Best Shopping and Dining Near Lancaster Gate

Whilst there are a wide range of great hotels in the Lancaster Gate vicinity of London, the possibilities for shopping are often overlooked for the more central Oxford Circus and Camden. If you’re staying at the Park Grand Lancaster Gate, then you needn’t travel as far as central to find great Lancaster Gate restaurants and shopping experiences. Whatever your needs from retail, there is plenty to shop for in the Lancaster Gate area.

So, what is so great about Lancaster Gate? Before you get shopping, it’s a good idea to learn a little more about the area and why it makes such a great destination. Developed in the 19th century as a district of the upmarket Bayswater, the Lancaster Gate area became a highly fashionable residential district, in part due to its proximity to Kensington Gardens. Lancaster Gate has since been built up into a great shopping district due to how close it is to Paddington Station as well as the idyllic canals of Little Venice, giving ample opportunity for tourism in the area.

Whiteley’s

This historic shopping centre has been featured in much literature about London, especially in George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion from 1913, showing just how deep into the cultural consciousness it has been ingrained. The Whiteley’s department store begun its life as a drapery owned by a William Whiteley on Westbourne Grove in 1863. Since then, Whiteley’s exploded and was popular throughout the 60’s and 70’s but has since fallen out of favour in the 21st century. There are still a range of high street shops you can find in the Whiteley shopping centre, including M&S and Vodafone.

The Swan

This traditional coaching inn from the 18th century is located right on the edge of Hyde Park and a stone’s throw from Lancaster Gate tube station. This Fullers owned pub serves up great food and classic lagers and ales in a vintage furnished and hearty British pub, giving you everything you’d need for a Sunday afternoon stroll and pub lunch.

Heal’s

Heal’s is one of the most famous British furniture brands and brings a range of cutting edge designs to the furniture game. Whilst tourists may not want to lug a new sofa back overseas with them, there are plenty of accessories and homeware trinkets you can pick up as well as a boutique and tailor crafted kitchen and homeware designs.

L’artisan du Chocolat

One of the best gourmet chocolate shops in London, the mouthwatering selection at Lancaster Gates L’artisan du Chocolat is moreish, beautifully crafted and great value for the boutique nature of the treats. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or you want to find the perfect souvenir from your journey to London for a loved one, the selection at L’artisan du Chocolat will cater to all tastes.

The Fish Shop at Kensington Place

For some of the best quality fresh and locally caught fish in London, the Fish Shop in Kensington Place is certainly the best bet. For West Londoners looking for some fresh squid, cod and mackerel, the Fish Shop brings some of the best selections in the city.

Leinster Arms

This is another example of traditional pub food in a relaxed setting. West London truly is one of the best areas to find the classic British pub, and the Leinster Arms brings a charm and rustic edge which really goes down well with a pint.