A Journey Through Chinatown: Steps from The Athenaeum
Nestled in the heart of London, just a short stroll from The Athenaeum, Chinatown is a vibrant enclave brimming with culture, history, and culinary delights. […]
27th May 2022
On arrival to Burlington Arcade, as you take in the impressive entrance with its magnificent stone archway you’ll notice that a uniformed man in a top hat stands to the side, welcoming visitors across the threshold. This man is known as a Beadle and, fun fact, he is a member of the smallest private police force in the world: The Burlington Beadle Guard! But it’s not as serious as you think. The Beadle is simply on hand to offer information and to point you in the right direction, wherever it is you want to go. If time allows, you may even wish to book a Beadle tour and make the most of their extensive knowledge of the arcade and its history.
Now, turn your attention to the arcade in front of you, where colourful boutique shop fronts line the hallway, each store displaying goods entirely different from its neighbour. If you’re looking for a gorgeously scented perfume to captivate the senses of passers-by, you must pay a visit to Roja Parfums, where renowned British perfumer, Roja Dove, uses rare and coveted ingredients including Jasmine de Grasse, Rose de Mai and natural Ambergris to curate bespoke, luxurious fragrances. For the seasoned travellers amongst you, pop by Globe Trotter (est. 1897) to browse their opulent range of handcrafted leather travel accessories and luggage bags. But what sets them apart from other luxury luggage brands, you ask? It’s the highly-skilled artisans that use original, Victorian-era machinery and manufacturing methods. Clients have even included Daniel Craig, Kate Moss, Winston Churchill and HM Queen Elizabeth II herself!
As you stroll past the shops, you’ll notice the many jewellers that call Burlington Arcade its home. A particular favourite of ours is Amrapali Jewels, a globally celebrated luxury jewellery house established by two friends who were inspired by the rich culture and heritage of India, as well as their deep admiration of the country’s artefacts and tribal jewellery. Each piece encapsulates the beauty of traditional Indian design but this is often infused with a contemporary Western twist, making the jewellery something truly special indeed. Amrapali Jewels recently launched a bespoke revolving Gem Bar in the heart of the boutique, showcasing a vibrant mix of loose jewels including rubies, sapphires and topaz, which shoppers can pick out to use in their own bespoke designs.
For beauty lovers, Code8 should be next on your list, particularly if you’re in the market for a new lipstick. The luxury cosmetics brand allows shoppers to create their very own lipstick shade, tailored to skin tone and personal preference, using high-tech, no-fade formulas. Each product will be stunningly presented in eco-friendly packaging and is available to refill on request. What’s not to love?!
Now, we don’t know about you but all this shopping has us feeling like we need a little pick-me-up. If you’re in need of a pit-stop before the retail therapy resumes, no problem. Burlington Arcade is home to many eateries, but the Aladdin’s Cave of macaroons, Ladurée, is our personal favourite. A quick rest here with a coffee and a sweet treat to nibble on might be just the ticket to put a spring back in your step.
After a busy day of shopping, put your feet up and enjoy a luxurious overnight stay at The Athenaeum.
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