While London has many a famous and favourite shopping street it’s Regent Street in London’s West End that is classified as a classy shopping street. This is where many visitors head to enjoy exceptional window and real shopping experiences, explore the narrow lanes leading off the street, see street decorations during Christmas and to people watch.

The street is named in memory of Prince Regent who became George IV. Designed by John Nash, it was one of the first planned developments in London that took place in England. Regent Street begins at Regent’s residence at Carlton House in St James’s across Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus to All Saint’s Church and through Langham Place and Portland Place ending at Regent’s Park. Although no buildings from the original design remain, the existing buildings that are the result of the redevelopment between 1895 and 1927 and were influenced by the Beaux Arts Style are protected as Listed Buildings and form Conservation Area of the location.

Regent Street now houses iconic shops from almost every well known designer brand in the world along with chic independent stores, iconic toy stores and department stores that have been there for more than a century. Many visitors gravitate here to browse among great selections of merchandise and to experience the exciting vibe of the area and the historic architecture. In addition to the shopping, the restaurants and bars here are some of the most stylish and offer escapes from the tedium of office, a break during a shopping trip and places to hang out after dark.

Many serve a range of international and fusion cuisines that target the fashionable clientele frequenting the shopping venues. The street also boasts some elegant hotels one of which has been there since the late 19th century and is Europe’s first Grand Hotel. Salons and spas offer the latest beauty regimes and holistic treatments for body and soul while new age exercise studios cater to fitness buffs. Among Regent Street’s new services are its very own gift card and a shopping service that delivers shopper’s bags to homes and hotels. Thursday nights are late shopping nights down Regent Street with some stores remaining open really late.

Located conveniently near transport links, dining and shopping areas and theatres, Citadines St Marks London offers London long stay apartments that are just the accommodation for families, couples and individuals looking for a base on business or leisure visits. The well equipped studio, one and two bedroom apartments of this London apartment hotel offers modern comforts to serve the needs of their diverse clientele.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Free Spirit. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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