The King's Road

The King's Road takes its name from the 17th century when it was King Charles II's private thoroughfare between Whitehall and Hampton Court Palace. The area was made famous by a lively local scene during the "swinging '60s" and punk fuelled seventies. The doyenne of punk fashion, Vivienne Westwood, still runs her first ever store at the so-called 'World's End' end of the King's Road.

Although the area has none of the character of that time, it is still full of famous faces and one of the best and most varied places to shop and eat in London.

For fashion, the King's Road offers High Street regulars such as Jigsaw, French Connection and Benetton. Plus, American Classics still sell vintage Levis and tuxedos while Johnsons stocks 50s and 60s inspired velvet suits and bowling shirts. A number of one-off boutiques and designer stores exude sartorial elegance, such as Ben de Lisi's store in Sloane Square which offers the ultimate evening wear in simple, but luxurious, fabrics and his near neighbour Philip Treacy - whose millinery work has adorned the heads of the rich and famous for over a decade. Lulu Guinness's highly collectible and novel handbags can be purchased on Ellis Street, Emma Hope designs exquisite women's footwear and for those in the know, there's Jo Malone (Sloane Street), where you can splash out on chic skincare and scents.

Walking west away from the Sloane Sqaure end of King's Road leads to the majority of smaller, independent shops.