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Daytime in Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is a trendy pedestrianized shopping street situated in the heart of Soho. Not far from Oxford Street and Regent Street and is the home to fashion and lifestyle retailers. Well known for it’s large number of independent fashion boutiques. An interesting street with cute shops and cafes that’s ideal for those with a creative eye – like artists and musicians, a curious tourist or those seeking to have a good time. There is something about the street that keeps drawing me back each time. It’s somehow addictive.
A plaque about John Stephen
Carnaby Street derives its name from Karnaby house, which was built in 1683 to the east. In the 1960s, the street was popular with followers of the hippie styles. I suspect boomers might expect Carnaby Street to have held on to the sixties time warp? Unfortunately the majority of independent shops have been replaced with chain stores and shops similar to those found in adjacent retailing streets. There is an abundance of coffee shops and places to eat, including a couple of pubs and bars.
I’ve always been curious to learn why it’s one of the streets in the area that has a different feel to it. Due to its popularity, it was paved and pedestrianized in October 1973. The street is home to tourists with vintage style boutiques and independent shops.
Street art along Berwick street
Independent shops nearby
Carnaby street has a warm atmosphere, the buzz is unmistakable but as far as shopping is concerned, it can be quite expensive. Having said that, do some window shopping before buying anything because you can easily pick up a bargain. The adjoining streets also offer some street art and independent shops.
If you’re interested in quaint architecture and exclusive fashion then this is the place to be. Unlike high street stores, I definitely recommend walking around, just browse and gain some inspiration if this is above your budget.
Ugh, I can’t believe I missed going here in January. Well, I guess I couldn’t see everything and now it will be on my list of things to see “the next time” I visit London!
Let’s visit together during your next visit. 🙂
I have not visited Carnaby St or Oxford St for years. With shopping malls in London, Kent and Essex, there is no need to.
I do recall Carnaby St having a different feel to it than the remainder of Oxford St. It is not afraid to do its own thing.
I love your caricature at the top of your website!
Hi Phoenicia. It’s that different feel that takes me back there. I’ve visited a couple of shopping malls but I didn’t have the same experience as I did in Carnaby street. I guess the convenience of having a mall nearby does the trick! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
I’m not much of a shopper so I haven’t been to Carnaby Street despite having visited London at least a dozen times. Your description of how independent shops have disappear to be replaced by chains is similar to what has happened to Soho in New York. What used to be a very artsy sort of neighborhood now is like a mall.
Although I haven’t been to New York, London has so many shops and it seems that some of the heritage has gradually disappeared. The artsy side of Carnaby street seems to be fading away!
I don’t think I made it to Soho on either of my trips to London, so Carnaby Street doesn’t ring a bell at all. You’ve certainly given me a few good reasons to check it out the next time I visit London.
So good to know. Next time you’re in London, look out for the adjoining streets. They are so retro! 🙂
Your post has made me realize it is time to revisit Carnaby Street. Haven’t been there since the ’60s, when it was uber trendy and after which it went downhill.
It’s still trendy but in a different way to the ’60s, and still worth visiting. 🙂
Sounds like a fun street to intentionally seek out the independent stores. Maybe there’s a quirky wine bar to enjoy?
Hi RoseMary.
Funny enough, there’s a Wine bar worth visiting called Antidote http://www.antidotewinebar.com
What a great post, and description of Carnaby Street. It is a same the “local” stores have been replaced by chain ones. I wonder if sometime this will occur so much, you won’t notice one city form another.
It seems to be heading that way. I’ve less independent shops in London lately. Thanks for visiting.
Oh, how much I love and miss London. The most amazing city, enjoy it 🙂
Amazing indeed! Check out Carnaby street when you return!☺
When I lived in London in 1992-1994 I went music shopping at Sister Ray in Soho from time to time – I still have the handful of cassettes (!) I bought there.
That’s one music shop I’ve not been to yet but I will be on the lookout for it, if it’s still there.