London Shopping, ENGLAND
Airing Date: May 29th, 2006
What does every girl need for a successful shopping expedition? Credit card - check! Comfy shoes - check! Spunky boy to carry your bags??? If you don't have your own, don't worry ladies because there is a place in London where spunky bag boys are provided for FREE! This is London, where everything is on offer.
Seven Dials is an area of east London that offers a mix of shops, entertainment and residences. Last year this trendy shopping district launched a 'bag boy' service for their shoppers. Register online and you are allocated a hunky bag boy to assist you with your bags while you shop. Bag Boys launched in the summer of 2005 and due to its popularity has become an on going service in the Seven Dials area. Shop wise, Monmouth Street in Seven Dials is described by Esquire magazine as London's sexiest street and a great destination for fashion addicts. Coco de Mer is here as London's latest sensual orientated shop which hosts sexy underwear as well as very chic and sophisticated objects of desire, including a special range of accessories designed by Alexander McQueen.
Beyonce, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sienna Miller and Kylie Minogue are regulars at Koh Samui and come here to choose from a selection of designers including Missoni, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Juicy Couture, Chloe and more. The owner, Paul has a selection of gorgeous vintage pieces and fabulous dresses that he keeps aside for VIPs. Elsewhere in Seven Dials is Cyber Candy selling sweets and treats from around the world including White Twix and Flake Noir. The store also sells chocolate flavoured makeup such as Reese Peanut Butter Cup lip gloss ; a favourite with stars from across the world. They also stock sweets and candy from around the world (including Tim Tams, Freddos and Caramello Koalas from Australia). There are some truly BIZARRE products like Amber Toffee Scorpion, Cricket Lick-it Sucker, Monkey Picked Tea and Peppermint Ants Lolly...one for the brave!
Shoppers can take a break from shopping in Seven Dials at the Walk in Back Rub. The shop is located in a hidden little courtyard of Seven Dials and is a little oasis of calm. They provide a no-appointment chair massage to thousands of happy customers each week and also sell a great range of massage related products. Harrods is arguably London's most famous department store, if not the world! It's also a must-see tourist attraction for London visitors. The Harrods motto is All things, for All People, Everywhere. And they really mean ALL things! Harrods started as a small fruit and veg shop in 1849. Now it's a 5 acre, 300-department, seven-storey shopping extravaganza! From 1985 it has been owned by Mohammed al-Fayed. The eccentric billionaire has added a couple personal touches to the store. Like an Egyptian inspired hall that spans two floors and is covered in Egyptian friezes, columns and sphinxes. Mr Al-Fayed is dedicated to Harrods and everyday that he is in London, he is in the store, so hopefully you'll get a chance to bump into him and have a chat...
In 40 years Notting Hill has really transformed itself. It's gone from dingy to trendy and from shabby to shabby-chic. And it's even had a big budget Hollywood movie named after it. Portobello Road cuts through the centre of Notting Hill and is lined with shops but the area really comes alive on Saturdays with the Portobello markets. With over 2,000 stalls it claims to be the largest antiques market in the world. Here you can buy jewellery, paintings, furniture, books, silverware and collectibles. Apart from antiques, there is also a big fruit and veg market and a funkier selection of stalls where you can spend a pound or a packet.
Further Information
Rooms from $400 a night. Includes breakfast
Radisson Edwardian Mountbatten Hotel
1800 333 333
Thai Airways International return to London from $1951ex east coast. Price includes taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
www.thaiairways.com.au
Prices correct at 20/4/06
For more information on London
www.visitlondon.com
