Valentine’s Day: London’s top boroughs for independent gifts revealed

Camden, Greenwich, and Westminster boast the most independent shops in London, according to new research.

In the run-up to Valentine’s Day on Tuesday 14^th February,  Barratt London has investigated London’s independent offering delving into the perfect places to find gifts, including food and drink, flowers, jewellery, and homeware.

Food and drink shops have the highest count of all independents in London

With London’s population of 8.7 million, it’s hardly surprising that the food and drink sector is in first place with 695 shops.

London’s independent market scene made up most of the results, with a staggering 69 businesses – making this the perfect location if your partner is a foodie. Be sure to check out Pepita Coffee in Camden, Rococo Chocolates in Westminster, and The Spice Shop in Kensington and Chelsea.

Across all boroughs there are 228 creative shops selling crafts and handmade items. If your partner loves one-of-a-kind items, be sure to check out Lesley Martin Ceramics, Karrie Barron Cards in Westminster or Agnes Creations and Glasscraft in Greenwich Market.

The gifting sector follows behind with 155 independents. Some mentions include Solid Cologne, Zakka Home and Elore in Camden Market and Duchess of Candles and Jiggers Jigsaws in Westminster.

For those in search of some sparkle, there are also 92 independent jewellery stores including Catrina Stevenson Jewellery in Wandsworth, Tada & Toy in Kensington and Chelsea and Jubilee Jewellery in Westminster. The majority of the independent jewellers are based in London’s market scene spread across Alfie’s Antique Market, Greenwich market, Old Spitalfields Market, Herne Hill Market, Covent Garden Market, Camden Market, Broadway Market and Brixton Village and Market Row.

If flowers are more to your partners liking, the study found 25 independent florists across all boroughs. Columbia Road Flower Market in Tower Hamlets is home to eight florists including Rainforest Relics, Rathbone Flowers, and JD Succulents & Cacti Ltd. Some standalone independents are Blume in Wandsworth, House of Flowers in Sutton and Bespoke Flowers in Barking and Dagenham.

Which London boroughs are the best for independent gifts?

As well as looking into the different types of independents, the study delved into the top boroughs for each sector.

Southwark is officially the top borough for food and drink with 152 shops. Whether you fancy taking a stroll and checking out various food stalls or want to take home cooking ingredients to your loved one – Southwark is where you will find all your foodie favourites. Some of the most popular locations include Borough Wines, Comptoir Gourmand, Heritage Cheese, and Monmouth Coffee Company.

Greenwich takes the crown for creative businesses with 76 shops, making it the ideal place if your partner likes handmade gifts. Be sure to check out Koko Art, Charlotte’s Astrology, 98 Types and Camden Art.

Overall, Camden is the borough dominating the most sectors, home to the highest number of gift, book, jewellery, and music stores. Out of the 41 gift shops in the area, you’ll find 40 of these at Camden Market, making it the ideal location for a Valentine’s Day gift. If you’re heading there, be sure to visit The Hammer Silver, Dapri Dainty Jewels, Footes, Let it Roll Records, Treadwell’s Ltd and Baylyne.

You can explore each of the independent businesses on an interactive map here.