The Royal Exchange was originally built in 1566 for trading stocks and became Britain’s first precursor to the modern shopping centre in 1660 with the opening of two additional retail floors.
The current building is actually the third incarnation of the Royal Exchange, after the first two were destroyed in fires. It was first opened in 1844 and refurbished in 2001 as a luxury shopping destination. It is now home to over 30 luxury brand boutiques and five restaurants, so visitors can shop and dine in one of London’s most beautiful and historic buildings.
1. Jo Malone
Probably Britain’s favourite perfume brand, Jo Malone London is best known for scented candles and bath and body products in scent combinations such as lime basil & mandarin, and blackberry & bay. In this boutique you can try out all the fragrances and even enjoy a complimentary hand and arm massage.
24 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LN
2. SageBrown
SageBrown specialises in high quality leather goods for men and women including handbags, briefcases, laptop bags, travel accessories, belts, and cases for various small items. Each product comes in a selection of colours and textures and has a lifetime service warranty.
31 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LN
3. cutter & squidge
Take a break from your Royal Exchange shopping trip at cutter & squidge, to enjoy freshly roasted coffee, homemade cakes and vegan treats. They’re famous for biskies – a so-called “sandwiched” dessert that is a hybrid of a cake and a cookie, filled with cream, jam or salted caramel. What are you waiting for?
23 Royal Exchange, Threadneedle Street, London EC3V 3LP
4. Pretty Ballerinas
If you love ballet flats, you’ll be in heaven in this tiny shop with a huge collection of colours and styles. There are also a few other shoe styles such as sandals and sneakers, an adorable children’s collection, and accessories including bags, belts, and scarves.
30 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LN
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5. Tateossian
Tateossian makes contemporary jewellery for both men and women, specialising in cufflinks and leather bracelets. The designs are pretty unusual and unique such as the cufflinks made from meteorites and fossils – a good gift for the man who has everything, perhaps?
1/4 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LN
6. Bamford Grooming Department
Entirely dedicated to men’s skincare, Bamford Grooming Department will help you look your best no matter how many late nights you’ve had to pull in the name of work. One-to-one consultations and appointments are offered in the shop’s private space on the lower ground floor.
33 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LP
7. Fortnum & Mason
If it’s been a while since you’ve been able to frequent the original Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly, this outpost makes for a great alternative. It’s part food hall, part dining experience, where you can buy or enjoy the famous Fortnum’s loose-leaf tea and sweet treats.
4-7 The Courtyard, London, EC3V 3LR
8. Smythson
Heritage luxury lifestyle brand Smythson was founded in 1887 and has supplied leather luggage, travel accessories, diaries, and notebooks to the maharajas of India, Katharine Hepburn, and several members of the Royal Family and parliament.
7 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LN
9. Aspinal of London
The Aspinal boutique in the Royal Exchange offers a selection of handcrafted leather handbags, wallets, journals, and premium accessories for both men and women. There’s also an in-store personalisation service.
35 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LN
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10. Georg Jensen
Danish Jewellery and watch brand Georg Jensen opened its Royal Exchange boutique in 2015. The brand is also famous for its Christmas ornaments, silver candleholders, and fine cutlery.
8A, The Courtyard, Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LN
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