Nestled between Fortnum and Mason on one side and Isaac Newton’s house on the other, Princes Arcade does not shy away from its historic credentials. This is the place that a gentleman’s gentleman might be dispatched, as it conveniently houses everything the well-heeled chap might desire.
For sir’s toilette, first stop would be Czech & Speake, the luxury bathroom shop where Edwardian bathroom fixtures and fittings elegantly hold traditional shaving tools and their signature fragrance: the 88 cologne. Spiffing shoes can be found at Barkers (we are told that debonair Londoner Bill Nighy regularly does his window-shopping here.) Then it’s off to Hilditch & Key or Andy & Tuly for top hats, tail coats and silk bow ties.
The ladies could wish for no better than the chocolates from Prestat. The shop itself is dazzling and the chocolates come with recommendations from Roald Dahl and the Queen.