Want to follow in the footsteps of celebrities, browse historic hangouts or explore flagship stores? Regent Street and nearby St James’s have plenty of noteworthy retail residents.
Liberty London
Originally founded at 218a Regent Street in 1875, Liberty London now stands within its iconic Tudor Revival style building on Great Marlborough Street that was constructed from the timbers of battleships. Oscar Wilde was among its most devoted customers, and it continues to draw the crowds with its cutting-edge fashion, homewares and iconic prints.
Hamleys
A haven for generations of kids, Hamleys has been synonymous with Regent Street since 1881, and it soon became the largest toy shop in the world. It was bestowed a Royal Warrant by both Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II, and even survived being hit five times by bombs during The Blitz. Today, its seven floors of toys and games make it a must-visit for children of all ages.
Apple
A more modern arrival to Regent Street, the “Apple Store” became the first of its kind in Europe – and the largest in the world – when it opened in 2004. However, the building it houses also has a colourful history – namely being the site of 19th-century glassmakers Salviati. If you look closely at its façade, you’ll still see mosaic designs to this day. Pop in for the latest releases, workshops and tech support.
Fortnum & Mason
London’s oldest department store, Fortnum & Mason, was founded in 1707 as a grocery shop. By 1738 it had invented a British classic: the Scotch egg, and its famous hampers have since sustained soldiers on the front line and explorers on Mount Everest. Today, you can enjoy a quintessential afternoon tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and explore its food hall for all sorts of tasty treats.
Lock & Co.
The oldest hat shop in the world (and reputedly the oldest shop in London), Lock & Co. is still run by the family who founded the company way back in 1676. Notable customers have included none other than Lord Nelson and the 1st Duke of Wellington, and it is renowned for inventing the bowler hat (which they call the Coke hat) in 1849. You can still buy the classic design alongside Panamas, trilbies and flat caps.
Hatchards
Browse the beautiful shelves of Hatchards, Britain’s oldest book shop, which has been running since 1797. This Piccadilly store holds three Royal Warrants and continues to attract bookworms who are keen to explore its five floors of literary finds – make sure to keep an eye out for book launches and author events.
Berry Bros. & Rudd
Although its relatively new shop at 63 Pall Mall is now the place to peruse its collection of fine vintages, the original site of wine merchants Berry Bros. & Rudd at 3 St James’s Street remains its headquarters – Lord Byron was a regular visitor to this now Grade II-listed spot.
Floris
Marked by its Insta-famous hoarding and easily found due to the wafts of fine fragrances flowing from its doors at 89 Jermyn Street, Floris is the oldest perfume shop in London. Marvel at the mahogany cabinets acquired from the Great Exhibition of 1851, and choose your fragrance to join the likes of David Bowie and Marilyn Monroe as customers of this heritage brand.
Famous flagships
Regent Street is home to a host of UK flagships for some of the world’s top brands. Seek out stylish activewear at Gymshark, Fabletics and ON running. Browse fashion houses Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Coach and Mulberry for the latest trends. Or stock up on fragrant beauty products from L’Occitane. Many flagships also have a range of experiences to enjoy, from bespoke tailoring and customisation to classes and events.
Discover more shopping tips with our sustainable shopping guide or learn more about the history of Regent Street with this 200-year timeline.