There’s no denying the appeal of shopping in Oxford Street London, with all its fancy fashion outlets, dazzling department stores and designer brands. But unless you plan your visit for first thing in the morning before all the crowds arrive, it can be something of a melee to say the least.
The hustle and bustle of West End shopping can eventually take its toll. So, if you’ve been caught up in the hullaballoo of Oxford Street, and you’re eager to escape to somewhere you can relax and recharge without having to jump back on the Tube, read on as we introduce you to the tranquil haven that is Rathbone Square.
Rathbone Square – the hidden gem you’ll never want to leave
Rathbone Square has to be one of the best kept secrets of the West End. Amongst the best of London’s hidden gems, Oxford Street’s neighbour offers a welcoming public garden square, brimming with trees and flowers, sweet birdsong, lush lawns and water features, and places to rest a while.
Just a short walk from Tottenham Court Road Station, Rathbone Square is the perfect place to escape to when you’ve been battling the crowds and just want to take a breather.
But whilst you’re sure to enjoy a spot of respite in the square’s calm surroundings, there’s a lot more to this place than meets the eye. From enticing eateries to cosy coffee shops, and from pampering beauty salons to meditation and yoga studios, you can see how Rathbone Square is gearing up to inject a dose of peacefulness and indulgence into your life.
Relaxing things to do in Rathbone Square
Oxford Street London is famous for its retail scene. But at Rathbone Square, you’ll see a different side to the capital as you are welcomed into an enticing zone of serenity.
Pampering opportunities exist here for all.
At Adam Grooming - Rathbone Square’s resident atelier and one of the highest rated men’s barbers in London – you’ll be met with an array of relaxing, luxury treatments.
This ‘timeless barbering experience’ offers a range of tempting options, including the ultimate Total Comp. This comprises a hair wash and cut; hot towel; beard trim or wet shave; second hair wash and hot towel, a scalp massage, balm, hair dry, finish and style. Wow! This is just one of many treatments on offer, all of which are accompanied by a complimentary drink from the bar.
Moving on to Rawr Beauty, you’ll get to spoil yourself with a luxury manicure or pedicure, or indulge your look with a brow lamination or set of eyelash extensions.
As soon as you set foot inside this salon, you’ll see just how professional it is, and it won’t take you long to realise that everyone on the team is there just for you, ready to make you look and feel a million dollars.
At 7 Sky Spa, the list of luxury treatments goes on. A deeply soothing Balinese stone massage will melt away any tension, help reduce muscle stiffness, and give your circulation and metabolism a boost.
Or you might try a Hammam treatment. Perfect for those looking to unwind, this traditional treatment will cleanse and exfoliate your skin, leaving you feeling bright and refreshed.
If you’re looking to destress from the rigours of shopping in Oxford Street London, 7Breaths Meditation studio is the place you need to be. Founder Yuki has done a stellar job here of creating a beautiful, contemplative space for stillness, specifically targeting busy Londoners who need to slow down and destress.
Treatments and classes include gong bath, sound healing, guided breathwork, tai chi, qigong, restorative or yin yoga, meditation and mindfulness. And they’re all delivered by experienced, patient teachers.
Indulgent things to do in Rathbone Square
Feeling suitably relaxed and ready to push your hectic Oxford Street London shopping experience to the back of your mind? Good. Because it’s time to indulge yourself at Rathbone Square!
One of the reasons Rathbone Square is considered one of the best hidden gems Oxford Street has to offer has to be its dining and café culture. There is something for everyone here, from healthy juice bars to Japanese coffee shops, and a Sicilian dining experience that can only be described as ‘wow factor’.
Joe and the Juice offers a tempting menu of fresh phytonutrient-rich juices, plus healthy salads and tantalising shakes.
Then you have White Pine, Rathbone Square’s sustainable, cruelty-free boutique coffee and juice bar. On offer here is an appealing variety of Icelandic style natural protein shakes, together with cold press juices, speciality teas and organic coffees. Fresh vegetarian and vegan food from local suppliers also features on the menu.
For dedicated coffee aficionados, a stop off at Omotesando Koffee is a must. Celebrated globally for its Japanese coffee, brewed on demand by skilled baristas in white lab coats, this is more than a just coffee shop. Think ‘coffee experience’, and prepare to be wowed by a display of expert coffee crafting. And if you fancy something to accompany your coffee, why not try a traditional Japanese pastry? There’s a first time for everything!
Keen to indulge your sweet tooth following your Oxford Street London shopping stint? Then make sure Crosstown Doughnuts features on your post-retail therapy itinerary. Esteemed for its delectable doughnuts and handcrafted cookies, Crosstown Doughnuts makes everything in-house, using all the best seasonal ingredients.
In the mood for a truly memorable dining experience to round off your shopping experience in Oxford Street? London doesn’t have many Sicilian restaurants, so get ready for something mind blowing as you enter Circolo Popolare.
Prepare to be wowed by spectacular décor, and an equally spectacular menu. If you’ve never tried Sicilian food before, this is definitely the place to whet your appetite. Check out the chef’s menu, updated monthly as fresh produce comes into season. And be prepared for a selfie-fest too, because this is, quite possibly, London’s most Instagrammable restaurant!
Ready to escape the bustle of Oxford Street? London’s Rathbone Square awaits!
Just a few minutes’ walk from Tottenham Court Road Station, Rathbone Square in Fitzrovia is the ideal place to head if you’re done with the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, and are looking for somewhere to relax, breathe and indulge yourself.
Why not stop by next time you’re in the West End? We’re ready and waiting to welcome you!
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