Do you know about this place? Have you even noticed this…read moreplace when you walk down Cecil Court? Answer probably not. I've definitely never notice this place and I've walk down Cecil court quite a few time. This is why I love London - surprises everywhere you go even if where you go is somewhere you've gone loads of time before. I'm quite sure this place isn't newly opened just some where that goes unnoticed. Now am I glad I noticed it. Spread across 2 floors and full of great products, from quirky cards to niche arty magazines, books, prints, posters and also little trinkets that would make great stylist presents. People come here and look again, it deserves that at least, for being a too-cool-to-tell-you shop.

The other day I discovered this quirky art gallery on the edge of Covent Garden in pedestrian-only…read moreCecil Court. They had some striking colour photos that could have come from a 21st-century version of Alice -- some of them were 3-D and to be viewed "privately" as in a Victorian shadow theatre: that was fun! Even the walls encasing that small space were decorated -- I do recommend the experience!

Nicholas & Steele are a wonderful new addition to Durham Road - a classic style shop-front which…read morehouses a treasure-trove of vintage treats within. What caught my eye on passing by one evening was a fantastic Colclough's 'Cottage & Stream' china tea-cup and saucer; I'm a huge fan of this particular Colclough vintage china range as I have many happy memories of having afternoon tea with my beloved Granna when I was a little girl! I was warmly greeted by Holly and Steven, the owners of Nicholas & Steele and offered a cup of tea what a lovely way to shop and do business! Of course, the tea was made in a gorgeous 1930's Crinoline Lady teapot (periwinkle blue?) and served up in vintage bone china tea-cups and saucers. Love it, love it, love it this is customer service at it's best, methinks! Holly and Steven are rightly proud of their business which, as I found out, had only opened on Saturday the day when I had spied their vintage treasures. The amount of love and attention they have poured into every single detail of their business is evident for all to see; they are undeniably very talented and offer a scrumptious range of products. The charming dressers are all hand-painted by them and I've already picked the one I wish to see in my home! At the back of the shop I spied an incredible chest of drawers painted in a striking union-jack flag effect, simply stunning. The union jack flag was similarly echoed on the front of the shop's counter, in pastel shades to complement the vintage treasures for sale. Nicholas & Steele not only sell vintage tea-sets and other assorted vintage afternoon tea treasures (cupcake stands etc.), but they also have an amazing array of vintage kitchenware (including cutesy jelly moulds) and stunning antique embroidered and/or lace tablecloths and table mats; Holly is very creative and also hand-makes bunting from vintage table linen that are no longer usable and other antique materials she has picked up along the way. There is also an assortment of trinkets and jewellery so a perfect place to shop for unusual gifts too. I do like the idea of a one-stop shop ! Holly is also an artist and has plans for offering creative workshops over the coming months, so do pop by and say hello to them in Durham Road, SW20. I am sure you will be just as tickled pink by the shop and it's delightful owners as I am. NB Photographs are courtesy of Holly & Steven. (I originally wrote this review for my Afternoon Tea Tweecup blog)

Old fashioned local newsagent. The sort of place where if you tell them some gossip they've already…read moreheard it. Though the shop is tiny they cram in an amazing amount. Visits often mean negotiating with other customers to reach the bit you want! (It's usually busy). That counts especially if you want to get into the far aisle, which is a tight squeeze past anyone getting served! They stock the usual newspapers, magazines, sweets, crisps and drinks, but also all sorts of other stuff. Basic groceries like biscuits, cartons of juice, washing powder, batteries, video tapes. Also last minute gifts: toys and beard/head trimmers and (at the appropriate time of year) Easter eggs and stuff for mothers day. The back aisle holds cards and a good range of envelopes. It's also the local place for charging Oysters, and getting lottery tickets. Very useful shop and the sort of place you want to support!

The Air Gallery is a space for rent for artists and curators, which means that they don't have…read moretheir own team to pick entries. The result is that sometimes you don't know what you will see when you visit, it's either very good or very bad, but always a good place to go when there is a private view as their guest list is glamorous. Very nice space if you are looking for a gallery to rent for some weeks, it will establish you as a serious artist/curator because of its location but the rent is 9k for both ground floor and basement for a week.

