A London Buyer’s Guide to Shopping & the City

Claire Miles, Buying Director at The Shop at Bluebird reveals her top shopping secrets and favourite London haunts.

The Shop at Bluebird was a firm favourite on the King’s Road before they moved to the heart of Covent Garden. Now just a short stroll away from Corinthia London, we get a wealth of insider knowledge from Buying Director Claire Miles.

• The shop is in the heart of Covent Garden, what’s great about this location?

Covent Garden is a whirring tourist hub. We wanted to The Shop at Bluebird to reach a wider audience whilst still being a good location for our loyal customers and we found Floral Street perfect for this.

• How have you translated the charm of the Chelsea store to Covent Garden?

Carriage Hall is such a beautiful space, as soon as you walk in it gives off warmth and an intimate environment. Our new location has allowed us to truly embody the ethos of being a cabinet of curiosity and coming from King’s Road to Covent Garden has helped us to excel in our philosophies.

• Can you share any lesser-known spots in the area that you like going to?

TeaTulia, which is around the corner from us on Neal Street, is a tea-shop-come-café and it’s a great spot to either meet a friend for a cup of tea or swing by on your lunch break and dip into one of the books on their celebrity-curated library. They do tea leaf cocktails and have just started to do beautiful little cakes. They are also a company that have a majority of female employees, which is something that we like to support.

• How would you define London style?

Daring.

• What’s your ultimate piece of shopping advice?

I’ve always been a strong believer in researching your brands and to ensure you are buying into those that are unique and have a perspective and ethos that interests you. I like to make sure when shopping I always support up and coming brands rather than just the ones that are already established.

• Who are your favourite London designers?

At the moment I would have to say Rejina Pyo and Seren.

• What advice would you give a fashion lover visiting London for the first time?

Go to the V&A and see the latest fashion exhibition, the Dior one was beautiful and they also had an exhibition which showcased all of Mary Quant’s designs.

• Where’s your favourite place to eat in London?

I love Petersham Nurseries, both venues in Covent Garden and Richmond. I love their indoor/outdoor feel which is very much like our aesthetic at Carriage Hall.

• Describe your perfect weekend in London.

The perfect weekend would always start with brunch somewhere in the sunshine followed by a walk in one of London’s many parks. I’d then head to Covent Garden for some shopping and try and squeeze in a matinee. A cocktail (or two) in the The Royal Opera House bar would finish off the night.