It is going to be a very mild day here in London. I don't even have to wear my coat, just a hooded sweatshirt, with a light sweater underneath. The sky is blue and the air crisp.
I am at the Muffin Man Tea Shop right now and George Michael's “Careless Whisper” is playing in the background. I might as well be back in the 80S. I can only hope for some Duran Duran next. London really does love it's old pop stars, George Micheal, Wham!, Boy George and of course The Beatles.
This morning I will be shopping along Kensington High Street which has a number of trendy shops and department stores such as Marks and Spencer and Barker's of Kensington. Specialty stores include shops like Esprit (men and women's clothing), Sisley and Urban Outfitters.
Marks and Spencer is a mid-priced shop selling mostly all private label goods. The best part of M&S is the food halls they have in most of their stores. This is a great place to pick up a snack or souvenirs such as tea, jam, biscuits or even a bottle of wine. There are also many prepared foods such as sandwiches, salads and cheeses. Great stop if you are planning a picnic or would just like to eat in your room.
Of particular note at M&S is their lunchtime deal where you can get unique British style sandwich, crisps and a beverage all for a reduced package price. It's the best value in all of London.
OK, you can even find similar deals at the sandwich shops Benji's, Pret A Manger and even at Boots drug stores.
Speaking of Boots...
Boots chemists is a large British drug store chain found throughout the city which carries everything from cosmetics to sandwiches. The branch on Kensington High Street right at the tube station is particularly active and large. (I understand that some Boots products are available at Target in Minneapolis and Denver)
Stop by a Boots store to get fun bath products, cosmetics (name brand), fragrances, soaps, candy, lotions, etc. Their private label goods are quite inexpensive and some can make great souvenirs. I always like to buy their shower gels to use while I am here and take home to give me a memory of my trip as I shower in the morning.
Boots is sort of like the “Target” of drug stores because they are very creative with their products and private label lines.
OK it's 2:15 and I have only done 1/2 of High Street. I haven't bought anything (but there are lots of nice things). So far I dropped into Habitat (home goods), Next (moderate men's and women's clothing), Urban Outfitters (fresh from the states), Barkers (zzzz department store branch of the House of Fraser chain) and Marks and Spencer (love the cheap clothes and food halls).
and now lunch...
(then the other half of High Street and then off to Oxford Street)
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