Shops, sights and sips on Oxford Street.
Londoners have long had a love–hate relationship with Oxford Street. Stretching 1.2 miles from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, it has been the beating heart of the capital’s shopping scene for over a century. Once part of an ancient Roman road, it later served as the route to the Tyburn gallows at Marble Arch, where prisoners were hanged.
By the early 20th century, Oxford Street had reinvented itself with grand department stores, from John Lewis to Selfridges, and teenage top spots, from Nike to Topshop. Celebrities have switched on its Christmas lights. Films have captured its chaos and charm. And, visitors have made it Europe’s busiest shopping street. Follow in FACT’s footsteps for a great day and night out.
Breakfast at Selfridges
You know when you’re near Selfridges. The crowds thicken. The signature Pantone 109 yellow shopping bags appear. And men in top hats are ready to open doors for you into the department store. While Selfridges is famous for its shops, it’s also home to dining destinations that are worth seeking out in their own right. When Brasserie of Light opened in 2018, it was the talk of the town. British artist Damien Hirst created an Instagram-worthy centrepiece: a 24-foot, crystal-encrusted statue called The Pegasus, no less. The size and sparkles are enough to give a disco ball an inferiority complex. The humble breakfast is given an elegant upgrade – Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs with Imperial Caviar, anyone? Plus, classics from Buttermilk Pancakes to a Full English Breakfast.
GO: Visit www.selfridges.com for more information.
Shopping at John Lewis
High-street to high-end shops offer personal stylists. John Lewis has taken things up a fashionable notch with its personal styling service. Whether you're after one outfit or a wardrobe refresh, the stylists are on hand to help – and best of all, it's free. The services are FACT Tried and Tested and range from the Express Service for up to one hour, to the Wardrobe Refresh for up to two hours. The shop has more than 150 stylists working across its branches, and it's best to book in advance. The Style Studio offers a drop-in service, and Style Talks take place throughout the year. There is no obligation to buy anything.
GO: Visit www.johnlewis.com for more information.
Lunch at Aqua Kyoto
Rooftop restaurants in central London are few and far between. Strut forward, Aqua Kyoto. Located on Argyll, it is a fabulous and fashionable spot for Japanese food. The menu is a long love letter to the country and spans appetisers, crystal sushi, maki, salads, sashimi, tempura, robata, Wagyu, large dishes, signature platters and desserts. The Aqua Kyoto Innovative Sushi Platter is superb for sharing and comes with 10 pieces. Choose between watching the mixologists in the long bar or the sushi chefs in the open kitchen. If the weather permits, indulge in the alfresco experience.
GO: Visit https://aquakyoto.co.uk for more information.
Take a break at Rituals
Shopping can be stressful, especially on Oxford Street with its traffic, people traffic and rickshaw traffic blaring music. Rituals is here to help. The brand specialises in body and bath products, which will help you to feel relaxed and refreshed. The shop will be welcoming the United Kingdom’s first Mind Oasis, a concept already found in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Frankfurt and Paris. Give your hands – no doubt carrying a bag – and feet a break. The science-inspired treatments include a Brain Massage, Breathing Bubble, and a massage on top of a waterboard. Float away.
GO: Visit www.rituals.com for more information.
Admire art at Frameless
The Oxford Street area is close to a range of galleries and museums, from Moco Museum to The Photographers’ Gallery. The immersive art experience uses cutting-edge technology to create an experience that is great for children and newcomers to art. It’s hard not to admire the little children running around trying to “catch” the moving images. The experience makes you reimagine the way art can be presented, taking it off the wall and making you feel like you are walking into actual artworks. Wind through a maze of colours and shapes in The Art of Abstraction exhibition, to the surrealist space in the Beyond Reality exhibition.
GO: Visit https://frameless.com for more information.
Sip on afternoon tea at Sanderson London
Let your trip on Oxford Street get curiouser and curiouser. Go mad for Sanderson London’s Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea. Guests are invited to tumble down the rabbit hole and take in a tea inspired by the whimsical world of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. Enjoy pastries shaped like the Tweedle Dee Brothers and the Queen of Hearts. There is a menu available for children and adults, and it can be boxed to take home.
GO: Visit https://morgansoriginals.com for more information.
Dine out at Berners Tavern
Berners Tavern takes your breath away the moment you step inside. The grand dining room impresses with soaring ceilings and striking artwork on the walls, making it just as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. Don’t be surprised if you spend more time admiring your surroundings than digging into your food. Created by celebrity chef Jason Atherton, the menu celebrates modern British cuisine. Standout dishes include the Mac and Cheese, delicate Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, and a selection of perfectly cooked steaks.
GO: Visit www.bernerstavern.com for more information.
Spend the night at The Langham
Few hotels command the stature of The Langham, London. The hotel has welcomed guests since 1865, and famous faces from Diana, Princess of Wales, to Winston Churchill have all spent time at the landmark. Located between Portland Place and Regent Street, its standout features include its culinary offerings. The hotel boasts diverse dining options, overseen by MICHELIN-lauded chef Michel Roux Jr. Spend the night in one of the 380 rooms and suites, which offer a quintessentially British stay. Goodnight, Oxford Street.
GO: Visit www.langhamhotels.com for more information.
