Retail Therapy for Everyone: Top 10 Shops in Soho and the West End

Soho and the West End are not just about grand sights and entertainment; they also host some of London’s most unique and exciting shopping destinations. From the world’s most renowned toy store to quirky independent boutiques and historic delicatessens, there’s a retail experience to captivate every member of the family.

Hamleys

Hamleys on Regent Street is widely regarded as a toy paradise, often described as “THE toy shop”. Spanning seven floors, it is packed with an astonishing variety of toys, catering to every imaginable interest and age group. The selection ranges from classic teddy bears and comprehensive LEGO displays to the latest electronic gadgets and popular character figures. The atmosphere within Hamleys is famously electric, with staff frequently conducting live demonstrations and interactive displays, transforming a simple shopping trip into a memorable experience.  

Established in 1760, Hamleys holds the title of the oldest toy shop in the world. This historical significance adds to its iconic status.  

For families, a visit to Hamleys is often a non-negotiable part of a London itinerary, especially with children who will likely be in awe of the sheer scale and variety. It’s an excellent place to find special souvenirs or gifts. However, it’s worth noting that the store can become very busy, particularly on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. Planning a visit for earlier in the day or on a weekday can lead to a more comfortable experience. Even without making a purchase, the visit itself can be an adventure, allowing children (and adults!) to explore and make wish lists.  

• Address: 188-196 Regent Street, London, W1B 5BT.
• Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm; Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm.
• Products: A vast range of toys including games, dolls, action figures, LEGO, soft toys, educational toys, and more.
• Price Range: Offers a wide spectrum, from affordable pocket-money toys to more expensive, elaborate items. Price points are indicated from under £20 to over £100.
• Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria, Bakerloo lines).

Foyles (Charing Cross Road)

For book enthusiasts, Foyles on Charing Cross Road is a legendary London destination. This vast bookshop features an impressive four miles of shelves, accommodating over 200,000 different titles, making it easy to lose track of time while exploring its extensive collection.  

The original Foyles was founded in 1903 by brothers William and Gilbert Foyle, who initially started by selling their redundant textbooks. The flagship store relocated in 2014 to 107 Charing Cross Road, a building that previously housed the Central St Martins College of Art and Design.  

Foyles offers a fantastic experience for families, largely due to its excellent and comprehensive children’s department. It’s an ideal place to discover new books for all ages, from vibrant picture books for toddlers to engaging young adult novels for teens. The store frequently hosts events and author signings, which can be a highlight for young readers. Additionally, Foyles has an in-store café, providing a convenient spot for a snack and a drink during a day of browsing. Such an environment can greatly contribute to fostering a love of reading in children.  

• Address: 107 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DT.
• Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:30 am – 9 pm; Sunday: 11:30 am – 6 pm (browsing from 11:30 am). The Café closes 30 minutes before the shop.
• Products: An extensive range of books across all genres, stationery, magazines, gifts, and a music department featuring sheet music, classical music CDs, and World DVDs.
• Children’s Section: A large, dedicated section with books for all age groups, educational materials, gifts, and toys.
• Facilities: Café, an auditorium for events, and accessible facilities.
• Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road.  

Dover Street Market

For families with a strong interest in high fashion and avant-garde design, particularly those with teenagers exploring unique styles, Dover Street Market offers a distinctive experience. It transcends the concept of a typical department store, presenting itself more like an art installation where the fashion and design pieces are the exhibits. Originally located on Dover Street, it has since moved to a landmark building on Haymarket.  

The concept was created by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and is characterized by its multiple floors, each housing different designer spaces, art installations, and a unique, frequently changing layout. The store is renowned for its creativity and innovative approach to retail.  

This destination is certainly geared towards fashion-forward individuals. While younger children might find the abstract nature of some displays less engaging, teenagers with an interest in design, contemporary fashion, or art could find it exceptionally inspiring. It is a notable spot for observing cutting-edge trends. For a more accessible experience within the store, the Rose Bakery offers a stylish location for a pitstop. Given its high-end nature, for most families, it is likely to be a place for browsing and inspiration rather than extensive purchasing, but it serves as an interesting cultural stop.  

• Address: 18-22 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4DG (Entrance on Orange Street).
• Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm; Sunday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
• Products: High-end designer clothing , jewellery, accessories, and special collaborations.
• Price Range: Very expensive/Luxury.
• Appeal: Primarily for those with a keen interest in avant-garde fashion and conceptual design. The presence of Rose Bakery offers a more casual point of engagement.
• Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square.

Milroy’s of Soho

This particular establishment is geared more towards the adult members of the family. Milroy’s of Soho is a celebrated whisky specialist, holding the title of London’s oldest, having been founded in 1964. It stands as a treasure trove for anyone with an appreciation for fine spirits.  

The shop stocks an impressive and extensive range of Scotch whiskies, as well as world whiskies including Japanese and Bourbon varieties, gins, rums, and more. They also feature their own exclusive bottlings. Adding to its allure, The Vault, a cool cocktail bar, is located downstairs, and there is also a tasting cellar for those wishing to sample the offerings.  

