A Visit To...Seven Dials Part 1

A couple of weeks ago I was invited down to Seven Dials, Covent Garden by the lovely people at Threepipe PR, to sample some of the best stores and finest coffee in the capital. I was only down for the afternoon but we managed to cram in quite a few stores, some of favourites, some unexpected delights and some which were new to me. I'm no stranger to Covent Garden but I must say I haven't spent nearly as much time around the streets of the Seven Dials as I should have. I usually whizz through like a madman but the day was all about taking our time and enjoying what the iconic area has to offer.

So lets hit it, first stop Monmouth Coffee Company for a flat white and then swiftly on to Albam -

Albam is a store I've admired a long time from afar, all through my student days I longed to be able to afford something from their selves (we're all been there but my Jewish roots told me to spend money on things you actually need). For anyone that isn't too familiar Albam, they're an independently run company producing some of the finest menswear on our shores. For the price the quality and fabrics used are just brilliant. The Liberty print club collar shirts and red work jacket were a delight. The lads in the store were happy to talk me through some of the latest design processes and I was pleased to see this branch of Albam was carrying their furniture and homeware, which are located in the basement. Albam, 39 Monmouth St, WC2H 9DD. Next stop Wolsey -

Where to start with Wolsey? One of the oldest textile companies in the world, founded Leicester, 1755 and having somewhat of a resurgence over the past couple of years. They were responsible for kitting out soldiers in both World Wars and supplying garments to Captain Scott and his team who reached the South Pole in 1911. If you take a look in you grandfather's wardrobe you're bound to find some Wolsey in there; I have memories as a kid of my Grandad's red Wolsey socks bobbing away on the washing line. The store itself is a simple Pop-Up space and stocks their currently collection, which is packed with proper investment pieces and timeless designs, using the finest fabrics. Wolsey, 39 Monmouth St, WC2H 9DD. Moving on to Do -

The Do Shop was a new one to me, tucked away down a side street just off the Seven Dials at Short's Garden. The store itself quickly becomes unmissable with its bright exterior and even brighter garden lounge chairs on the porch. Being really into interiors and design I was sold pretty quickly on this store, it's packed in with clever, useful, modern and nostalgic products mostly created by independent designers and small workshops. Spread over two small floors, the store boast plenty of quirky household goods, toys, gadgets and gifts which would leave my wallet a lot lighter if I had half the chance. The Do Shop is an absolute gem and well worth a nosey if you're ever in the area. Do Shop, 34 Shorts Gardens, London WC2H 9PX.

I visited Seven Dials on a week day, all the store were doing steady trade but you could see that everyone that worked in the shops were upbeat and had the time to chat to their customers; there's a great community feel to the area, I can imagine it would be a pleasure to work there. I visited several more shops in the area and I intent to split my visit over two/three posts, otherwise it will be scrolling central. Hopefully you guys enjoy these posts and they can be of use if you're ever in the capital.

Thank you to Alishia at Threepipe PR for sorting the trip out for me. Part 2 of the Visit To...Seven Dials next week. Have you visited the area recently?