One of the ways an Englishman stays english is by shopping the very english way. There are stores that you will only see in London, however tourists know of these stores and put them high on their list of must see shopping stops.
Harrod's (the best known of England's large department stores) offers an expected level of high quality and variety. To get there, just hop on the tube and get off at Knight'sbridge.
Originally started as a small family store in the 1830's and then expanding into a department store, it is has continued to grow through the years.
It suffered after WWII but was renovated and rebounded to regain its position of shopping for the elite.
They have a reputation of carrying anything you might want and obtaining anything a customer could want that they don't already have.
It was widely publicized that Sarah Ferguson had run up a huge debt in Harrod's food hall which has the largest and best food selection in the world.
Their famous green shopping bags also come in a stronger vinyl version which are available for purchase.
When acquired by the current owner, Al Fayed, the store underwent an extensive renovation. The ambiance has strayed from the traditional english and now includes a pyramid, built at great expense and a restaurant called Planet Harrods.
These changes take away from the store's traditional english feel and give it more of an international feel, but there is still enough of an english feel to the store to more than make it worth the trip.
Another interesting change made by the current owner is the removal of their fabric department. For that you need to get off the tube at Regent street.
Liberty of London , which opened in 1875, is known by many for their men's ties is a medium sized department store with a wonderful selection of wools, cottons, and silks. The overwhelming assortment is a candy store for those who sew or have their clothes made for them.
It is the store for sewing classes and a selection of crafts done in the traditional english way.
It's understated tudor exterior is traditional english makes you feel like you are back in history. Inside, the staff take their positions as a profession. It is unspoiled understated english.
For anyone who sews or is looking for a selection of wonderful gifts, this is the place to go. It is a traditional english haberdashery that still remains the style that for which the english are known.
Once a year, around Christmas time, the store has a huge sale. Bargain hunters appear to make their selection from the wide variety of fabrics.
The store has remained an untarnished English symbol and continues to those who cling to english traditions.
While you are shopping there for fabrics don't forget to look at their selection of ties. A man's tie from Liberty is a sign of understated class and style.