While children would need to be entertained elsewhere, this shop offers a great opportunity for parents or older family members who appreciate fine spirits to explore. It could be a brief, interesting stop for one parent while the other explores a nearby family-friendly attraction. The shop itself is a piece of Soho’s rich history. It’s important to distinguish between the shop’s retail hours and the bar’s operating hours, which extend later into the evening.

• Address: 3 Greek Street, London, W1D 4NX.
• Shop Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm. Sunday & Bank Holidays: Closed. (The bar, The Vault, has later hours, typically until midnight on Tuesdays through Saturdays ).
• Products: An extensive selection of whisky (Scotch, Japanese, Bourbon, etc.), gin, vodka, rum, brandy, tequila.
• Price Range: Prices vary significantly, from more accessible bottles to very expensive rare and collectible whiskies. Whiskies can be found under £50, while rare selections can be £400 or more.
• Appeal: Primarily for adults with an interest in whisky and fine spirits; it’s a historic shop offering a specialized experience.
• Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road.

Liberty

Stepping into Liberty is often likened to entering a beautiful, historic English house that also functions as a department store. It is renowned for its stunning mock-Tudor building located on Great Marlborough Street, an instantly recognisable London landmark. The interior is equally impressive, featuring gorgeous wooden balconies and atriums that create a unique shopping atmosphere.  

Established in 1875, the current iconic store building was constructed in 1924 using the timbers from two historic ships, HMS Impregnable and HMS Hindustan, a fact that adds to its unique heritage. The building is Grade II* listed, signifying its architectural importance.  

Liberty is most famous for its beautiful and distinctive floral and paisley print fabrics, widely known as “Liberty Print”. Beyond fabrics, the store offers luxury womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear, alongside unique homewares, high-end beauty products, jewellery, and exquisite gifts.  

The store is a delightful place to wander through, even if only to admire the architecture and the artfully arranged displays. The childrenswear section is particularly charming, and Liberty is an excellent place to find unique British gifts. The store often hosts creative workshops and events that can appeal to various interests. Visitors are encouraged to look for the carved wooden animals hidden around the store and to see the WW2 memorials on the old staircase, adding an element of discovery to the shopping experience. During the festive season, Liberty’s Christmas shop is renowned for its magical atmosphere and beautiful decorations. The store also features a restaurant, Seventy Five at Liberty, and other experiences like a florist and a fragrance lounge.  

• Address: Regent Street, London, W1B 5AH (Main entrance on Great Marlborough Street).
• Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm; Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm (with browsing from 11:30 am to 12 pm).
• Price Range: Luxury/High-end, though gifts and fabrics can offer more accessible price points.
• Appeal: Iconic architecture, unique British designs, beautiful fabrics, special gifts, in-store experiences, and dining options.
• Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus.

Waterstones Piccadilly

Book lovers visiting London should prepare to be amazed by Waterstones Piccadilly, which holds the title of Europe’s largest bookshop. Housed in an elegant Art Deco building, the store boasts over eight miles of bookshelves spread across multiple floors, offering an immense collection that could easily occupy visitors for an entire day.  

The store offers an incredible range of books covering every imaginable genre. Flagship sections include Fiction, Travel, History, and Art, with dedicated areas for everything from biography and crime fiction to academic sciences and foreign languages. Beyond books, Waterstones Piccadilly also sells stationery, gifts, and features several cafés, as well as the 5th View Bar & Restaurant on the fifth floor, providing ample opportunities for refreshment and relaxation.  

The children’s section at Waterstones Piccadilly is a particular highlight for families. It is creatively themed around “Piccadilly Circus” and is filled with books, activities, and often hosts events such as “Story Time on Sundays”. This dedicated space is a wonderful environment to browse with children of all ages and discover new literary treasures. The presence of cafés makes it a comfortable place for families to relax with their new purchases. The store also frequently hosts author events, which can be a draw for literary-minded families.  

• Address: 203/206 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9HD.
• Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm; Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm (UK Trading Laws mean browsing from 11:30 am on Sundays).
• Children’s Section: Extensive, themed, with activities and events like Story Time. Stocks books, educational materials, gifts, LEGO, Pokémon, and toys.
• Facilities: Cafés (Embertons Café, Jermyn Street Gallery Café), 5th View Bar & Restaurant, regular events program.
• Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus.

Lina Stores (Delicatessen)

For an authentic taste of Italy nestled in the heart of Soho, Lina Stores is a must-visit destination. Their original delicatessen on Brewer Street is a true Soho institution, instantly recognizable by its beautiful and distinctive pistachio-green frontage. This charming store has been serving Londoners with Italian culinary delights since 1944.  

Lina Stores was established in 1944 by its namesake, Lina, a lady originally from Genova. The delicatessen is renowned for selling high-quality, authentic Italian produce. This includes an extensive selection of cured meats (with over 40 types of salumi, such as Prosciutto di Parma and Salame Felino), cheeses (like Parmigiano Reggiano and Gorgonzola DOP Al Cucchiaio), antipasti, and essential pantry items. Their fresh, handmade pasta and homemade sauces are particularly legendary and are made on-site daily.  

