A stroll along the main streets of the prestigious St James’s area is like a journey into history. A completely modern metropolis where innovative and groundbreaking things are constantly happening. This is the first thought that comes to mind about London. But at the same time, such vivid images of deep-rooted traditions come to mind.
It is a fact that London embraces and combines both of these aspects in an exceptional way, something that is evident in many cases. For example, next to the always restless and alert Soho, you will find the aristocratic St James’s which has close ties to the royal institution. And how could it be otherwise when the Tydorian St James’s Palace, which is still in operation, is the center of the area. Around it you will find two royal parks, elegant streets, clubs of exclusively registered members, as well as the oldest shops in London, all of which operate as royal suppliers.
A visit to the unique shops of the area, reveals the eclectic face of St James’s. From what most people call the city center, Piccadilly Circus, the most famous street clothing store for men, is only a few steps away. Jermyn Street, named after Henry Jermyn – 1st Earl of St Albans who conceived the area development plan, was flooded with tailors from a very early age. They contributed to the consolidation of the street’s reputation as the center of fine menswear, a title that bears to this day thanks to the craftsmanship and quality of the shops that have been operating for centuries. From its famous inhabitants, such as Isaac Newton who lived at No. 88 as indicated by the relevant Blue Plaque, to its famous clients such as Fred Astaire, Winston Churchill, Pablo Picasso, Charlie Chaplin and Prince Charles, this street is proud of its past but in a modest and measured way.
You will find unique tailors, handmade shoe manufacturers and other specialty stores. Turnbull & Asser, in operation since 1885, Hawes & Curtis since 1913, and Harvie & Hudson since 1949, are the most well-known custom-made shoemaker tailors, while internationally recognized shoemakers include Foster & Son with a history of begins in 1750, John Lobb in 1866 and Church’s in 1873.
Two stores worth visiting are Floris and Paxton & Whitfield. The first is the oldest independent perfume shop in the world, operating in the same place since 1730. As you pass the ornate dark wood entrance, with the giant royal coat of arms on the front and the unbeatable record of 17 royal coats of arms, you will feel the scent of their unique creations and from the huge bouquets of fresh flowers to flood the space. Look at the mahogany shop windows where the perfumes are displayed: they are from 1851 and were used in the Great Exhibition that took place in Hyde Park. If you want to experience the touch of a living legend, then a bottle of “Malmaison” for gentlemen, or a “White Rose” for ladies, is the perfect gift for you or your loved ones.
At Jermyn st, observe the statue of the elegant male figure of Beau Brummell in front of the Piccadilly Arcade, a dungeon – symbol of the Regency London, synonymous with eclectic menswear. And while you are there, take a stroll along this beautiful gallery where you will find even more classic shops, with uniform, curved showcases and items ranging from custom fashion to unique jewelry and handmade soaps as men’s grooming accessories. At New & Lingwood with the warmth of wood prevailing everywhere, covering the floor, the shop windows and the old staircase, you will find the most luxurious and unusual accessories for gentlemen, in a dazzling feast of colors.
Your gallery leads to Piccadilly St., but you return to Jermyn St. and walk to the exhibition of fresh Bulbous Flowers, with colorful bouquets spread out on the sidewalk. At this point you are at the back of St James’s Piccadilly Church, which is the only work by Christopher Wren outside the city limits.
Leaving the church and heading west, you will see in a few meters another shopping gallery – the area is full of them – the Princess Arcade, a beautiful collection of like shops under the same arched roof. Among them, Prestat will catch your eye with the intoxicating aroma that emerges from its handmade chocolates and truffles. A colorful world of beautiful boxes full of chocolates will definitely tempt you, while you can try some of their delicacies there, in the small cafe inside the store. The new collection of pink chocolate and truffles with salted caramel or brandy are fantastic.
To your left as you exit the gallery, you will see a magnificent dark wood bookstore, with three royal coats of arms on its façade. It is the Hatchards, the Queen’s favorite bookstore, a true British institution dating back to 1797. Its cozy and elegant interior is impressive: wooden shelves up to the ceiling full of books, tables decorated with fresh flower arrangements, a beautiful fireplace, portraits of the queen a large royal coat of arms and an imposing wooden staircase create such a beautiful environment that you can spend hours flipping through rare early editions and signed copies.
