Selfridges Department Store

Selfridges Department store has been voted the best store in the world four times. It is not difficult to see why. They have stuck to Harry Gordon Selfridges' fearless creative mantra, do things differently and make the store a truly social experience. It is a luxury department store, but everyone is welcome – that's the vibe.

In Chicago, Harry Selfridge worked at Marshall Field store and became a partner, left to set up a rival shop, that didn't work out. Harry left Chicago for London and, in 1906, got the backing of Sam Waring of the famous furniture store Waring and Gillow. The building was completed in 1909, a colossal emporium of the most desirable things. Harry allowed ladies to go shopping un-chaperoned and try on and touch the merchandise; this was all new, refreshing and unstuffy.

The flagship store here in London has one of the largest shoe departments on earth and a jean studio that will blow your mind. The whole store is a giant theatre set, and the products and staff perform for you; it's magical. There are twenty cafes, bars, ice cream parlours and restaurants, plus the food hall eateries.

Selfridges is the ideal place to end your Private Tour of London, and The Beaumont Hotel is perfect if you need a place to stay between shopping trips.