Close-up: Redchurch Street

London is great for streets because:

#1. There's a lot of them  

And when there is a lot of something there's usually a few good ones lurking about somewhere. There are exceptions of course. Don't get me started on Oxford Street (you have to get the central line, which is something I actively avoid, and then it's just an elbow sparring match to get down the bloody street) or Camden High Street (again, way too many people, mainly tourists. I don't mind tourists per se, but they do tend to dawdle and walk down the street three abreast). However, on the whole, London does tend to do streets really well. What I mean is there are streets where you can aimlessly wander for the entire afternoon, and aimlessly wandering is something I love to do. So, for my first instalment of 'close-ups', I thought I'd bring Redchurch Street to you. Can I afford anything on the street? That would be a no, but aimlessly wandering costs nothing. 

Le Labo

Okay, I'm going to lead you as if you were entering from Club Row. The first shop you will encounter is;

1. Rachel Entwistle: The jewellery in here is gorgeous. I've been in multiple times just to try on the rings and fantasise about owning something. If you wanted to get something really special for someone (like an 18th or 21st birthday present) I would suggest coming to have a look in here. The shop assistants are also always really friendly and helpful. 

2. Azurina: Bag shop. Looks expensive but is actually pretty reasonably priced.  

Take your next right onto Redchurch Street and walk until you spot the third destination on your left;

3. Labour and Wait: Everything you can imagine for your house. 

4. Pop-up: As the name would suggest this space is rented out to different brands for various concept stores. It is currently A Sustainable Department Store. They have a wide selection of pottery from Kana, Fred Rigby Studio and Eesome . My favourite sections are the skin and body care as it all smells delicious and is very aesthetically pleasing (the candles also smell incredible). They have clothing (Henri London, 31 Chapel Lane, Retold Vintage and Bug Clothing) bags and jewellery (Jessie Harris, Monarc and Karina Banks). Basically, they are making Christmas shopping super easy as they have such a wide selection of presents, I'm certain that you'll find something for all the women in your life (and potentially men and/or yourself).   

Now turn around and come back down to the intersection with Club Row. On that corner is a very cute little coffee shop;

5. All Press: Cute coffee shop. There is limited space for sitting so would not recommend as a place to go and do work. However, would recommend for a take-away (remember your reusable cup people). 

6. J.Crew/ Club Monaco: Keep walking down on the same side and you will find these two cult classics. 

Folk

On the right-side you will find;

7. Le Labo: They sell skincare, perfumes and candles, all of which are deliciously scented. When you go in there's a big sink where you can test all the products- I enjoy doing that way too much. Also, I recommend smelling all of the candles. 

8. Folk: On the corner is Folk, which is just a dream for clothing staples. They focus on classic cuts and soft fabrics in neutral and muted tones as everything is designed with interchangeability and everyday wearability in mind (hence the colour palette and classic style).   

9. London Studio Ceramics: Another pop-up that is currently featuring the pottery and sculpture of Helena Lacy. I would highly recommend for home inspiration. 

Keep walking down, on the left-side there are a multitude of delicious looking restaurants;

10. Cecconi's: Pizza and pasta. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Need I say more? Yes. On the website it says 'expect... plenty of tiramisu'. Considering the last pizza restaurant (cough, Pizza Pilgrims, cough) ran out of tiramisu, I am on board with the 'plenty'. Just go and look at the menu's (oh the plurality) on their website, you will be as excited as I am. 

11. Burro e Salvia: Italian restaurant. They have a fresh pasta counter where you can hand select the pasta you want. Also, they have pasta making workshops. The inside is all stripped wooden floorboards and marble countertops so again, home inspiration galore. The tiramisu looks incredible (slightly obsessed but it is hands down the perfect dessert, no dispute).

12. The Owl and the Pussycat: Classic English pub. I've been here for a Sunday Roast and it was delicious. 10/10 would recommend. 

Toast

Interspersed between these restaurants on this left side are;

13. Aesop: Skincare brand. The store is gorgeous, think mahogany wood and cosy dark paint. Recommend solely for the aesthetics. 

14. Toast: Expensive womenswear brand. I went in the other day and they had a pair of gloves that I think I will be dreaming about forever (mitten style, buttery soft, caramel coloured leather, lined with fleece; I didn't know I needed a pair of mittens at the age of 22, but I do). 

Carry on walking and cross the intersection with Chance Street, you will stumble across;

15. Emin and Paul: I love this shop. The clothes are gorgeous and they have really cute, more affordable accessories such as headbands, beanies and scarves. 

16. A.C. Store X danielle foster: I believe this is another pop-up space. It features a range of London based talent that showcases prints, jewellery and pottery (amongst other desirable objects). Another place you should hit up if you're looking for Christmas presents.

Unassuming exterior of Toast

On the opposite side you have;

17. Modern Society: Very modern, very elegant. There is a little café as you walk in with a spacious area for seating. Towards the back of the shop there is clothing, bags and jewellery. 

18. Nudie Jeans Repair Shop: I have never been inside as there is a mannequin with a humungous raven's head which makes me jump every time I walk past. However, they're a pretty cool brand as their whole ethos is centred around sustainability. All jeans are made with 100% organic cotton as well as having a transparent production process. They are actively engaged with sustainability from both the social and environmental aspects and offer free repairs on all jeans. 

19. Kite: Very funky glasses shop. 

20.  Aimé: A delightfully curated selection of French brands, including Isabel Marant, Forte Forte and Officine Générale. 

21.  A.P.C: Another French brand that is quintessentially chic in the way that French style invariably is. 

22. Sunspel: Incredibly good basics that are unfortunately out of my price range.

And finally, an adorable café that I will be going to A$AP Rocky style as the brunch options look very yummy;

23. Albion: I think this would be the perfect place for a first date. It's an all-day café with a relaxed, sunny interior and a menu that not only looks delicious, but is reasonably priced. I have scoured their menu from top to bottom (brunch, lunch and dinner) and I'm thinking multiple trips shall be in order (specifically to try the gluten free chocolate brownie, the entire 'Cakes and Scones' section, the Albion Royale, the Vegetarian Albion and ale battered Fish and Chips). 

 (to the left) A.P.C, (to the right) Aimé 

As you can see there is a veritable plethora of window shopping opportunities as well as actual shopping opportunities, if your budget allows for it. I would suggest going to look for Christmas/birthday presents here, especially if you're searching for something a little bit special. I would also recommend browsing for aesthetics sake, which is something I find myself doing every once in a while when I have the time.