Luxury lifestyle, prime property
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Hats off Behind the scenes of London’s oldest shop
Justine Picardie Power, conflict and royal fashion in the 20th century
HISTORIC SHOPS London’s
A LOOK AT SOME OF THE OLDEST RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE CAPITAL THAT CONTINUE TO MAKE THEIR MARK TODAY
Floris
89 JERMYN STREET, SW1 florislondon.com
Founded in 1730 by Juan Famenias Floris from Menorca, Floris originally started life as a barber shop and comb-maker, before expanding into perfumes inspired by his Mediterranean upbringing. The oldest independent family-owned perfumers in the country, upstairs at number 89 was also the residence of the Floris family. Bestselling fragrances include: Wilde, Tuberose in Silk and No. 89. Granted the Royal Warrant in 1820, clientele ranged from monarchs to Marilyn Monroe who went under the alias Dorothy Blass to buy six bottles of Rose Geranium while filming the 1959 classic film Some Like It Hot
Liberty
REGENT STREET, W1 libertylondon.com
Once dubbed by Oscar Wilde as the ‘chosen resort of the artistic shopper’, Liberty was established by Arthur Lasenby Liberty.
Determined to pave his own path with new fashions, he borrowed £2,000 from his future father-in-law and made it a reality. Known for vending oriental fabrics, Liberty began making their own prints from 1920. The instantly recognisable Tudor revival building was completed in 1924, using battleship timbers by father-son design duo Edwin T. Hall and Edwin S. Hall. Liberty has collaborated with both individuals and
brands, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Morris and Barbour. Visitors to Liberty can look out for wooden animals hidden within its carving-lined interiors, as well as portraits of Henry VIII’s six wives.
Asprey
39 BRUTON STREET, W1 asprey.com
Asprey can trace its origins to 1781, when William Asprey founded a silk printing and fine goods business in Surrey. In 1847 Asprey relocated to Bond Street, before moving to Bruton Street, the birthplace of Queen Elizabeth II. Recognised as a leading British purveyor of luxury goods, it specialises in jewellery, leather, silver, crystal and bespoke commissions. This year, led by chairman John Rigas, the house marks its 245th anniversary Rooted in tradition, Asprey is proud to be one of the few luxury houses to still produce in London workshops, with a master engraver who celebrated their 50th year in 2025. Holding a Royal Warrant since 1862, Asprey has created legendary designs for the great and good including: a gold chess set for Ringo Starr, Elizabeth Taylor’s travel pieces and Margaret Thatcher’s iconic black handbag.
Hamley’s
188-196 REGENT’S STREET, W1 hamleys.com
The world’s oldest toy store opened its doors in 1760. Initially named Noah’s Ark by Cornishman William Hamley, the shop was originally in High Holborn, where author Charles Dickens is said to have bought his children’s gifts from. Selling wooden toys, tin
soldiers and other delights, it moved to Regent Street under the ownership of William’s grandsons in 1881 after exponential growth. A magical destination all year round, passersby can find singing staff, with Christmas being a particularly joyous time.
Dunhill
BOURDON HOUSE, 2 DAVIES STREET, W1 dunhill.com
Inheriting his father’s Euston Road equestrian saddlery business aged 21, Alfred Dunhill turned it into a motorities enterprise. Later in 1907, he opened a tobacconist shop on Duke Street – pioneering luxury pipes, tobacco and accessories – that soon evolved into menswear.
Smythson
141-131 SLOANE STREET, SW1 smythson.com
London-born Frank Smythson established his first boutique on Bond Street in 1887, with the aim to provide ‘stationery and fancy articles of a high-class character’. Gaining a renowned reputation for personalised items, including notebooks and diaries that stand the test of time, Frank achieved exactly that.
Selfridges
400 OXFORD STREET, W1 selfridges.com
Transforming the department store into a more theatrical affair, American Harry Gordon Selfridge revolutionised shopping. Opening its doors in 1909, Selfridge’s motto was “Everyone is welcome”.
