As we step into December, do so with the knowledge it is spending season.
The purse strings are tighter this year, so when you do choose to treat yourself, choose wisely and support a local business where you can. London’s well-known creatives are busy championing them.
Here, the likes of model Adwoa Aboah, designer Nensi Dojaka and The Crown’s Erin Doherty share their insider tips — from the best pubs to the place to get that last minute Christmas gift fix. They are also spread across the city (and Brighton!) so there are options of all.
Adwoa Aboah
The model was Edward Enninful’s first cover girl on Briitsh Vogue, founded the activist group Gurls Talk and starred in the last season of Top Boy.
Community is the backbone of every aspect of my career. It makes complete sense to me that it would also be part of my everyday life, whether it’s choosing where to shop, eat, or spend time with friends. When I know the people who run those businesses or frequent them, it feels more personal and special. Supporting small businesses and building community will always be important to me.
The go-to restaurant:
I have many favourites but Fitou’s Thai Restaurant is amazing. I love the Prawn Tom Kha Soup and the fishcakes.
1-3 Dalgarno Gardens, London W10 5LL
The perfect shop:
I have been obsessed with vintage from a young age, spending long weekends trawling through Portobello Market and Golborne Road for the perfect pieces. Rellik Vintage never lets me down and over the years I have collected some of my most cherished pieces from them.
8 Golborne Rd, London W10 5NW
The spot for a last minute Christmas gift:
Since buying my first home, Summerhill & Bishop has become a favourite of mine. It has an incredible selection of the most beautiful tablecloths, glasses and homewares so there is always something to find for a friend, family member or loved one.
100 Portland Rd London W11 4LQ
Erin Doherty
The actress is best known for her roles as a young Princess Anne in The Crown and BBC’s 2022 drama Chloe.
“I think now more than ever we need to support small businesses and show huge love and appreciation for the courageous people who have put time and effort into creating them.”
The go-to restaurant:
The Flour Pot Bakery do the best almond croissants. Best of all though, it is open seven days a week so I need never be deprived. Artisan baking at its finest.
40 Sydney St Brighton BN1 4EP
The must have drinks:
I love Plateau in the Lanes. It has a great selection of ‘small plates’ often using local produce. It has a great cocktail list and best of all it’s pet-friendly, so everyone can go!
1 Bartholomews Brighton BN1 1HG
The perfect shop:
Papersmiths, I have a mild notebook obsession and Papersmiths offers me hours of incredible fun. Beautiful diaries and gifts. Everyone will be getting a notebook this year for Christmas.
21 Sydney St Brighton BN1 4EN
The spot for a last minute Christmas gift:
For a Christmas gift, go to Enter Gallery – what’s not to love? Full of limited and rare prints. What’s even better is that they offer a framing service as well.
13 Bond St Brighton BN1 4RD
Nensi Dojaka
The the Albanian womenswear designer is famous for her strappy dresses, loved by Zendaya and Bella Hadid. Emily Ratajkowski closed her SS23 runway
As I was launching my brand, I found a network of other small, independent merchants and suppliers who soon became the foundation of my business. These incredible partners really showed me the value of shopping small and supporting local businesses, as their dedication and expertise have truly been instrumental in the growth of my brand.
The go-to restaurant:
Barrafina on Dean Street. I am obsessed with the tortilla. The texture of it adds so much to the flavour.
43 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5AJ
The must have drinks:
Nightjar. Fantastic cocktails, amazing food and great atmosphere for spending time after work!
129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB
The perfect shop:
The Battersea General Store is my go-to everyday small shop. It has products from so many countries which are typically hard to find — and the broader product edit is really curated, so it’s always fun to browse too.
Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8EZ
Saul Nash
The menswear designer makes tech-fabric garments and recieved 2022’s Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.
I have always seen it as important to support my local community, and the many independent, small businesses which demonstrate what it means to share the love. I’ve grown to have huge admiration for the hard work and determination it takes to run a small business. I’ve met some of the most inspiring, hard-working shopkeepers and merchants throughout my life, all of whom have dedicated themselves to serving their community. Shopping locally with independent shops is a powerful way to help our communities grow and give back.
The go-to restaurant:
The Bagel House in Stoke Newington was a staple growing up, and even leading into adulthood. It is amazing to still see it on the high street. The bagels are amazing, and my guilty pleasure is their buttered bagels, and their signature salt beef bagel is delicious.
2 Stoke Newington High St London N16 7PL
The must have drinks:
Four Quarters East. A lot of people don't know this about me, but I love to play games. I recently discovered this place and thought it was fantastic, and it definitely unlocked my inner child again. I think vintage gaming combined with a bar is a genius concept. It is an extremely fun place to go with a few friends on evenings late into the week.
8 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park London E20 3BS
The perfect shop:
I love going to Hackney Bridge. It's kind of an assortment of many businesses and a food hall with a bit of something for everyone.
Units 1-28, Echo Building London E15 2SJ
The spot for a last minute Christmas gift:
The Hackney Draper on Chatsworth Road is a great place to find thoughtful and special gifts — things that people will actually use and love. From scented candles to luscious lavender soap, this place is great for picking up something thoughtful for loved ones.
25 Chatsworth Rd London E5 0LH
Martins Imhangbe
The British-Nigerian actor started on the stage, before hittings the screens with his role in Bridgerton
Over the years, my local high street has become a hugely integral part of mine and my family’s life and growth within our community. For me, the value of shopping local means I’m investing in the future of these incredible independent shops, and it gives me the opportunity to support them (as they have supported me). There’s so many personal milestones I’ve celebrated with my local shops and small businesses over the years, who really are the DNA of our local communities. I’m thrilled to be a part of the American Express Shop Small campaign again, which is celebrating 10 years this December.
The go-to restaurant:
Although it’s technically a pub, Skehans in Nunhead does some of the best Thai food in London. It’s got a pool table and a nice outdoor space, perfect for a Sunday with friends watching the footy and having some Pad Thai.
1 Kitto Rd, London SE14 5SN
The must have drinks:
Social in Peckham is the perfect spot for meeting up with friends — it is so close to the station and just a really good vibe, especially in the summer.
9 A&B, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Rd London SE15 3SN
The perfect shop:
“I really love having fresh flowers in the house or sending people flowers as thank-yous, it’s a really lovely gesture and my favourite place is Sage Flowers. They make the most amazing arrangements and are very local.”
232 Rye Ln London SE15 4NL
