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British Designers in London

London has a reputation for being a creative city. And, with the UK producing some internationally-renowned and innovative designers, the capital acts as a shop window onto British design.

Burberry

The famous Burberry check may have become a chav favourite (see our Chav Heaven page), but the high-end Prorsum range has retained its exclusivity. Christopher Bailey has won British Designer of the Year for his work on the label.

Jasper Conran

A bit of an institution these days, Jasper Conran offers beautifully classic garments as well as homewares, jewellery, scents and a more affordable range of designs for Debenhams. This label provides fantastic smart casual wear.

Joseph

Joseph's signature look is smart, tailored and modern. Shop here for beautifully made classic items that you just can't do without. The Fulham Road flagship store carries ranges of other top European designers as well.
77 Fulham Road, SW3

Paul Smith

The king of British men's fashion is Sir Paul Smith and his label celebrates classic British tailoring injected with a twist. The trademark bright patterned shirts and loud cufflinks, wallets and accessories are instantly recognisable. Pop into Paul's for fun shopping and great men's gifts.

Pringle of Scotland

This traditional clothing label has worked hard in recent years to become one of Britain's hottest fashion brands. The Scottish company has shaken off its old golfers' image and Pringle now offers colourful and creative ranges of knitwear and cashmere.

Stella McCartney

Since leaving French fashion house Chloé, Stella McCartney has gone from strength to strength. She is now Britain's hottest celebrity designer and owner of one of the UK's most envied labels. Her high street range made exclusively for Hennes sold out across the country within hours of hitting shop rails. However for classic Stella chic and a more relaxed browsing experience, visit the Bruton Street flagship store.

Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood has been revolutionising the British fashion industry since the label's early days in the 1970s. She continues to lead the market with her bold designs today. Peruse the rails of her flagship store to take in her Red, Gold, Man and Anglomania labels.www.lynotttours.com

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Pounds Sterling Notes

From Wikipedia:

Because of the wide variety of sterling notes in circulation, acceptance of different pound sterling banknotes varies.

• English banknotes (Bank of England):

The majority of sterling notes are printed by the Bank of England. These are legal tender in England and Wales and generally accepted throughout the UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. They are also accepted in the Overseas Territories which are at parity with sterling.

• Scottish banknotes:

These are recognised currency in Scotland and are generally acceptable throughout the UK. Until recently many people outside Scotland were unfamiliar with the notes and they were sometimes refused. However, such institutions as the Post Office will readily accept Scottish bank notes as will major stores. Branches of the Scottish note-issuing banks situated in England dispense Bank of England notes and may not dispense their own notes from those branches ^[11].

• Northern Ireland banknotes:

These are rarely seen outside Northern Ireland. They are often not accepted in England and Wales without some explanation.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com>

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Antique hunting in the Cotswolds

Most Cotswolds towns and village have the odd "antique" shop, but we have tried to pick out the places that have more than average. All tastes and prices are catered for. The descriptions below the map will tell you if it is the sort of venue you are looking for

FROM:http://www.cotswolds-calling.com/antiques.htm

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com>

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Department Stores in London

Department Stores

Department stores are a London speciality. There are dozens of them across the city, stocked with a huge range of products from fashion to home furnishings, food to jewellery.

Most stores are also equipped with cafes, restaurants or bars – perfect when you need to recharge your batteries after an extended shopping session. Some even offer you the chance to unwind with a luxurious spa or beauty treatment. You’ll also find extensive cosmetics departments as well as bridal wear in the majority of larger stores.

Personal shopper services are becoming ever more common for both women and men, and they’re not just for clothes either. Simply contact the store directly and make an appointment if you’d like some expert help finding that perfect purchase.

Oxford Street

This world famous shopping street is home to a wide range of shops including big name department stores.

Selfridges

At the start of the street, near Marble Arch Tube station is the cutting-edge Selfridges. Whatever you’re after - bags, shoes, cosmetics, soft furnishings, books,a speciality food hall or cafes, you’ll find it in this amazing one-stop department store! There’s an extensive designer clothing section catering for men, women and children, and a Superbrands department includes Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabanna and Alexander McQueen amongst other fashion leaders.

John Lewis

This well-established chain of department stores has a large branch on Oxford Street. Combining high quality with keen pricing, John Lewis stocks nearly half a million products from buttons to beds, cushions to cufflinks. A number of services are on offer, so you can benefit from free advice on furniture, fashion and nursery items, and much more.

Debenhams

Further east along Oxford Street sits Debenhams. This popular department store stocks affordable ranges from a number of talented British designers such as Jasper Conran, Ben de Lisi, Frost French and Julien Macdonald. There is a large shoe department, extensive lingerie section and a cosmetics hall with all the top beauty brands represented.

Bond Street

This area off Oxford Street is packed with exclusive boutiques.

Fenwick of Bond Street

Established in 1891 as a hair accessories boutique, Fenwick’s is now home to five floors of luxury retail. Choose from a wide range of designer clothing, homewares, bags, shoes, fashion jewellery and more. The cosmetic department is among the finest in London and Carluccio's café in the basement is the perfect place for a spot of refreshment.

Regent Street

Adjoining Oxford Street, Regent Street is a great place to go if you’re in search of some serious shopping.

Liberty

Opened in 1875, Liberty has long been regarded as a traditional store but venturing inside reveals a host of cutting-edge ranges. Innovative womenswear and menswear labels include Vivienne Westwood, Chloé, Martine Sitbon and Dries Van Noten. Extensive accessories, bridal wear and speciality food departments plus an impressive beauty hall are just some of the areas to be discovered.

Piccadilly

Piccadilly is a traditional shopping area featuring some of the oldest British retailers.

Fortnum and Mason

Popular with Royalty, Fortnum and Mason is renowned for its fine foodstuffs. If you want specialist teas, caviar and other tempting treats then this is the place to go. Venture beyond the food department and you’ll find menswear, womenswear, cosmetics, homewares and luggage spread over the store's six floors.

Knightsbridge

Heading further west will take you to Knightsbridge. Here you’ll find two extremely well known department stores.

Harvey Nichols

A must for any fashionista, Harvey Nichols brings together an impressive range of designers from around the world. D&G, John Galliano, Space NK, Burberry and Jimmy Choo are just a few of the labels found here, supplying an elite clientele with fine clothes, accessories, cosmetics, food and shoes.

Harrods

A London icon, Harrods is located further down Brompton Road. This store is considered an attraction as well as a world class store. With over 300 departments on seven floors it’s easy to spend a lot of time (and money) here. The spectacular interior décor is unique; look out for the Egyptian-inspired elements.

Browse designer fashions, jewellery, toys, electronics and more. There is everything here that you could possibly imagine, including services like dog coat fitting, piano tuning and an interior design service! Don’t miss the impressive food halls selling everything from fresh doughnuts and sushi to delicacies which make the perfect gift.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

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