LONDON
THE BURLINGTON ARCADE CONT .
The aforementioned Globe-Trotter ’ s flagship boutique is a rabbit warren of luxury . Aside the eyecatching displays of finely crafted and exclusive luggage , which range from large trunk suitcases to exquisite watch boxes ( the likes of which has been used by everyone who is anyone from The Queen to James Bond ), there are narrow winding stairways leading to exclusive wares , DJ decks , the basement bar , and a hidden vault of extra-special pieces ( think design-forward , iconic-fame and you ’ ll be part way there ...). Gleaming amongst the swatches of leather , fabrics and hardware samples , guests can begin their entirely bespoke luggage journey at the stunning bar , glass of Gusbourne in hand , to lovingly handchoose everything from the main luggage outer case to the tiniest of details .
Showcased by store manager Michael Rodie and his evidently passionate , yet elegantly refined team , the range here is heart stoppingly special .
From the newly commissioned Beadle uniforminspired limited editions to safari chic , colour pops of Asian-influened fun to sleek watch boxes , each is impressive and instantly desirable . For those opting for a bespoke piece , which is often chosen to commemorate special anniversaries or gifted as wedding presents , the custom design , once curated , will be expertly hand-made to your own exact bespoke design by expert craftspeople right here in England , before being delivered to store or home for your next Globe-Trotter journey to commence .
But of course , the experiences here are not just limited to those within the stores .
Located , most appropriately , at a custom-built station outside of Church ’ s , the characterful Romi Topi has been polishing shoes for the great and the good here since 2001 . Alongside his effervescent warmth is an evident pride and passion in his work . Demonstrated not only through his expert practice of cleaning , dyeing , polishing , and buffing , but in his own custommade range of products that he has developed over decades of footwear care . His skills and exemplary service recognisable not just from his see-beforeyour-eyes shoe transformations , but from the queue of repeat customers that just kept on growing throughout our visit .
Whilst aside from shopping and shining , there are also some pretty unique and wonderful pit stops too .
Having made the move from coffee cart to permanent abode , Noxy Brothers is the perfect caffeine and cake fix , showcasing their own bespoke house blend , revolving house-guest special origins , quirky tea blends and some divinely tasting African hot chocolate , with all their drinks available over ice too .
And where Noxy Brothers is the cool cousin of coffee culture , Ladurée is the sophisticated dame of French patisserie .
Located at the corner entrance of the Picadilly doors , Ladurée is as beautiful as it is delicious . With windows
adjourned in gold and ornate displays of their delicate ( and highly sought-after ) macaron , no visit here would be complete without a box of delights .
Flavours such as rose , pistachio , or salted caramel vie for attention against passionfruit and mango , orange , and coffee , as the pastel-coloured treats seemingly sing from the windows .
But that is not all that is on offer here .
Inside the arcade , rows of simple metal tables and chairs for two offer the most wonderful place in which to enjoy Ladurée ’ s current special collaboration showpiece . During our visit a partnership with Milanbased homeware brand , La Double J , delivered the most wonderful and prettiest champagne afternoon tea in the city . The pretty ( and delicious ) macarons , finger sandwiches , fresh scones , and mille feuille served to a backdrop of intricate , custom-designed , floral artwork that was simply beautiful .
Traditionally British , yet remarkably bespoke , bursting with character and with unique luxury , and offering a true experiential shopping trip like no other , The Burlington Arcade is the destination shopping experience you just can ’ t afford to miss and owe it to yourself to enjoy .
www . burlingtonarcade . com
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