Daily Constitutional editor Adam Scott-Goulding writes…It's back! The annual London Christmas Shopping Guide from The Daily Constitutional!
This year I'll be including museum gift shops and markets for gift ideas.
As well as gifts I'll be pointing you toward local London shops for the best in Christmas food and drink. Where relevant, I'll list the London Walks tour that finishes near the shop in question.
As usual, you can drop me a line with your own tips by emailing the usual address, by leaving a comment below or via Twitter.
The Button Queen What: Buttons, buttons and more buttons
Where: 76 Marylebone Lane W1
Why: What links the following: Domed; Half ball; High ball; Double flats; Madeleine?
Architectural terms? Sports jargon? Cocktails?
None of the above, thanks for asking. They’re all button coverings.
London has one shop specializing in antique and modern buttons – The Button Queen in Marylebone. Establishments such as The Button Queen remind us why Johnson’s oft-abused dictum – “for in London there is all that life can afford” – gets trotted out after every meal and twice before bedtime.A shop dedicated entirely to buttons. What a delight.
A London institution, the business moved to Marlborough Court just off Carnaby Street in the late 60’s under the auspices of Toni Frith, the original Button Queen. Moves to St Christopher’s Place and latterly Marylebone Lane followed, as did celebrity clientele such as Shirley Bassey and Bob Hope.
Still going strong, you can find The Button Queen at 76 Marylebone Lane W1U 2PR. Call them on 0207 935 1505 or visit their website www.thebuttonqueen.co.uk.
Keep it in mind. And next time the conversation turns to matters of haberdashery, you can say, “I know just the place” with a great deal of satisfaction.
Christmas 2016 With London Walks…
On Christmas Day there are TWO London Walks: Walk up an appetite with The Christmas Morning 1660 Walk – meet at 11:00a.m by the big tree in Trafalgar Square
Walk off the pudding with The Christmas Day Charles Dickens Walk – meet by the big tree in Trafalgar Square at 2:00pm
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
