5 Shops Not To Miss In London

5 Shops Not To Miss In London

1. Artbox, Covent Garden

A must for any fan of Japanese and Korean culture, this quirky gift shop manages to pack a lot into a small space.

Expect to find everything from bento boxes, stationery and cushions. Most items on offer are themed around the popular Sanrio brand characters which are beloved all over the world, including Gudetama and the iconic Hello Kitty.

The adorable bear Rilakkuma and Facebook-favourite Pusheen can also be found with their fair share of merchandise. Giant Pusheen slippers, anyone? There’s something to charm both the young and the young at heart, as well as anyone interested in Kawaii culture, or seeking to look the part at London’s next Hyper Japan festival.

You’re guaranteed to depart with something cute, whether it’s a tiny Gudetama coin purse or a Hello Kitty cushion as big as any fairground prize. As the UK’s official retailer for Sanrio Original products, it’s one of the only shops in the country with such a wide range of Korean and Japanese gifts and stationery of this kind, so make this the top of your list on your next visit to Covent Garden.

Address: 44 Shelton St, London WC2H 9HZ

Opening hours: Monday to Friday – 11am to 8pm, Saturday – 10 am to 8pm, Sunday – 10 am to 7pm

2. Treadwell’s Books, Fitzrovia

There’s nothing better than a good book shop, but among the hundreds that London has to offer, Treadwell’s Books still manages to be something extremely special.

Found on an elegant street in Fitzrovia just behind the British Museum, this unique book shop specialises in books which explore magic and spiritualism. As soon as you enter you are enveloped in an atmosphere of mysticism, and it’s easy to quickly lose yourself in the rows of books old and new, with subjects ranging from astrology and the occult, to nature, myths and legends.

Rare and vintage editions are also a common find here, with many that you can’t find in print anywhere else. To complement their literary gems, Treadwell’s also offers a variety of candles, incense and herbs, mostly ethically sourced.

As any avid reader will tell you, it’s hard to get tired of books, but if you should find yourself flagging, make sure to take part in one of their fascinating tarot readings. The shop is well known locally for its frequent unique events, which often sell out in advance.

If card reading isn’t your thing, Treadwell’s also offers magic workshops, talks and themed walks, so there’s something to satisfy any spiritual or mystical curiosity you may have. The books on offer are constantly changing, making each experience different from the last. That’s about as magical as you can get!

Address: 33 Store St, Fitzrovia, London WC1E 7BS

Opening hours: Monday to Friday – 11am to 7pm, Weekends – 12 pm to 8pm

3. The Moomin Shop, Covent Garden

Discover your favourite characters and be transported to the wondrous world of Moomin Valley, right in the middle of London.

The Moomin Shop is a store entirely devoted to the Moomins, Finnish author Tove Jansson’s beloved white creatures. On top of this, the shop itself has been cleverly designed to look like Moomin Valley. As you enter and escape the bustle of Covent Garden, you’ll be treated to a faithful recreation of the Moomins’ home, Moomin Cave and Moomin Forest.

Once inside and up a set of narrow wooden steps, prepare to find anything and everything to do with the Moomins, from plates and mugs to children’s toys and cushions. Among the even more special and unique offerings are themed teas and snacks exclusive to the shop, allowing everyone to dine like a Moomin.

Gifts range from child-size cutlery to full cooking equipment, so there’s something for all the family.

Don’t worry about losing your way in this treasure trove, as friendly signposts will point you to whatever you’re looking for. If you’re lucky, you might even be waved into the shop by an employee dressed in a full-sized Moomin costume, something which will delight any young Moomin fans.

Address: 43 Covent Garden Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday – 10am to 8pm, Sunday – 12 pm to 7pm

4. Cyberdog, Camden

Even among Camden Market’s many unique and eye catching sights, it’s hard to miss the two huge chrome cyborgs which stand meters above the stalls of Stables Market.

They are the sign that you have reached Cyberdog, a neon-lighted, techno-blaring rave of a shop. From its humble beginnings in the 1990s as one of Camden’s many stalls, and not just for the super-hip nightclub crowd, Cyberdog has stood the test of time to become one of Camden’s most iconic large stores, visited by tourists from all over the world.

Find the escalators and head on down to the basement to discover, as well as plenty more cyborgs, flashy, neon coloured rave clothing and accessories, perfect for your next club night, concert or festival.

You can also check out the wide range of specialist rave accessories, such as glow sticks, face masks, and visors. At the back of the store you’ll find a huge, light up DJ deck, with music pumping all day long.

Address: 842 Chalk Farm Rd, Camden Town, London NW1 8AH

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday – 11am to 7:30pm, Friday – 11am to 8pm, Weekends – 10 am to 8pm

5. Prick, Dalston

Not far from Dalston Junction lies Prick, London’s first dedicated cactus and succulent shop. Prick stocks over 150 varieties of spiked specimens, from cup size plants perfect for a small desk or studio, to enormous, multi-armed cactuses designed to be the centrepiece of a room. 

The shop is the brainchild of Gynelle Leon, who left her previous job in banking to travel the world, and study and search for new and rare varieties of cacti. And if you’re one of those people who just loves buying new plants only to have them die on you within a few weeks, Prick might just be the place for you.

Most of the cacti and succulents on offer have evolved to withstand scorching heat and deserts with no water, so no matter what plant you choose, it will be sure to thrive on your kitchen windowsill and always be perky and green; whether you’re returning from a two week holiday, or have just forgotten to water it for a while.

The shop itself, despite the danger of being poked as you browse, is charming and very camera-friendly, with almost every available surface covered in succulents. Known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always happy to help, the only spiky attitude you’ll be receiving will be from your new cactus.

Address:  492 Kingsland Rd, Dalston, London E8 4AE

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday – Closed, Friday – 12pm to 7pm, Saturday – 11am to 7pm, Sunday – 12 pm to 5pm