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Hays Galleria
East of London Bridge, a few hundred yards along the Thames walkway lies a little jewel, Hays Galleria. It is a clever use of the space between two traditional looking buildings some 60 foot high, covered by a 
wonderful glass and iron roof. The massive hallway is dominated by a fascinating construction depicting the Nautilus of Jules Vernes fame. To the left are several interesting shops including Balls Brothers wines and Riverside Books. On the right you will find the Bagel Factory (sells bagels), Café Rouge, Starbucks, an intriguing glass and china shop called Obsessions (closed on Sunday). But the most interesting part for me, after the Nautilus was a fine selection of very attractive little occasional stalls. The Sunday I went there was Chris with her selection of dolls, Jay with her mirrors, hand-painted glass and automata from P&J workshops (apologies to the lady whose name I missed). No doubt many of these items have or will travel to all corners of our globe.
At the far end as you leave the main hall you may think there was something stronger in your coffee than you realised because rather surprisingly, open 364 days a year (almost) save December 25th you will find the Christmas shop. David Thompson stands patiently at the counter ready to serve the eager folk that like to shop early for Christmas decorations in mid-summer, autumn or spring – baffling but fun! ‘On Your Bike’ hires bikes on a daily or weekly basis from its Tooley Street branch just down from the London Dungeon.
I have one criticism to make about Hays Galleria - it should make up its collective mind to be fully open on Sundays, not 75% open. I wanted to buy something from Obsessions and see inside Carducci shoes but they were both closed. Saifi News however helped me out with some lifesaving replacement film very reasonably priced for a convenience shop in the heart of tourist London.
Open all year round and is free of charge.
Hays Galleria
London Bridge City
Tooley Street
Pool of London
London
SE1
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7940 7770
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7940 7711
E-mail: r_kleyn@samaprop.co.uk
Borough Market
Borough Market is the last remaining wholesale fruit and vegetable market still operating from its original site, adjacent to London Bridge. It once was a thriving animal market but now gives way to a very successful fine food market every weekend with specialist farmers and producers travelling from all over the country to sell their wares at this first-rate market. 'Foodies', top chefs and restaurateurs give it a definite thumbsup.
You can buy: pork, ham, wild boar, venison, ostrich, game, poultry, beef, fish, olives, cheeses, wines and beers (many organic), speciality bread, fruit and vegetables all in one lively area of London.
The specialist food market is open:
Friday 12:00 - 18:00
Saturday 9:00 - 16:00
Borough Market
8 Southwark Street
Pool of London
London
SE1 1TL
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7407 1002
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7403 2245
e-mail: info@boroughmarket.org.uk
www.boroughmarket.org.uk
St. Katharine Docks
St Katharine Docks provides a delightful setting for browsing around the various attractive shops and other amenities with fine views and surroundings of the marina.
Dominique for stylish clothes, Scotia for clothes and accessories with a Scottish Highland theme, quality Italian leather goods in Katypel and plenty of ideas for gifts in Nauticalia, Kings Gallery and City Flowers & Gifts. There is also The Town Crier for all the usual newsagent items such as the last minute birthday card!
St Katharine Docks isn't all about shopping though, if you're looking for somewhere to workout or pamper yourself there is the St Katharine's Health Club, John Harding Salon and Harbour Beauty Clinic. And after all that, sit back and relax in one of a large range of bars and restaurants.
Open all year round and is free of charge.
Taylor Woodrow Property Company Limited
International House
1 St Katharine’s Way
Pool of London
London E1W 1TW
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7488 0555
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7264 5359
E-mail: lucy.burrell@tayprop.co.uk
Website: www.stkaths.co.uk