Fergusbrandon

London is a magnificent city that never fails to amaze you. Whereas the city boasts of a large number of historic landmarks and a plethora of other attractions, it is also a shopper’s paradise being home to many flagship stores of famous international brands, luxury shops such as the iconic Harrods, stores that only offer expensive items such as Liberty and the various markets offering almost everything under the sun. The iconic Oxford Street is another world-famous shopping centre offering more than 300 shops on either side of the street. However, besides these normal shops, London also has specialist boutiques, quirky markets and funky shops that are quite unique and unusual and some of them offer a glimpse into history and a completely different perspective of shopping places. Some of these quirky places are mentioned below.

Arthur Beale: A uniquely surprising shop, Arthur Beale has been created to resemble an old-fashioned yacht chandler which sells nautical goods and shipping supplies and everything connected with maritime activities. This unique shop on Shaftesbury Avenue was established in the 1800s and surprisingly, it has not changed substantially ever since then. The various items for sale at this shop include items connected with ships such as reels of rope, ships bells, nautical books, lifejackets and related materials.

Visitors to London, especially shopaholics, who wish to visit these quirky shops, will find it convenient to stay at Piccadilly Hotel London since it is located in the heart of the centre and close to most shopping centres and other attractions.

The Beatles Store: The Beatles had a big fan following and people were enchanted by all things connected with them. If you also like their musical renderings, you must visit The Beatles Store on Baker Street. This is a store with a difference as it is a sort of tribute to the Beatles as it stocks items related to them such as T-shirts, posters, mugs and records as well as original 60s memorabilia. A market stall in Portobello Road, known as BeatlesYeahYeahYeah that operates on Fridays and Saturdays, also stocks Beatles’ treasures  

Alice Through the Looking Glass: Dedicated to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland-themed items, this quirky store is down the rabbit hole in Cecil Court near Charing Cross station. This curious shop stocks all sorts of items connected to Alice such as illustrated chess boards, Victorian top hats, early editions of Alice books and many others. You must visit this shop if you are in London.

Blade Rubber Stamps: Imagine a shop dedicated entirely to rubber stamps which is exactly what this shop located opposite the British Museum is all about. It sells all types of rubber stamps ranging from functional stamps such as "Fragile" and "Sold" to beautiful arts and crafts stamps. It also sells fun stamps for kids in a wide range. Craft classes are also held at this shop teaching participants about how to make greeting cards and artworks.

Guests staying at West End Hotels find it easy and convenient to visit the various culture centres such as theatres, museums and art galleries that are all located in the West End area. Moreover, the other attractions of the city are also located close by.

Cornelissen & Son: Ever since 1855, Cornelissen & Son has been famous all across the globe for supplying art materials and has been the favourite place for art lovers. Amazingly, very little has changed inside the shop since then. Its interior is unique and worth a visit and stocks a wide selection of paints including oils, watercolours, pastels and drawing materials.

Cyberdog: This shop in Camden’s Stables Market is a unique one as it offers all types of clubbing gear such as fluorescent, futuristic, LED-covered clothes and accessories that are the favourites of techno and rave-lovers. It has a loud sound system that will attract your attention before you set sights on it.

Duke of Uke: A shop completely dedicated to ukulele is something you would not have imagined. Besides selling banjos, harmonicas, and accessories, it also has a rehearsal room and recording studio in the basement. If you visit the shop you may be able to enjoy one of its spontaneous concerts or impromptu ukulele solos that are regularly performed by customers.

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies: This shop located in Shoreditch deals with supplies to monsters, that it has been doing since 1818. It supplies all their needs such as tinned fear, cubes of ear wax, neck bolt tighteners and more. These strange items are also sold to humans.

James Smith & Sons: Known for its exquisite hand-crafted umbrellas and walking sticks that are essential to brave the unpredictable weather of London, this family-owned shop opened in 1867. It is housed in a Grade II-listed building, and is itself a work of art and worth a visit.

London Lomography Gallery: This store in Carnaby is a must-visit for any fan of analogue photography where he can try out and buy Lomo cameras, accessories, film and also get photos developed. Photography courses are also run by the shop.  

The Moomin Shop: This unique shop located in Covent Garden belongs to the Moomin family. It sells books, toys and merchandise that are all displayed in little blue Moomin "houses". There are a lot of items including rare memorabilia and limited-edition items including prints of the original illustrations that are available for sale. Fans of Moomintroll, his family and friends will be spoilt for choice with so much available.

Persepolis: This is a unique shop that stocks a large range of foodstuffs and handicrafts and also offers Iranian specialities that include pastries and sweets, spices and tea, yoghurts and cheeses. Home wares are also sold at this shop ranging from china and rugs to hookahs and books.

Tatty Devine: One of the first fashion boutiques established on London’s Brick Lane, the Tatty Devine store opened in 2001 and is a totally independent British company that designs and micro-manufactures original jewellery. Their exclusive products include cool name necklaces, fox brooches and moustache necklace accessory. There is a store in Seven Dials also.