Then visit another legendary store, dating to 1707. Fortnum and Mason, located next to the Hatchards, occupies an entire square and with its beautiful multi-storey design and intricate clock face looks more like a giant dollhouse. Its shop windows are always among the most imaginative and inspiring in London, often with moving figures and music flooding the sidewalk. And if your exterior looks quite impressive, expect to see inside as well. A world of elegance and luxury, with red carpets, chandeliers, carved wooden elevators and tailcoat staff unfolds around a spiral staircase and surrounds delicatessen products of the highest quality.
The store is known worldwide for its teas and related accessories, its cookies and pastries in wonderful cans, luxury tableware and picnic baskets filled with all the fine delicacies a connoisseur would desire. In the basement with the rich cellar you can find fresh products and specialties that you can try there, in the beautiful hall The Wine Club together with the wine you prefer. On the ground floor you will find their packaged food, all in wonderful packaging, while the other floors have rare gifts and host various restaurants. Booking afternoon tea at The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is a unique experience, where you will enjoy fine tea with great accompaniments. A more casual choice is The Parlor, with its delicious ice creams, some of which are made on the basis of old recipes. It really’s the epitome of finesse, a must-see shop.
At this point you will see another historic shopping gallery, the Burlington Arcade, which dates back to 1818, when it was built by the 1st Earl of Burlington on the side gardens of his home, to prevent passers-by from dumping their rubbish. . Today, the gallery that maintains its art nouveau style, is considered the most elegant of its kind and is certainly the busiest in London, full of luxury fashion boutiques and jewelry stores. Next to it, in what was once the Burlington House, the Royal Academy of Arts is one of Britain’s leading art institutions. Among its founders were the great painters Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds, with a statue of the latter adorning the courtyard. The Academy often hosts periodic exhibitions of the most renowned artists, while a top artistic event is the annual summer exhibition, where a real art festival exhibits works by both students and established artists.
St James ’St. leads directly to St James’s Palace, the imposing guarded royal residence, made of red brick in the Tudor style, which today is used for the official reception of foreign missions and ambassadors. But before you reach the palace, there is much more to see on this magnificent road. How about a drugstore-perfumery dating back to 1790? In Dr. Harris and Co you can choose from their exclusive line of perfumes and products, which guarantee an enjoyable experience of treating all the senses. The aromas of plants and herbs of the British countryside will flood your bathroom and perfume your skin. Next to this beautiful shop with wooden cabinets and green carpets, look for Boodle’s, a club exclusively for men, with a history of 250 years, housed in an elegant Georgian-style urban residence, whose members included the Adam Smith and Winston Churchill. Opposite, another exclusively male club, Brooks, the oldest in London, was founded in 1762. Observe the splendid building with Ionic columns built into its façade, built in 1777 to house the club. lights on you might be able to tell the difference between its luxurious green and red lounges with lighted fireplaces and Chesterfield leather sofas. Two blocks below, a magnificent Palladian-style building made of Portland stone was erected to house members of the Carlton club, mostly members of the Conservative Party.
John Lobb, whose shop is one of the finest in the British capital, supplies the Prince of Wales with handmade boots and has been making custom-made shoes since 1849. Kings, maharajas, actors politicians and celebrities such as Edward VII, George Bernard Shaw, Harold MacMillan, Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Aristotle Onassis. Right next door, see the hat maker of Admiral Lord Nelson’s famous hat and the oldest hat shop in the world. It is none other than the Lock & Co Hatters that has its legacy from 1759 in the 21st century and proudly includes Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Kennedy in its clientele. And finally, Berry Bros. & Rudd, the oldest wine and distillery cellar in Great Britain, in operation since 1698. This beautiful dark wood shop, nestled in the Pickering Place alley, has a huge selection of carefully selected wines from around the world, as well as our own their bottling. And the best part is that you can try some of these amazing wines, either plain or as part of a planned, full meal or dinner menu, in the store cellars. You really will not find a unique way to end your day at St James’s.
You can also continue your walk between the royal residences and the aristocratic mansions that surround St James’s Palace, culminating in two of the most beautiful royal parks: both Green Park and St James’s park are just minutes away. offer the perfect environment for rest and relaxation. You will completely forget that you are in the center of a bustling city.
