Kingly Court, Soho, London

I’m amazed how many Londoners don’t know about Kingly Court. It beats an afternoon fighting with the crowds on Oxford Street anyday…If you’re looking for quirky gifts, vintage fashion, or just a damn fine cup of coffee, then you should give it a try. My favourite hang outs are vintage haven Marshmallow Mountain and gorgeous baby boutique Carry Me Home.

I don’t know. This seems like just the sort of place that I’d hate. But, I don’t. I mean, I don’t ever really crave to visit but I don’t mind when I’m there.

What I like are the variety of shops and the people watching - especially the people watching. Lots of tourists and gawkers and shoppers from almost the full spectrum of incomes (but, of course, a little more top-heavy on the wealthier side).

As the song sez: Carnaby Street ain’t what it used to be (not that I’d know: I was born in the 70s and didn’t move here until 2001). Still, I get the sense that at one time Carnaby Street, Kingly Court et al weren’t utterly and completely nothing but retail sprawl. Not anymore. Anyway, I’m never gonna turn back the consumerist tide. So, I might as well get some good people watching out of it.

A great place to find something a bit unusual or different in central London. My favourite part of Kingley Court though is the bead shop…...
I always end up spending lots of money and have these great ideas about fabuouls necklaces I will make, which never quite end up as good as they were in my head…..still that says more about me than the shop!

That aside, there are a couple of nice vintage shops, and a great cafe that does YUMMY cakes!

One of the few truly unique shopping venues in London, Kingly Court is tucked away behind Carnaby Street - you walk through a narrow entrance into a big courtyard with four floors of shopping above and around you. Mostly independent boutiques or small designers, and plenty of stuff you won’t find anywhere else in the west end. There’s a great café in the courtyard, nice place to meet friends and enjoy a latte. There’s also a great place upstairs on the top floor where you can learn to make jewellery, right next to a fabulous little tea room. Add to this the great selection of vintage shops (especially the unusual but wonderful vintage bridal shop), a bead shop, plenty of unusual accessories, and a buzzy, quirky atmosphere, and it adds up to one of the best shopping destinations in London

This is a super little shopping square which is well worth a short detour from Regent Street and right next to Caarnaby Street. Blink and you will miss the entrance so look out carefully - but once in, you’ll find a small range of shops and coffee shops spread over three or wso floors in an open square. Theres a really nice range of independant type clothes shops and accessories shops here which is well worth viewing. There’s also a superb coffee shop on the ground floor which sells amazing cup cakes. Kingley Court is definitely worth a visit at Christmas time where it is nicely dresssed up and lit - it really feels like Christmas there! Dont got here is you are expecting run of the mill shops though!

A wonderful little shopping area just off Carnaby Street. You can stop off for a good strong Italian coffee and a huge brightly coloured cupcake from the cafe, before embarking on a tour of all the cool little shops that make up this little mini shopping experience on 3 floors. This is vintage heaven too! Marshallow Mountain is here as well as a few other vintage/retro shops and they are well worth a look if you’re looking for something different to wear to a party/event or you’re looking for a gift. Some lovely boutiques to have a look in as well and probably not buy anything! It’s very rarely crowded so if you need a break from Carnaby Street, this is a little place to escape.

This small shopping arena is tucked away just off Carnaby Street and definitely worth a look. A lot of the shops found here stock their products in high street stores like Topshop but it’s nice to see a full range rather than just a few selected items. You get retro, vintage, contemporary, classic designers, dresses, t-shirt printing, bars and even a cafe with the brightest cakes around. You can also do Yoga upstairs. It’s covered so it’s a good place for a rainy day and has outdoor heaters inside too. A great spot to eat your lunch I always think.

Tucked away from the bustle of Carnaby Street is this cute courtyard filled with quirky independent shops. As you stroll down the inconspicuous alley it opens into a charming undercover courtyard. The shops are interesting, friendly and unique - sprawling up 3 floors. Unfortunately there is a fairly quick turnover of shops as it may be too hidden, but nonetheless its a good place to find a gift that is different. There is a nice cafe too, perfect for escaping the shopping rush - it belies its location between Regents St, Oxford Circus and Soho. I once saw a great gig in this courtyard as well, so keep an eye out for special events.