Chanel’s “record fee” for Bond Street shop
July 31, 2010 by Rob Powell
The Financial Times has reported that the luxury brand Chanel is taking over a retail unit in Bond Street – and paying a pretty penny for it too.
If the reports are to be believed a £4million deal has been agreed for the new store which is opposite the new Louis Vitton store.
Nicole Farhi have been bought of their lease to allow Chanel take on a 25-year deal for their new London flagship store.
Victoria’s Secret to open Mayfair store
June 24, 2010 by Rob Powell
The first Victoria’s Secret store in the UK is to open up in the heart of Mayfair.
Victoria’s Secret, which was founded in 1977, is a famous American retailer of ladies’ underwear, lingerie and beauty products.
They have selected a spot at the corner of Brook Street and New Bond Street to open their first British shop. The new store will be just across the road from Fenwick of Bond Street.
Hotel Review: Westbury Mayfair
May 10, 2010 by Rob Powell
The Westbury Mayfair has the unique claim of being the only hotel on Bond Street, so I paid a visit to this five star hotel last week to see if it lived up the status that its address affords it.
Whilst part of the hotel is indeed on Bond Street, the entrance is actually around the corner in Conduit Street. The hotel lobby is quite beautiful with large marble columns and comfortable chairs. At this point, you certainly feel like you are in a high quality hotel.
Check in service was quick and efficient and the hotel corridors were lined with pictures of, I think, stars from a bygone age which do lend it a slightly glamorous feel.
So far so good, and then you arrive at your room. I was staying in a twin room and frankly it was disappointing. The initial visual impact was not unimpressive – at first glance it actually seemed more than satisfactory. But then you notice quite how small it is. And then you spot an unimpressive, small LCD TV and notice that cushions are left hap-hazardly on the floor.
One of the first things I like to when getting to a hotel is just make myself a quick tea or coffee to settle myself in but there was no kettle and tea facilities in the room. Internet access was available but was absurdly expensive – thank goodness for 3g on my mobile – and the TV menu system was slow, clunky and actually stopped working altogether before long. The picture quality wasn’t very good either.
Service was pretty good – when a request was put in for an ironing board and iron, it was delivered to the room very promptly.
The location of the hotel is, of course, superb. You have the West End right on your doorstep, which is a major plus point. But that and the beautiful lobby do not, unfortunately, make up for the fact that this is supposed to be a a five star hotel, and against that measure, the room itself was a disappointment.
More information about hotels in Mayfair.
Smythson of Bond St Sold to Italian Firm
December 22, 2009 by Rob Powell
A MAYFAIR based luxury stationery shop has been sold to an Italian company for a reported £18million.
Smythson of Bond Street, which stocks a range of up market stationery and leather accessories, was started in 1887 by Frank Smythson and has held several Royal warrants. More recently, with Samantha Cameron as Creative Director, it has become some of a fashion icon with its Nancy bag being seen swinging from the arms of many female celebrities.
According to reports, Smythson has been purchased by Greenwill SA, the holding company for Tivoli Group – an Italian leather goods manufacturer.
Mayfair Jeweller in £40million Heist
August 11, 2009 by Rob Powell
A Mayfair jeweller has been victim to one of the biggest robberies in British criminal history.
Two smartly dressed thieves walked into Graf jewellers in New Bond Street last Thursday and threatened staff with handguns. They made off with a huge stash of rings, watches, bracelets and necklaces with a combines value of 65 million USD (just under £40million).
The audacious pair took a female member of staff out onto the street with them, firing a shot before making off in a parked BMW car. They then drove to Dover Street, via Stafford Street, where they ditched the BMW, fired another shot and police believe made off in a silver Mercedes. Police believe there was another car switch in Farm Street.
Det Chief Inspector Pam Mace from the Flying Squad said: “This was a well planned robbery with a number of vehicles used to help the robbers escape. These men are extremely dangerous and fired at least two shots in busy London streets as they made their getaway.
“Someone knows who these men are, they would undoubtedly have spoken about it beforehand or boasted about it afterwards. I would urge anyone who recognises them, knows the whereabouts of the jewellery or has any other information to contact us.”
Police have released descriptions of the two wanted men, and also a CCTV image which they believe shows the two robbers.
Suspect 1 is white, approximately 30 years old, with a slim build, dark hair with a well-combed side parting, light stubble on his face and is 5 ft 10 – 6 ft tall. He was wearing a grey suit, white shirt and tie.
Suspect 2 is black, described as being in his 30s, 6 ft tall, more well built than the first suspect, with very short Afro hair. He was also wearing a grey suit, white shirt and tie.
It is believed both men spoke with London accents.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Barnes Flying Squad on 020 8247 4804; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
Mallett Antiques to Leave Bond Street
January 13, 2009 by Rob Powell
Mallet Antiques has announced to shareholders that it is to leave its current location in Bond Street.
The decision to leave 141 New Bond Street has been attributed to a “significant” rent increase from the landlord, and also the changing nature of New Bond Street which Mallet describes as now being “predominately a fashion street which has affected the footfall into our showroom”.
The company was formed in 1865, in Bath, and first opened a shop in New Bond Street in 1910.
Bond Noël – Bond St Christmas Light Switch On
November 20, 2008 by Rob Powell
The countdown to Christmas really begins when lovers of the seasonal time will assemble at the corner of Old Bond Street and Burlington Gardens tonight for Bond Noël – the annual Bond Street Christmas light switch on.
There will be reindeer, christmas trees, carol singers and snow all the way down Bond Street and an as yet unnames special guest to do the honours of turning on the lights. It should be quite an event so pop along and get into the Christmas spirit. There’s also going to be a luxury tombola in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Bond Noël lasts from 5pm until 8pm, with the switch on scheduled for 6pm.
UPDATE: The unnamed celebrity turned out to be quite a good – Miss Kelly Brook! There’s some great pictures of the event on Flickr…
Damien Hirst To Open Bond Street Store
August 27, 2008 by Rob Powell
Renowned Brit artist Damien Hirst is to open a new store in New Bond Street, next to auction house Sotheby’s. According to a report on Bloomberg, the new shop will open by the end of the year and will be Hirst’s second store, with his first one due to open in Marylebone soon.
The shop will sell the same range of products which are available on his company website at OtherCriteria.com
Bond St Station To Get Cooling Fans
June 26, 2008 by Rob Powell
TFL has announced its plans to try and combat heat on the London Underground this summer. Select stations including Bond Street, Bank and Charing Cross will have portable fans strategically placed to increase airflow.
Other initiatives announced include providing air conditioned trains on surface lines within two years. It is also planning to install a number of portable fans at select tube stations, including to help increase the airflow. Mayor Of London, Boris Johnson, said:
It always perplexed me that boffins could produce mobile phones the size of a
credit card yet passengers would emerge dripping with sweat from Tube trains
that lacked air conditioning.‘That is why I am chuffed to bits that
plans are afoot to finally put these systems on Circle, District, Hammersmith
and City and Metropolitan Lines trains.
Find out more:
Transport For London: London Underground reveals plans to help passengers ’stay cool’
D&G Hit By Smash and Grab
May 22, 2008 by Rob Powell
Dolce and Gabbana in Old Bond Street was hit by “smash and grab” robbers on Monday night. Following the template which has become so common at designer stores in London, the robbers turned up on motor bikes, smashed their way in and made off with as much as they could carry.
Vogue: Dolce and Gabbana Raided
Female First: D&G; Raided By Fashion Bandits