Masumin's is legendary! Although not particularly well laid out -it's really small and there's…read morestuff everywhere so it can be a bit of a squeeze getting to the back - you can count on finding what you want. As well as the usual magazines, drinks and chocolate, Masumin's sells all sorts of other stuff from food to needles and thread (something I found there when searching Wandsworth frantically one sunday afternoon). The man who runs it is so friendly and will help you find what you want and offer you better or cheaper alternatives. The shop is well located on the way to Wandsworth train station and he also has a stall right outside the station that sells newspapers. I recommend it - I'd much rather spend my money here than in a chain shop or supermarket, and he gives much better service.

Very friendly and helpful people. They do a package drop off service so you can grab your Amazon or…read moreother store items from them and not have to wait around for the delivery dude again. They have Arizona iced tea and it's good.

Love this little shop! I find it hard to give any shop less than four stars…read more.. Yes, yes it's another of those Oliver Bonas (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/74356-Oliver-Bonas-London/) -alikes that sell little striped teapots, Cath Kidston-esque aprons and tiny little books called things like "101 ways to be green and smug" for £20. However, Ed kind of does it a bit better than many. They carry some cute and some stylish lines of chinaware, fun stationery, plenty of gift ideas and - personal fave - a well edited selection of clothing. Once you get past the hefty quota of French Connection you find Lee Jeans (underrated, fit me well) and plenty of other cute brands. Much more fun than hitting the high street. Pop in on a Saturday and combine with brunch at Blue Mountain (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/158088-Blue-Mountain-London) and a wander round the North Cross Road market - pure middle class fun. (tongue firmly in cheek) ...

This shop is great, they have everything! Lovely cards, clothes and nice presents. They have little…read morenick nacks, Cath Kidson goodies and great baby clothes. Expect to pay quite a bit for the things is here but they have something for every price range. Christmas in ED is amazing with gorgeous baubels and decorations. They have a lovely jewellery cabinet as well for those extra special treats. It gets busy at weekends (closed Sundays). The staff are really lovely and friendly and they always have nice music on.

This lovely charity shop is definitely worth a trip for some great items as well as supporting an…read moreamazing charity

Ah! Kingston town centre (Thames that is, not Jamaica) has much to offer. What comes to mind first?…read moreIs it the shopping? Certainly, it's shopping heaven (or hell) - depending on your perspective - with the four-level Bentall centre (not the highlight, as far as I'm concerned) and a good John Lewis; a plethora of the usual suspects in Clarence Street and Eden Street, enhanced by a combination of the predictable and more unusual in pretty Thames Street, Church Street and the High Street. The ancient Market Square should definitely feature on your agenda. Although there are plenty of car parks in the proximity, it's worth bearing in mind that the one-way system can be hair-tearingly frustrating and confusing. Parking restrictions seem to go from strict to stricter. So, perhaps you should consider public transport (plenty of options) when planning your visit. If shopping is your main purpose, consider that weekends are not for the faint-hearted - heaving masses come to mind - credit-crunch not withstanding. During the week, shops here close earlier than those in central London with little open beyond 6pm. Thursday is late-night (until 8 or 9pm, depending on the outlet). Extended hours are more prevalent in the run-up to Christmas. A visit here is about far more than shopping, though. The new(-ish) Rose Theatre is worth a visit on its own merits; a pretty riverside amble, cycle or run is always a pleasure. There's an improving selection of restaurants on offer, with something to please most palates (and pockets). Take a look at Qype's surrounding reviews and have a happy visit!

Kingston town centre has decent car parks but the roads to reach them can be a nightmare of jams…read moreand if there has been an accident forget it. Much easier to reach by train as the station is only a few minutes walk from the action. Shops are pretty good and are viewed as competitors to the West End in some cases. Also plenty at the bargain end with Lidl and the 99p shop attracting the crowds. The historic market place has kept some of its history although the recently installed fountains are just plain silly. Seems busier than ever with people coming in from all directions supplemented by vast numbers of students from the local college and University. Worth avoiding at around 4pm on school days when the school kids aim to create as much noise and nuisance as possible.