Time Out London Shopping Awards

When it comes to shopping in London, the expert team at Time Out have an eagle’s eye approach to uncovering new and unexplored gems, from fashion stylists’ secret haunts (like the cheap costume jewellery stall in Dalston) to the only shop in London that stocks the entire Sylvanian Families back catalogue.


Last week Time Out's shopping section went online, with a comprehensive archive of some of their best-ever stories, including “London’s top 20 thrift stores”, “London’s essential services”, and “London’s best museum shops”.

And right now, they're busy canvassing votes for the 2008 Shopping Awards. There’s a wide array of categories and lots of independent retailers to choose from. For me, Broadway Market wins hands-down for “best place to lose yourself for an afternoon” (but only because I can only ever tackle Dover Street Market in the morning, accompanied by a good cup of coffee and a slice of Rose Bakery carrot cake). Vote for your favourite London shops here.