London is my favorite city. I go there for shopping a couple of times every year.
In this post, I have picked some of my favorite gentlemen shops in St. James London. Here you can buy everything from wine and cheese to shirts and hats.
St James’s
Originally developed as a residential area for the British aristocracy, the area was later the focus of the development of gentlemen’s clubs. Today it is mainly a commercial area, but its deep roots in the British aristocracy is not forgotten.
Berry Bros. & Rudd
3 St James’s Street
London SW1A 1EG
www.bbr.com
For more than 300 years(!) Berry Bros. & Rudd have provided Londoners with wine and spirits from around the world. It all started at this address. To step inside is to take a journey, not only back in time, but also into a place filled with centuries of knowledge and passion.
The perfect souvenir to bring back home? The No3 Gin, of course.
DUKES Bar
St. James’s Place
London SW1A 1NY
If Berry Bros. & Rudd are the temple of wine, then Dukes Bar are the temple of cocktails. I have written a separate blog post about this fantastic place: Dukes Hotel – Mekka for cocktail lovers.
Churchill War Rooms
Clive Steps
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AQ
www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms
For some cultural input, take a break to visit this WWII bunker. This museum gives you the possibility to, literally, walk trough history. Here you are in the middle of London walking in the same hallways as Winston Churchill used when he led Great Britain through World War II.
Jermyn Street
Jermyn Street is maybe the best shopping street in the world if you consider yourself a Gentleman. It contains some of the oldest shops in London.
Bates Hats
37 Jermyn Street
London SW1Y 6DT
www.bates-hats.com
Bates has made and sold hats since 1898. In 2009 it was acquired by the world renowned shirt maker Hilditch & Key.
Taylor of Old Bond Street
74 Jermyn Street
London, SW1Y 6NP
www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk
Taylor of Old Bond Street opened on September the 1st, 1854. The address is no longer Old Bond Street, but it still is a family business catering to all you need for a good shave.
See my blog post How to shave your face correctly.
Paxton & Whitfield
93 Jermyn Street
London SW1Y 6JE
www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk
Paxton & Whitfield has sold cheese since 1797. Paxton & Whitfield was one of the pioneers to introduce Stilton to London society. Sir Winston Churchill was a regular customer and used to recommend the place.
T.M.Lewin
103-106 Jermyn Street
London SW1Y 6EQ
www.tmlewin.co.uk *
The first T.M. Lewin opened in Jermyn Street in 1898. Today they have three stores in this street. T.M.Lewin Suits, T.M.Lewin Shirts, and T.M.Lewin Women. I think Jermyn Street is the only place where you can find the complete selection of what T.M. Lewin has to offer.
Piccadilly
Piccadilly is so much more than Piccadilly Circus with its typically overpriced touristy shops. Take a look down the side streets, here you will find lots of nice places, both for eating and shopping.
Jewel Bar
Jewel Bar
4-6 Glasshouse Street
London W1B 5DQ
www.jewelpiccadilly.co.uk
Jewel Bar calls itself a glamorous cocktail bar. This is true, but during the daytime, you should go for the lunch. The interior is something special, a mix between Arabia and old British style.
Disclosure: Links marked with * are affiliate links. This means that if you buy a product using this link, I may get a small commission. I would never recommend a product without trying it and liking it myself.