An afternoon in Bloomsbury
by Pentreath & Hall
Bloomsbury, for many, is a place discovered unexpectedly, tucked away with its quiet streets of beautiful early Georgian houses and gated parks in one of the loveliest hidden corners of London containing one of London’s finest streets of shops & restaurants. Not resistant to modernisation, the area has quietly evolved to embrace recent additions whilst retaining its longstanding history, community spirit and unique charm.
Find our favorite shops on The Shopkeepers Maps
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Pentreath & Hall
17 Rugby Street
‘Good things for the home’ is how Ben Pentreath and Bridie Hall describe their Interiors and Home shop in London, Pentreath & Hall. Ben is an architectural and interior designer, whose career has included projects in England and New York, and Bridie a decorative artist and New Zealand native. Together they opened the shop in November 2008, on Ben’s birthday. Read more
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Persephone Books
59 Lamb’s Conduit Street
Persephone Books is a unique book shop and publisher in the centre of London focusing on mid-century women writers. Beautifully presented literature, cards and gifts. A lovely place to stop and browse.
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Fisher London
Fisher London is an intriguing emporium of Georgian and Regency wonders. Hilary Fisher has over 25 years experience dealing in both decorative and domestic objects of social and historical interest: each piece is chosen for its intrinsic beauty, character, a good story or the intangible appeal that comes through generations of use and handling.
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More Shops & Eat
A few doors down from Pentreath & Hall on Rugby Street is Maggie Owen, carefully selected and curated women’s accessories. Perpendicular is Lamb’s Conduit Street, known for it’s menswear shops. Connock & Lockie, is a bespoke tailor for men and women, established in 1902. Self-taught tailor and shopkeeper, Oliver Spencer, has two shops, one devoted to his men’s and women’s wear lines, and one to accessories and shoes. In between is a friendly branch of Aesop, the Australian skincare brand. There is a wonderful range of food options in Bloomsbury. For a good cup of coffee visit Knockbox, which also serves tasty toasties and pastries; Redemption Roasters train young offenders to encourage new skills, discipline and a brighter future; and Espresso Room, a tiny spot, grab a perch outside if the weather is nice. Detox Kitchen offers delicious, healthy food and smoothies. Noble Rot is a must for good food and wine lovers. There are several traditional pubs, The Rugby, named after Rugby Street (where it resides) which was named after Rugby School – Rugby School owns a lot of the land in the area. The Perseverance, a popular spot right on Lambs Conduit St, drinkers spill out onto the street after work. The Lamb, traditional green tiled pub, still has the Victoria etched glass ‘snob screens’ inside (used to provide privacy for middle class drinkers from the pub staff and working class boozers). Check out this Airbnb guide for more on Bloomsbury & places to stay.
