Good news. London is now an affordable luxury. This hip, heritage rich gem of a city has lost none of its colour but some of its prohibitive cost. With the 2012 Olympics fast approaching, London and its environs are positively fizzing with inexpensive energy. The pound may be weak, but the spirit is strong.
Bicester Village, in Oxfordshire and just 60 minutes from London, meanwhile reflects the elegant and quintessentially English restraint of the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside, whilst playing host to some of the world’s most exciting English outlet boutiques. Elizabeth Hurley, Stella McCartney, Sir Mick Jagger, Yasmin Le Bon and the Beckhams are just a few of the names that have been won over by the charm of Bicester Village.
Cheeky boudoir label Agent Provocateur presents its only outlet boutique (and that’s worldwide) at Bicester Village, as has the handbag genius Anya Hindmarch, the New Bond Street stationer Smythson and the incomparable Luella. The White Company, with its perfect linens and homeware, only sells at a discount at Bicester Village, as do Alice Temperley, queen of the slightly hippy-chick evening dress, Matthew Williamson and All Saints. The iconic names Jimmy Choo, Burberry and Mulberry and also TSE Cashmere have their own boutique here.
Penhaligon’s bathroom products are used by HRH The Prince of Wales, which is quite an endorsement. Theory has its only European outlet boutique here, and devotees love a rare chance for some Alexander McQueen. Pringle of Scotland has been recently reinvigorated by a new, sparky creative director, and Paul Smith epitomises classic British style with quirk.
And you won’t only find British brands at Bicester Village. No one does understated luxury better than Marni and Max Mara, who with Versace, Ermenegildo Zegna and Salvatore Ferragamo form some of the Italian contingent and Brooks Brothers (with its new Black Fleece label, guest designed by Thom Browne) come from Stateside, and Petit Bateau lets you dress the children with French flair. All these designers are selling previous seasons’ collections reduced by up to 60%* all year round. This is shopping at its smartest. And all this at an hour’s train ride from London, followed by Bicester Village’s own swift shuttle to its doorstep.
This is a region of unparalleled charm and cultural and political history. Winston Churchill was born down the road at Blenheim Palace, Britain’s only non-royal palace and home to the Duke of Marlborough – worth a visit for its English Baroque grandeur and its Capability Brown designed gardens.
The cherry on Oxfordshire’s cake must be the historic university town of Oxford, ten minutes from Bicester Village, where 1000 years of study have created a remarkable atmosphere, not to mention the beautiful architecture of the colleges themselves. Anyone interested in reading could do no better than to take a tour of the ancient Bodleian Library, including the Duke Humfrey’s Library where students still study among the ancient texts but are only allowed to use pencils. After soaking up some learning, a drive into the countryside for lunch at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons with its constellation of two Michelin stars provides perfect respite, as indeed do The Vineyard at Stockcross with two stars and the charming thatched gastropub The Nut Tree, 15 minutes from Bicester Village.
And then to London for its bustling theatre-filled West End and inaugural exhibitions. You can even visit Buckingham Palace, home to HM The Queen. Someone once said that if you’re bored of London, you’re bored of life. Are you bored of life? We didn’t think so. Are you bored of shopping? Not at Bicester Village with all these exceptional brands, exceptionally priced.
