Heading to London...what should I buy?

[winky]

I know the combo of internet stores and a bad exchange rate between USD and GBP means that I should stick with buying stuff online, but I'm heading to London for a few days and was wondering if there are any tips on stores I must visit or products that I can get cheaper in-store than online.

I'm thinking more along the line of soaps, creams, aftershaves, etc. rather than blades. Any tips appreciated.

 

[drandall]

if i were going, i'd hit DR harris, taylor of old bond street, penhaligons and truefitt & hill

 

[Triumph Coupe]

Whip yourself down to Jermyn street. Visit the shirt shops and GFT and Floris. Jermyn St is only probably 600 yards long so when you get to the East most end turn left onto St James where you will find T&H one one side of the road and DR Harris on the other.

Just down from DR Harris is James Lock & Co. It is am amazing hat shop. They designed indiana jones's hat and the bowler hat. They have been making hats since 1676 and even made hats for Lord Nelson. Not shaving related but worth a visit.

All within half a mile of each other! Have fun!

 

[Pumpkin]

I know the combo of internet stores and a bad exchange rate between USD and GBP means that I should stick with buying stuff online, but I'm heading to London for a few days and was wondering if there are any tips on stores I must visit or products that I can get cheaper in-store than online.

I'm thinking more along the line of soaps, creams, aftershaves, etc. rather than blades. Any tips appreciated.

Most chemists/pharmacies will stock a selection from Erasmic, Palmolive, Ingrams for soaps and creams. If you're in central London look for Boot's or Superdrug (they'll be cheapest and have bigger selection). If out of town, try a Tesco or ASDA Supermarket (their smaller stores have VERY limited selections of shave related stuff...they cater to the "goo in a can" market).

 

[southernmail]

I know the combo of internet stores and a bad exchange rate between USD and GBP means that I should stick with buying stuff online, but I'm heading to London for a few days and was wondering if there are any tips on stores I must visit or products that I can get cheaper in-store than online.

I'm thinking more along the line of soaps, creams, aftershaves, etc. rather than blades. Any tips appreciated.

Definitely go to Jermyn Street. Taylor's of Old Bond Street is there. DR Harris and Truefitt and Hill are around the corner on St James street; not far away to the north is Geo F Trumpers on Curzon. The Turmpers on Jermyn is under renovation at the moment.

Actually the exchange rate is about $1.50 for a pound. This is not at all bad.

Have fun!

 

[Doc4]

Yeah, Jermyn Street and all that ... not so much to actually buy stuff, but at least to go and just soak it all in.

 

[antoine1]

Indeed.

 

[boomer56]

If you have any interest in tea, I recommend Twinnings on Fleet Street. Wonderful.

If you've never been to Britain before, before, McVitties milk chocolate biscuits and/or Hobnobs (both types of cookies, universally available) will improve your quality of life tremendously.

Shaving wise, I've had good luck with Erasmic, but London has so much more to offer, leagues ahead of face cutting...steak and kidney sir, steak and kidney. And the beer...my god.

Boomer

 

[winky]

Thanks for all the tips. Jermyn Street was on my list for the shirt shops - nice to know that all these shaving stores are there, too.

 

[valmara1971]

Just up the hill from T&H is one of Marco piere whites places. The lunchtime menu is a steal considering your right in the middle of gentlemans clubland. I missed this trick when I last visited I won't miss it a second time .

Get a str8 shave booked in at trumpers or T&H but look at my T&H experiance thread first. Also how about a shave and haircut at Harrods if you don't plan to come back again I'd say that's a one for your list.

Also if your looking for a little something for SWMBO and I'm just assuming here Rigby and pellar have a store just next to Harrods.

Enjoy, photograph and post!

 

[SRock]

Yeah, Jermyn Street and all that ... not so much to actually buy stuff, but at least to go and just soak it all in.

 

[Cuttingboard]

Get a str8 shave booked in at trumpers or T&H but look at my T&H experiance thread first.

I've heard less than flattering comments about the str8 shaves at T&H.

I would have a pair of custom shoes made.

 

[winky]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. Just got back from a great trip to London, and did indeed hit up Jermyn Street.

Unfortunately, the day we went was a bank holiday, so we the smaller shops were closed, but I was able to window shop. I did hit up Fortnum and Mason where I picked up some Truefitt and Hill ASB and cream as well as a bottle of Castle and Forbes ASB.

I did my research before going, and was able to save (with VAT refund) over 20 bucks on these items at the current (pre Dow crash that occurred when I was in London) exchange rate.

Very excited to use my new stuff!

Thanks again!