Allen & Overy

Decisions, decisions, decisions... 

This section of the website has been contributed by Louise Howarth & Melanie Jones - trainees, joined March 2006 and March 2007

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping." Bo Derek

So, you've just received your first Allen & Overy pay packet.  How are you going to spend it?

Well, below are just a few of the highlights of the shopping experience that is London - so whether you're set for a killer weekend of dragging the other half around until you own the best pair of shoes in London, or whether you simply can't wait past lunchtime to satisfy your shopping desires, here is our guide to hitting those shops.

So where to start?  It's got to be Harrod's - arguably the most famous store in the world - which can trace its roots to a mere grocery shop on its present site back in 1849.  With millions of items in stock, Harrod's certainly lives up to its motto of Omnia Omnibus Ubique (all things for all people, everywhere).  Nearest tube?  Knightsbridge.

Next?  Well, London's department stores are each a work of art in themselves - Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nicks or, my favourite - Selfridges (and yes, you can just get there and back in a lunch break from Liverpool Street).

If it's boutiques you're looking for, try the King's Road or Marylebone High Street (turn off Oxford Street at H&M, go down the narrow alley and you hit St Christopher's Place, then keep going!), for designers and diamonds it's got to be Bond Street; for something a bit more edgy how about Carnaby Street, Covent Garden or the numerous markets across town like Spitalfields - right on your doorstep at A&O.

Within a mere stone's throw of A&O Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf, there are an array of shops to suit everyone's needs and tastes.

For the practical shopper, Liverpool Street station offers a Boots, Marks & Spencer's, Paper Chase and many more.  There are also several phone shops and cycle shops in the vicinity.  Dinner party after work?  No problem with the Tesco at Liverpool St or Waitrose over at Canary Wharf.

For the fashionistas among you, a treasure trove of boutique shops (clothes, bags and shoes) are just waiting to be discovered in the area, as well as a few of the more well-known names including Hobbs, Timberland and Karen Millen.

If you fancy sharing a traditional East-end pie with the likes of Lily Allen or Pete Doherty though, then check our Spitalfields Market, with goodies ranging from colourful costume jewellery to what must be the best brownies in London!

And if your feet or your wallet are exhausted by the idea of all that shopping, then feel boosted by the fact that you can take advantage of the hundreds of discounts A&O have arranged at countless retailers, online and on the high street, be it splashing out on a brand new car, or buying that essential new mascara from Benefit.  Enjoy!

www.spitalfields.org.uk

www.visitspitalfields.com

www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com

www.streetsensation.co.uk

www.mycanarywharf.com

www.coventgardenlife.com

www.marylebonevillage.com

www.stchristophersplace.com