Bazaar – London – Heritage Shops

Kate Comer visits the Royal Butchers, Allen’s of Mayfair

Ever wondered where the Royal Family get their groceries? Or where they shop for fine threads? Then take a look at our guide to shopping like a Royal!

With its rich history, Kate Comer visits one of the great capitals of the 21st century, London. She explores some of the world-renowned heritage establishments that have stood the testament of time.

Kate begins her journey by finding out the origins and the popularity of tea in England by visiting Twinings famous Golden Lyon shop in London’s Strand. She ventures into one of the famous stomping grounds for the Royals, Jermyn Street, in the heart of St James’s historic and fashionable district. She visits Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop for over 300 years.

Wanting to find out the secret behind the new ‘metrosexual’ man, Kate discovers the growth in male grooming by visiting one of the oldest gentlemen’s Barbar shop at Taylor of Old Bond Street.

At another heritage establishment in Jermyn Street; Kate introduces us to one of the oldest and famous perfume makers in London, FLORIS. A bespoke fragrance is created especially for her by the royal perfumer.

When it comes to the Visual Creative Arts London not only hosts some of the best galleries in the world but the capital has also become an epicenter for the sale of contemporary art so Kate goes to Christies auction house which specializes in all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewelry, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Here she meets chief auctioneer Nic McElhatton who shares some fascinating insights into the famous auction house.

When it comes to quality and elegance for the fashion conscious, heritage institutes such as Lobb the boot makers, Lock & Co. the hat makers and James Smith and sons the umbrella makers; they all pride themselves in manufacturing the very best of British.

Finally Kate drops into Allens of Mayfair, traditional butchers who have been supplying the finest quality meat to London’s most famous restaurants and hotels since 1830.

James Smith Unbrellas by Stew Dean