This delicatessen is a fantastic spot for families to pick up high-quality ingredients for a special meal, especially if self-catering. It’s also perfect for grabbing delicious panini, cakes, or pastries for a picnic in a nearby park like Soho Square. Children might enjoy the visual feast of different pasta shapes and colorful Italian sweets. The wonderful aromas within the shop create a truly sensory experience. It’s worth noting that the delicatessen is cashless, accepting all major credit and debit cards. For those who want to extend the experience, Bar Lina is located beneath the deli, offering cocktails and bar snacks.  

• Address: 18 Brewer Street, Soho, London, W1F 0SH.
• Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm; Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm.
• Products: Fresh pasta, homemade sauces, cured meats, cheeses, antipasti, panini, cakes, pastries, and a wide range of Italian groceries.
• Price Range: Not specified, but delicatessen items generally offer a range of prices
• Appeal: Authentic Italian produce, historic shop, excellent for food enthusiasts and for assembling picnics.
• Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus.

Algerian Coffee Stores

A visit to the Algerian Coffee Stores on Old Compton Street is like stepping back in time. This historic shop, which first opened its doors in 1887, is a veritable haven for coffee and tea aficionados. The rich aroma of coffee that fills the air is an experience in itself.  

The store boasts an impressive selection of over 80 different kinds of coffee beans sourced from around the world, which can be ground to order. In addition, they offer more than 120 types of specialty teas and herbal infusions, catering to a wide range of preferences. Visitors can also find a variety of confectionery and coffee-making accessories.  

While the shop is primarily aimed at coffee and tea enthusiasts, its traditional interior and historical charm make it a fascinating place to visit. Older children might appreciate the unique atmosphere and the sheer variety of products on display. It is also an excellent place to find a unique and thoughtful gift for a coffee or tea lover.

• Address: 52 Old Compton Street, Soho, London, W1D 4PB.
• Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 10 am – 6 pm; Thursday-Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm; Sunday: Closed.
• Products: Coffee beans (whole or ground), loose-leaf teas, herbal infusions, confectionery, coffee and tea accessories.
• Price Range: Not specified, likely varies depending on the rarity and type of coffee/tea.
• Appeal: Historic shop with a traditional atmosphere, incredible selection for coffee and tea lovers, unique gift opportunities.
• Nearest Tube: Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road.

Goldsboro Books

For dedicated book collectors or those in search of a truly special literary gift, Goldsboro Books, located in Cecil Court, is a remarkable destination. Cecil Court itself is a charming pedestrianised street, renowned for its antiquarian bookshops and often cited as an inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley – a detail that is sure to thrill any young fans in the family.  

Goldsboro Books holds a unique position in the literary world as it is the only bookshop globally that specialises in signed, hardback first editions. They also stock a curated selection of rare and collectible books across a multitude of genres, including fantasy, crime, and non-fiction.  

While it is a specialist shop, the connection of Cecil Court to the world of Harry Potter will undoubtedly delight many families. The street itself is wonderful to explore for its unique atmosphere. Inside Goldsboro Books, older children or teenagers who are avid readers, aspiring writers, or collectors might be fascinated by the array of signed editions. It is more of a “browse carefully and appreciate” type of establishment rather than a shop for boisterous exploration. The shop also runs the PREM1ER book club, offering subscribers early access to special edition books.

• Address: 23-27 Cecil Court, London, WC2N 4EZ.
• Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday: Closed.
• Products: Specialises in signed first edition hardbacks; also sells rare and collectible books across various genres.
• Price Range: As these are collectible items, prices will vary widely. New/special editions can range from around £17 to £30, while rare books will be significantly more expensive.
• Appeal: Primarily for specialist book collectors and those seeking unique literary gifts. The Cecil Court location offers broader appeal, especially for Harry Potter enthusiasts.
• Nearest Tube: Leicester Square.

I Camisa & Son

I Camisa & Son was a legendary Italian delicatessen located on Old Compton Street, cherished as a Soho institution since its establishment in 1929. It was renowned for being packed to the rafters with authentic Italian foods, including pasta, olive oils, cured meats, and cheeses.  

Unfortunately, for those who fondly remember this historic deli, I Camisa & Son on Old Compton Street has permanently closed its doors. The owners indicated that the significant reduction in office workers in the area following the pandemic made the Old Compton Street location economically unviable. They are, however, exploring the possibility of relocating the business in the near future, so it may be worth checking online for updates if one is keen on authentic Italian delicatessens.  

When it was operational, it would have been an excellent place for families to pick up authentic ingredients for a home-cooked meal or to find delicious Italian treats. For now, those seeking similar culinary experiences will need to explore other local delicatessens or food markets in and around Soho.

• Address: Formerly 61 Old Compton Street, W1 – NOW PERMANENTLY CLOSED.
• Note: Visitors are advised to search for alternative Italian delicatessens in the Soho area.