Nestled in the landmark shadow of the looming BT Tower, Fitzrovia is an urban village located between Fitzroy Square and Oxford Street, around a mile north of London’s Trafalgar Square.
Close to the famous Oxford Circus shopping scene and equally nearby the renowned British Museum, Fitzrovia makes the ideal stop-off, whether you’re enjoying a spot of retail therapy, or taking in the West End’s cultural side. And if you’re seeking out an oasis of tranquillity whilst you’re there, then an absolute must visit has to be Rathbone Square.
A vibrant haven of inviting retail outlets, quality eateries and captivating cafés, Rathbone Square is set around lush green space, punctuated by refreshing water features. Slow your pace and take a leisurely stroll around the public garden square where you can expect to see workers and shoppers sharing a space on the lawn, or dotted about on benches and deckchairs, breathing in the great outdoors.
So, you’re visiting London’s Fitzrovia. What should top your not-to-be-missed list? Let’s take a top four tour...
1. Refresh your wardrobe
If you have been thinking about experimenting with a new look for a while, then here’s your chance. Lab Store London has arrived at Rathbone Square and when it comes to forward-thinking fashion and embracing the unconventional, it’s an outlet that ticks all the boxes.
Lab Store’s vision is to be experimental, and to push the boundaries of creativity and ideas. Take a look around the collections on show here and you’ll soon realise that this is fashion that challenges existing ideas, and perhaps even courts controversy!
For men, for women; clothing lines for all seasons, accessories, jewellery, footwear, fragrance… everything you see is certain to have you thinking, ‘wow’. If you lean towards the unfamiliar, then make Lab Store your first stop on your tour of Fitzrovia.
2. Experience traditional barbering
If you have never experienced a traditional barber grooming session, then make time to visit Adam Grooming in Rathbone Square.
Treatments include the Director’s Cut; a traditional haircut encompassing a consultation, wash, cut, dry, second wash, hot towel, scalp massage, dry finish and style. Or there’s Face Time; your chance to try a wet shave or beard trim, followed by hot towels, a scalp massage and balm. Complimentary drinks include Turkish coffee, beer or whiskey.
Think the man in your life would love an Adam Grooming experience? Gift vouchers make the perfect gesture, and while he’s in the chair, you can take yourself off for a sneaky coffee and doughnut break across the Square, or even a spot of shopping!
3. Treat your taste buds
From coffee and cake to mouth-watering breakfasts, luscious lunches and indulgent dinners, there is something to suit every taste around Fitzrovia, and you won’t even have to leave Rathbone Square to experience it all!
If you’ve started out early and it’s time for a caffeine kick, head to coffee connoisseur Omotesando Koffee, renowned throughout the world for its Japanese coffee, brewed to order right in front of your eyes by white lab coat donned expert barristers. Grab a Japanese pastry to go with your drink and set yourself up for a dash of shopping or a morning at the museum.
For the vegetarian or vegan seeking out somewhere to enjoy a meal any time of the day, White Pine is Rathbone Square’s resident cruelty-free restaurant. With food quality ranking as top priority, and plant-based packaging ticking the eco-responsibility box, this is a place where you can indulge your taste buds with a clear conscience.
Meanwhile, over at Circolo Popolare, the décor may be the first thing that strikes you as you approach this dazzling restaurant. That is until you see the menu. From metre long pizzas for sharing, through to giant silk handkerchief pasta lasagne, this place is one that makes a statement in so many ways. Options for the vegetarian and gluten free diet are available, and the cocktail menu is quite possibly as breathtaking as the glittering chandeliers and floral columns.
If it’s a sweet fix you need after burning all those calories flitting from shop to shop in Fitzrovia, take a refuelling break at Crosstown Doughnuts where the choice of flavours will have you scratching your head in total wonder. Sour cherry and pistachio anyone? Or maybe you’d prefer pomegranate and orange blossom? Even if you’re not usually a doughnut aficionado, you will be in awe at what’s on offer here.
4. Relax in the Garden Square
London is so hustle and bustle and when you’re in town, you rarely seem to stop. So why not change all that? Take a breather and pause to relax a little in the peaceful garden in the centre of Rathbone Square.
It is rare to find a planted landscape in the middle of the city, but Rathbone Square has delivered, creating a tranquil space that encourages you to pause and take a break from your day.
Sit and read a few pages of your book or catch up on the latest news. Enjoy a coffee and a treat from one of the many amazing cafés. Or simply rest and admire the trees, plants, birds and butterflies while you recharge ready for another round of retail therapy, or your journey home.
Make Rathbone Square top of your list of things to do in Fitzrovia!
Rathbone Square is a three-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road tube and seven minutes from Oxford Circus. So why not pay a visit to our little green haven and make your day one to truly remember?!
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