Let’s Visit: Anya Hindmarch’s ‘World’s Smallest Department Store’
A grey February day did little to dampen the spirits on my first visit to Anya Hindmarch’s latest offering- The World’s Smallest Department Store in Knightsbridge. Pont Street is the spiritual home of all things Anya, and the opening of this bijou store at number 7 did not disappoint.
Just one look at the shop’s exterior and the window displays does the job in transporting you back to the heyday of British retail. I fondly remember trips to our local department store where you could get everything you wanted- and a treat or two- under one roof. Whilst I am sure many of us are fans of John Lewis, it doesn’t have quite the same ring or appeal.
And so Anya focuses on the best bits of times gone by - elegant interiors, immaculate service, and a host of beautiful products from the best of British brands. Each has been hand selected for history, provenance and excellence in British craftsmanship and every piece proudly displays the brand’s original labelling alongside Anya’s exclusive World’s Smallest Department Store logo. They’re truly collectable items.
Items made by British brands in the store include:
Gloves from Cornelia James (and a nod to Her late Majesty, a big fan of these!)
Traditional travel sweets from Simpkins
Iconic hairbrushes from Mason Pearson
Beautiful velvet bow slippers from Bowhill & Elliott
Fine socks from Pantherella
and many more items from Anya’s Brands and Eyes range!
I couldn’t resist picking up a little treat from the store- and am looking forward to a return visit to see which new items appear! The World’s Smallest Department Store is gloriously nostalgic, and with the Anya Cafe right next door, it’s the perfect spot to relax and shop in true quirky, British style.
