The West End – for High Flying Shoppers

London's West End has long been considered the epitome of cool and chic fashion in what is arguably Europe's busiest city. West End is actually an area in Central London and contains many of the city's tourist attractions, businesses, shopping centers and of course the famed West End theatres. The term West End came into use during the 19th century to describe the posh fashionable areas that lie to the west of Charing Cross London.

West End has long been favoured by the London rich and famous as an excellent residential area, during the early days of the neighborhood it was preferred because it lied upwind of the smoke emanating from the city. Today West End means many things to many people; it refers to the popular entertainment district around Leicester Square and Convent Garden as well the shopping districts of Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street.

Mayfair is a shopping district in the West End that is renowned for its high fashion salons, jewelry shops, prestigious art and antiques galleries and auction houses. Mayfair is considered to be high end even by lofty West End standards, if you are planning on shopping here don't expect any bargains or shopping malls. Its all about chic boutique fashion. Areas worth checking out here are Saville Row, Brook Street, South Multon Street and Conduit Street.

Oxford Street is a much more mainstream shopping district and is described as being one of the busiest streets in Europe, mainly due to the thousands of shoppers that throng here daily. This area has a number of large department stores such as Selfridges and other big name brands such as Marks and Spencer. A number of designer brands also operate outlets here; Gap, Next, Body Shop and Russell and Bromely to name a few.

If Oxford Street and Mayfair reflect the modern face of the West End then Rgent Street represents its history, it has been regarded as an up market shopping area ever since it was established in the 1820's. A couple of top of the line tailoring establishments can be found here. While Liberty's Department Store which has a history spanning 130 years and specializes in exquisite dress and furnishing fabrics has its flagship store here.

The West End has no shortage of London luxury hotels to provide accommodation for high flying guests. Among the London hotels in this area is the historic Langham Hotel London which promises great hospitality on par with any establishment in the city.