London Favourites

We all have the good fortune of living and studying in London and so readily available to all of us are some of the best shops, cafés and fashionable establishments in the whole world. As an introduction to some of the MODO recommended places in London I thought I’d start by telling you about some of my favourite places in London.


VV Rouleaux:
“The Chanel of ribbon and trimmings shops” Red Magazine

VV Rouleaux is the place to go for all your ribbon needs. As a ribbon obsessive myself I love this shop. I don’t think you’d be able to find such a wide range of ribbons and trimmings anywhere else. They stock everything from the perfect black velvet ribbon to the most adorable sequin birds. Not quite sure what you’d do with those but they are certainly very cute.

For locations see here

Selfridges:

The department store for anything and everything you could ever want. Despite the high end labels and their extortionate prices you never feel out of place or as if you shouldn’t be there which means that it is a great place for wandering and mooching around. They also stock Topshop and WHSmith so you can do your normal shopping here and still walk out with their eponymous yellow bags.

Topshop:
Needs no introduction, just visit their Oxford Circus shop, you will fall in love several times over!

Urban Outfitters:

Lots and lots of peter pan collars there at the moment so that makes me very happy. A successful mix of men’s and women’s clothes, boutique brands and home ware. Originally from the US they are now spreading throughout the UK and they now have three stores across London.

East End Thrift Store:

Home to the infamous ‘fill a bag jumble sales’ where you buy a bag and fill it with as much as you can. They also stock a huge and varied selection of vintage items at really reasonable prices. It’s quite out of the way and difficult to find but well worth the search. Find it here.

Beyond Retro:

Perhaps the best known vintage shop in London but it has earned its reputation for a reason. Its two stores in London are crammed full of weird and wonderful pieces. They also have great displays; I’ve even seen a cat in their scarf box before.

Hummingbird Bakery:
Hummingbird Bakery brings American cupcakes to London; their three stores stock delightfully sweet and beautifully decorated cakes, cupcakes, brownies and pies. They even have a daily cupcake giving you the perfect excuse to visit again and again. Their cute pink and brown décor is adorable and makes every cupcake a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Although be prepared to queue if you go to their Portobello store on a Saturday.

Comptoir Libanais:
Comptoir Libanais is a stylish and modern Lebanese café, offering delicious Lebanese food at an affordable price, in bright and colourful surroundings. You can choose between meze, wraps, and tagines or perhaps all of them! And make sure you try their halloumi bread; it’s cheesy, salty and absolutely delicious. Also, they have an unusual selection of lemonades, which are all delightfully refreshing; my favourite is the pomegranate and orange blossom.


Let me know your questions and queries about London; where to go and what to do. Or if you know of some great places in London then tell me all about them as there is so much of the city I have yet to explore.


Love Rachel