The best concept stores in London

A stalwart of the Shoreditch design scene, SCP caters for the discerning shopper who likes to buy his sunglasses and his sofa at the same time. Split over two levels, upstairs you’ll find a huge variety of design-led furniture, boasting brands like Ercol, Robin Day and Matthew Hilton. Downstairs is a design fan’s dream, with shelves stocked with everything from perfume to notepads – all exquisitely designed, of course.

In a T.A.R.D.I.S. like a townhouse in Portobello, you’ll find Couverture and The Garbstore, an emporium of menswear and womenswear unrivalled in the capital.  Gents head downstairs for garms, where you can swoon over The Garbstore’s seductive selection of different designers. Both floors stock a variety of genuinely interesting gifts, too.

Coal Drops Yard, in the new suburb of Kings Cross Central, is the latest retail hotspot in London and Wolf & Badger is its flagship. Independent and ethical are Wolf & Badger’s buzzwords; this three-storey space stocks a wide selection of independent designers and boasts a florist and café, Raw Press.

Stylish stationers Present & Correct found a permanent, physical home in Clerkenwell in 2012 after starting life as an e-commerce store. With a global design following on social media, this stationery store is packed full of dreamy supplies that will make pen perverts weep. Every object is presented with love and the interior reads like an editorial shoot straight from a design publication.

A thoroughly modern shopping experience, Modern Society is the latest to deliver the shop/café concept perfectly. While its racks cater more for women, its carefully curated cabinets carry all sorts of covetable trinkets and goods, which you can peruse as the barista prepares your brew.

Browns East is the stylish sister of West End counterpart Browns, a heritage brand that is synonymous with London style. While the Bond Street branch caters to high-end shoppers, Browns East knows its audience in its Shoreditch store, stocking a range of younger, hipper designers at the forefront of the London fashion scene. Divided into a series of installations designed by a wealth of creatives, this store is the perfect blend of art, fashion and design.

For those who crave both luxury and proximity to London’s most vibrant shopping districts, the city offers a selection of premier hotels that are nothing short of exceptional. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of Mayfair or the cultural buzz of Covent Garden, these hotels cater perfectly to the sophisticated gay traveller who values both style and substance.

Situated in the heart of Covent Garden, One Aldwych is a stylish sanctuary that combines contemporary design with classic luxury. This independently owned hotel stands out with its commitment to sustainability and art, featuring an impressive collection of modern British artworks. Its central location places you just steps away from the cultural delights of Covent Garden, with its array of independent boutiques and world-renowned theatres. For luxury gay travellers, One Aldwych offers an inviting atmosphere with its modern wellness centre, complete with a chlorine-free swimming pool and cutting-edge treatments. The hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, Indigo, offers a menu that is both innovative and inclusive, catering to a variety of dietary preferences. Staying here means you are perfectly positioned to explore the best of London’s West End shopping and nightlife, making it an ideal choice for those who want to be at the centre of it all.

For those who seek classic British luxury with a modern twist, Claridge’s in Mayfair is the epitome of timeless elegance. This iconic hotel, a favourite among royalty and celebrities, exudes sophistication from every corner. Located just a short stroll from Bond Street, Claridge’s is a haven for luxury shoppers, offering easy access to the world’s most prestigious fashion houses and boutiques. The hotel’s Art Deco interiors are complemented by contemporary touches, creating an ambiance that is both glamorous and welcoming. Claridge’s is renowned for its impeccable service, ensuring that every guest feels like royalty. For the discerning gay traveller, the hotel’s concierge service can arrange exclusive experiences tailored to your tastes, from private shopping tours to access to London’s elite social circles. After a day of indulgence, unwind at the serene Claridge’s Spa or enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the grandeur of the Foyer & Reading Room, an experience that has become a quintessential London tradition.