40 London’s Shopping Arcades

LONDON’s

SHOPPING ARCADES

by Ethan Franckwell

The Royal Arcade, London

BURLINGTON ARCADE

Burlington Arcade opened in 1819 selling ‘jewellery and fancy articles of fashionable demand, for the gratification of the public.’ The arcade enabled shoppers to walk along protected from the weather.

There were 51 independent boutiques in its 72 units. At 179m long, the stunning arcade was, and remains one of the longest in Britain.

Today, there are 46 boutiques and the arcade sees 4 million visitors a year. The longest established boutique in the arcade is N.Peal, whose cashmere shop has been trading in the Arcade for 84 years.

Several boutiques are exclusive to the Arcade, like Manolo Blahnik (men’s shoe), which is the only one in the world.

Burlington Arcade is also known for its fragrance houses like Roja Parfums and Penhaligons, and for hand-made leather goods from Strathberry and Kwanpen.

In true traditional style, the Arcade offers a specialist shoe-shine service, delivered outside Church’s shoe boutique.

Another unique feature of the Arcade are its ‘Beadles’ originally recruited as guards from the 10th Hussars. The Beadles still wear Regency inspired uniforms and comprise the oldest and smallest police force in Britain. They ensure the ancient strict rules of the arcade are followed so whistling, running, riding a bicycle or ‘behaving boisterously’ are not allowed.

ROYAL ARCADE

The Arcade was constructed in 1879 and connects Old Bond Street with Albemarle Street in Mayfair.

It is the city’s oldest purpose-built shopping arcade. Originally called The Arcade, it changed to become the Royal Arcade when one of the occupants was granted a Royal Warrant to supply the Royal household. Today, Charbonnel et Walker located in the arcade hold the Royal Warrant as chocolatiers to Her Majesty The Queen.

Its architecture offers a glass roof, richly decorated stucco arches, curved glass window bays and elegant Ionic columns, the ultimate of Victorian design. It has changed little over the past 136 years and retains all its original features. It is therefore a rare opportunity to experience a genuine Victorian arcade is it was intended.

With millions of visitors a year, the arcade is truly magical at Christmas with stunning decorations along its length.

Today, The Royal Arcade continues its longestablished reputation for luxury retail, with the current tenants providing a mix of world renowned brands and unique independent stores.

It is home to everything required by gentlemen from ties, cufflinks, waistcoats, shoes, hair and beard care among other boutiques.

Jermyn Street, well known as the original home of menswear, is still one of the most historic streets in London, with a unique collection of independent boutiques and high-end brands. On the doorstep of the royal residences, it has the most Royal Warrants of any single street in the country!

PICCADILLY ARCADE

The Piccadilly Arcade in opened in 1910 and quickly gained a reputation for high quality retail outlets, becoming known as the 'street for every gentleman'.

Catering for the many rich and well to do local residents in Mayfair and St James visiting any of the arcades offers a different shopping experience.

The Piccadilly Arcade allows you to conduct elegant shopping within the beauty of London's finest Edwardian arcade. The arcade opens out onto Jermyn Street; the most British shopping street in London.

As you leave the arcade at the Jermyn Street end, a bronze statue of a dapper young man greets you. This is Beau Brummel, an icon of male fashion, looks and style for the time. He had friends in high places and was a close friend of the Prince Regent. Over the years, his name is still associated with style and good looks, and has been used to highlight products for their high quality.

Piccadilly Arcade has always offered traditional quality, luxury and style. The same is true today as it was in 1910.

LEADENHALL MARKET

Although not quite an arcade in the same way, Leadenhall Market deserves to be included as a covered shopping experience.

Built on the site of a Roman Basilica (Courts) and Forum (Market), Leadenhall was the largest market North of the Alps and occupied an area bigger than that of Trafalgar Square.

It dates back to the 14th century and located in the heart of Roman London. It was originally a meat, poultry and game market. After the Great Fire of London in 1666 which destroyed parts of the market, it was rebuilt with the addition of a covered roof. It was then a Beef Market, a Green Yard and a Herb Market.

Extensively restored in 1991, it offers a spectacular Victorian setting with the roof, cobbles and preserved buildings. Leadenhall Market has evolved into a major shopping centre with a delightful shopping experience and home to a number of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, wine bars and an award-winning pub.

The arcade takes on an even more magical feel when dressed for Christmas!