Different shops, unique, less crowded than Oxford St, near oxford circus tube, easy to get to
Disadvantages:
None
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
This review is way out of date, Carnaby Street has changed a lot over the past few yrs. Ignore it.
Introduction ~~ Carnaby Street, well it was once the place to go in the 60's and 70's but now it's a bit less well-known. Which I think is rather good as it is less-crowded than Oxford St, Covent Garden, Regent St, etc.
Location ~~ Carnaby Street could not be in a better location. It is just 3 or 4 minutes from Oxford Circus. tube station and is also within easy reach of Marlborough St and is no more than a 15 minutes walk from anywhere in Soho.
Shops ~~ The shops in Carnaby St. vary quite a lot from trendy fashion shops to the old cheap and tacky tourist shops. My favourite particular shop on Carnaby St. is the Mambo shop. If you haven't heard of Mambo they are a Australian surf/skate brand. Well I did mention cheap and tacky tourist shops. Well there is one "cheap and tacky" tourist shop that is actually rather good. Half of the shop is crap, postcards, shortbread tins with Prince Charles on the front and famous London Underground signs. The other half is stuff like the mirrors used in bars. Jack Daniels and Budweiser mirrors, which would look pretty cool on your bedroom wall. And for landlord wanabees who dream of their own minibar in their bedroom this shop also sells bar optics and pumps. Despite all of that though I settled with a Coca-Cola fridge magnet for £2. They also sell film masks, the most famous one I could recall was the famous Scream mask. Anyway even if your not bothered about any of this stuff which is frankly of little use but just cool to have do have a look in this brilliant shop. Unfortunately I cannot give you a name of this shop as last time I went in it simply had a plain white sign! But I can give you directions to it if your that interested! Well its past Prêt a Manger and Mambo which are near the top of Carnaby St. and is near the bottom. Though don't worry you haven't got a long walk as Carnaby St. is not that long!
Eating ~~ Last time I was on Carnaby St. the only place to eat on Carnaby St. was Prêt a Manger. Though don't worry about the lack of choice as you are still very near Oxford St. and Soho. The Prêt a Manger down Carnaby St. is good as it less busy than the one on Oxford St. other than between 12 and 1 when it is crammed with office workers coming from the fancy plush offices in Soho. All other times you can practically always get a seat. (For more about Prêt a Manger please see my opinion on the café)
Getting there ~~ The only way to go to Carnaby St. realistically is by tube. That is the only way I recommend, parking in London is very expensive and is slow due to the amount of traffic. As I said before the nearest tube station from Carnaby St. is Oxford Circus and its only a 3 or 4 minute walk.
Overall ~~ I really like Carnaby St. as it is a place you can go from Oxford St. in a few minutes if you just want a break. Its far less crowded than Oxford St. and is smaller, so its easier to find your way around. Carnaby St. is also pedestrianised so it's a lot quieter as there's no buses or taxis. Shops in Carnaby St. are different and unique whereas I tend to get bored of Oxford St. where all of the shops are just typical highstreet shops. Big HMV's, big Gaps, etc. Many shops on Carnaby St. are independent. Though most clothes shops on Carnaby St. are shops owned by the brand and are shops that you won't see on your typical town highstreet. Overall I say if your near Carnaby St. go there, its different, less crowded and has some unique shops.
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Is it worth visiting?
Good
Family Friendly
Good
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