London’s best independent shops

Despite supermarkets and high street brands dominating London’s retail space over the last few decades, in recent years Londoners have become more aware of the importance of supporting their local independents.

Our city’s independent shopping scene is thriving as a result.

This trend was cemented during the pandemic, when we weren’t allowed to leave our neighbourhoods.

Popping into small local businesses for our essentials became not only a necessity but also a real pleasure.

People suddenly realised that independent shops are an easy way to engage with their community – as well as vital for supporting their local economy.

From a traditional grocer to an awesome art supplier, here’s our pick of some of the best in London.

L.Cornelissen & Son

Fitzrovia

In the art world, Cornelissen’s has been known for selling the best supplies on the market since 1855.

Serious crafts people – pastel makers, icon painters, signwriters – all buy their supplies here as the quality is second to none.

With its mahogany drawers filled with the likes of squirrel-hair paint brushes and glass jars full of jewel-bright pigments, this shop really is as aesthetically-pleasing as the art its customers create.

Berry Bros. & Rudd

St. James’s

London’s oldest wine shop opened in St James’s in 1698 and incredibly it’s still owned by the same family, now in its eighth generation.

Inside it’s a mixture of wood panelling and cutting edge storage facilities.

The stocklist is like a drinkable homage to the shop’s proud history.

Look out for The King’s Ginger, a punchy liqueur formulated especially for King Edward VII.

It may all sound a little intimidating, but the staff are always happy to work within lower budgets.

The Old Cinema

Chiswick

This former Edwardian picture palace has more than 10,000 square metres of showrooms that exclusively stock second hand goods.

Back in the 70s, the site was due to be sold to a supermarket chain, but a group of local antiques dealers clubbed together to buy it and this is the result.

Join savvy shoppers browsing antiques, mid-century furniture, vintage home accessories and architectural fitting such as fireplaces and locks, or bring your pre-loved treasures along to their restoration studio.

The Second Shelf

Soho

After spotting that most rare book fairs showcase works mainly by men, author AN Devers decided to open a book shop that did exactly the opposite.

Browse a brilliant collection of second hand titles and new zines/magazines, as well as cheeky gifts that celebrate the female form including bookmarks and notepads.

It’s tucked away in cute Smith’s Court, which has several cafes and quiet benches, perfect for whiling away an hour or two with a good read.

Giddy Grocer

Bermondsey

Although it only opened in 2017, this fabulous food emporium is very much a traditional British grocer.

Co-owner Chris Hall was inspired by the shop her grandparents ran in the 1950s, although classic fittings are balanced by a very 21st century approach to provenance and sustainability.

Fill your basket with English-grown vegetables, fresh pastries and pantry essentials such as rapeseed oil and speciality mustard.