RETAIL THERAPY Opening page: Descendants of Floris founder Juan Famenias Floris – (from left to right) Michael, Peter and John Bodenham and Christopher Marsh – outside the shop in 1972 This page, clockwise from top left: Dunhill in Mayfair has been suiting and booting gentlemen since the 19th century; Fabric and fine goods wonderland Liberty is famed for its iconic prints and Tudor revival shop front; French actress Bridget Bardot covets items in Asprey’s window display in the 1950s; Smythson has been crafting luxury stationery and ‘fancy articles’ since 1887
PHOTOGRAPHS: MALCOLM MENZIES; MICHAEL SINCLAIR
FASHION HOUSE
A BEAUTIFUL CLOTHING COLLECTION DESERVES TO BE WELL HOUSED, AND LONDON’S BEST DRESSED ARE CONSTANTLY CHALLENGED BY A LACK OF STORAGE SPACE. ARABELLA YOUENS ASKS THE EXPERTS FOR THE SOLUTIONS
SCENIC ROUTE
HERITAGE HOMES & GARDENS JOURNEY IS FOUR NIGHTS ON A BELMOND TRAIN
NEW HORIZONS
GOD’S OWN COUNTY THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS COMBINES RURAL BRONTËCOUNTRY SPLENDOUR WITH CREATURE COMFORTS
A grand TOUR
Turn back the hands of time, with curated trips where luxury and education are combined for an otherworldly experience, from rail to literary-inspired escapes
THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN, BELMOND
All aboard the Belmond where slow travel meets luxury journeys. Guests will enjoy an immersive experience, whichever route they take. The Royal Scotsman’s Heritage Home & Gardens route entails guided historical tours of Scotland’s oldest estates, by clan leaders or owners. Voyagers can take in the country’s majestic and inspiring vistas on a uniquely curated trip across four nights. Starting in Edinburgh, stops include Keith, Kyle of Lochalsh, Boat of Garten and Dundee, with plenty of fine dining on the train. Special guests onboard will be photographer Patsy Floyd and gardening writer Susan Chivers. The four-night Heritage Home & Gardens journey (1-5 June) starts from £15,700 per person, based on a twin cabin. Includes meals, unlimited soft drinks, and itinerary excursions. belmond.com
SPAIN 1492, MARTIN RANDALL
Travel heritage specialists Martin Randall have curated a Spain 1492: Queen Isabella, Columbus and the Age of Discovery itinerary, inviting discerning travellers to step into the heart of the seismic year in a nine-day tour. Voyagers will be led by Giles Tremlett, an awardwinning journalist and historian who has written extensive books on Spanish history. In a small group, weave together the triumphs, tragedies and enduring legacies of 1492. From the fall of Granada to Columbus’s first voyage that launched an empire, this insightful experience will be an unforgettable cultural immersion.
The nine-day tour (11-19 March) starts from £3,380 per person. martinrandall.com
THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS, YORKSHIRE
In the wild heart of the Yorkshire Dales, The Devonshire Arms is on the sprawling Bolton Abbey Estate. Dating back to 1610, the hotel today blends period charm with modern comforts across two wings. Visitors are greeted by the poetic and dramatic setting, with misty riverside paths that lead to the gothic ruins of Bolton Abbey, echoing the haunting settings that are associated with Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Many scenes of the 2026 film adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi were filmed nearby in Swaledale. The hotel offers a delectable, seasonally driven menu in its award-winning Garden Room or Brasserie. Dog-friendly, The Devonshire Arms provides complimentary wellies for muddy adventures, that the entire family can enjoy. Rooms start from £204 per night. thedevonshirearms.co.uk L
MARYLEBONE VILLAGE LONDON
THIS CITY-CENTRE NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFERS A VILLAGE LIFESTYLE WITH BOUNDLESS CONNECTIVITY, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
Once home to Dickens, Byron and Paul McCartney and known worldwide for its salubrious private medical clinics, in recent years Marylebone has reinvented itself as one of the most desirable villages in prime central London.
“Marylebone Village boasts the golden formula today’s buyers desire: a perfect balance of connectivity and community,” says Nick Poppe, co-head of sales at Savills Marylebone. ”It’s for these reasons that once people put down roots here, they rarely choose to leave, instead opting to upsize or downsize as their needs evolve.”
Its location is a major draw.
boutiques, restaurants and cafes, overseen by the Howard de Walden Estate. “The estate works closely with the retailers and hospitality outlets to organise seasonal activities and community events, creating a lovely atmosphere for residents and local workers,” says Mathews. “The restaurant scene in particular has seen some notable new openings, including The Hart (from the team behind Notting Hill’s The Pelican and The Fat Badger), Kudu and the second London outpost of Claude Bosi ’s Josephine.”
“At weekends, locals enjoy the charms of the farmers’ market, stopping to chat with familiar faces”
“Marylebone village is one of London’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, with consistently high demand from families, professionals and international buyers. It’s central enough to walk to the West End but also providing easy access out of the city for weekend escapes – meaning it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a pied-à-terre,” says Ali Mathews, head of Marylebone sales at Knight Frank.
The high street is a carefully curated mix of independent
Buyers and tenants are attracted to the range of property on o er, from Georgian townhouses and red-brick mansion blocks to more modest Georgian and early Victorian terraces. “In recent years, the area has also welcomed newer developments, which make ideal pieds-à-terre and appeal strongly to the fi rst-time buyer market,” adds Poppe. Yet despite its stylish profi le, Marylebone’s sense of community is clear. “At weekends, locals come together to enjoy the charms of the farmers’ market, stopping to chat with familiar faces and support local vendors,” he says.