they usually have an extensive collection of signed copies for sale!
9. James J Fox – 1787
– 19 St James’s Street, London, SW1A 1ES
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Here’s the best Christmas present tip for passionate or occasional smokers! James J Fox is the world’s oldest cigar merchant and provides probably the most famous cigars on the globe – those smoked by Sir Winston Churchill!
8. Hamley’s – 1760
– 188-196 Regent Street, London, W1B 5BT
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There’s a good reason why this is the most frequented shop in December! Hamleys is the oldest toy shop and is one of London’s biggest attractions as it draws millions of visitors every year! It is the true toys wonderland as it displays over 50,000 types of toys! No kid will ever want to leave these 7 floors of heaven!
7. Swaine Adeney Brigg – 1750
– 7, Piccadilly Arcade, Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6NH
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You will probably visit famous Piccadilly Arcade anyway, so why not step inside the famous store still making the exquisite leather goods for which it became famous. Swaine Adeney Brigg’s luxury handcrafted products starred in popular films including Kingsman, From Russia with Love (James Bond), Marry Poppins and Indiana Jones – yes, you’ll find the hat which was famously worn by Indiana Jones hanging in the store too!
6. Floris – 1730
– 89 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6JH
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Now you can smell like a queen, literally! Floris, founded by Spaniard Juan Flamenias Floris, is London’s oldest fragrance store and also is the preferred perfume of Her Majesty The Queen! You’ll hardly find a store that would smell better than this one, that’s for sure!
5. Fortnum & Mason – 1707
– 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER
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The luxury department store began as a small grocer. The store was founded by William Fortnum, a footman in Queen’s Anne household, and Hugh Mason, Mr Fortnum’s landlord. Nowadays, Fortnum & Mason’s pale green packaging is synonymous with luxury worldwide.
4. Twinings – 1706
– 216 Strand, London WC2R 1AP
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Ever wondered what kind of tea does The Queen drink? She drinks Twinings Earl Grey tea with a bit of milk and no sugar. The British tea maker has been officially serving the royal family since 1837. Visit London’s flagship store at 216 Strand, the oldest tea shop in London, and have tea like The Queen!
3. Berry Brothers & Rudd – 1698
– 63 Pall Mall, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5HZ
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If a glass of wine is your cup of tea, then there is no better place to go in London than Berry Brothers & Rudd, the capital’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, which has been selling wine in London for more than 300 years. Nowadays, it still remains a family business which has two royal warrants and sells more than 5,000 wines.
2. Ede & Ravenscroft – 1689
– 93 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1DU
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Ede & Ravenscroft is the oldest tailor in London which has been suiting Britain’s elite for 329 years. The store holds all three Royal Warrants and it enjoys the privilege of being the tailors and robe makers of choice for twelve coronations!
1. Lock & Co Hatters – 1676
– 6 St James’s St, St. James’s, London SW1A 1EF
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Finally, the oldest shop in London is situated in the heart of Mayfair. Lock & Co Hatters makes and sells hats and is considered to be one of the best hatters in the world. It is there where the British royals get their headgear.
