The best department stores in London

Its charming mock-Tudor storefront is a London landmark, and Liberty’s constant ability to impress shows no sign of abating. It’s a genuinely atmospheric place to shop, thanks to its beautiful interior – balconies, dark wood panelling and some seriously glamorous lifts. You’ll be happy just wandering around and soaking it all in, but in terms of goodies, there’s something here for every budget. The brilliant ground-floor beauty and perfume halls (not to mention the mouthwatering chocolate emporium, strategically placed at the Carnaby Street entrance) are always a treat.

Browns founder Joan Burstein (the ‘fairy godmother of fashion’) is credited with discovering John Galliano after stumbling across his graduate collection and later on, stocking the work of (at that time) a little known designer named Alexander McQueen.  Mrs B also introduced the likes of Comme des Garçons, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein to the British fashion scene. More than 50 years later, Browns continues to champion young and emerging designers. After being acquired by fashion website FarFetch in 2015, Browns moved its flagship store on South Molton Street to a Grade II-listed eighteenth century building on Mayfair’s Brook Street in 2021. 

After 130 years, luxury department store Fenwick left its iconic outlet on Bond Street in February 2024 but its flagship store in Brent Cross Shopping Centre is still going strong. The three storey emporium offers up everything you expect from any good department store – apparel, homewear, beauty bits and accessories from classic and emerging high-end brands like Stella McCartney, Viviene Westwood, Ganni, Jo Malone and Our Place. There’s also a wee horticultral section downstairs, selling fresh plants and a bunch of tools and sprays to help your patch bloom. 

Heal’s might be London’s grand old dame of interiors, but don’t let that fool you; this place is anything but stuck in the past. With a knack for spotting emerging designers and a lineup of established favourites across furniture, lighting, soft furnishings and home accessories, it somehow manages to feel both classic and fresh.

The 2023 refurbishment gave the Tottenham Court Road flagship a serious facelift: the frontage was doubled, the showroom opened up, and the space now feels modern, airy, and easy to wander. All the while, it’s kept plenty of its original charm, from decorative details to those iconic staircases. Most of the action happens on the ground and lower-ground floors, where you’ll find everything from furniture and upholstery to lighting, cushions and smaller home accessories. Vintage Danish furniture lovers will be in heaven, the lighting department is top-notch, and if you’re hunting for a gift, Heal’s has got you covered.