The Chiltern Street Christmas Edit

Yes, it’s happening — Christmas grows closer, carols sound the streets, and that imminent fear of the shopping day begins to loom over your waking hours. A tale as old as time: fleeing the streets of Oxford Street in a hot sweat only to leave with two pairs of socks and a present for yourself that you truly did not need.

SPHERE is here to rescue your festive sanity with a guide to Chiltern Street — the place where you can get all your Christmas shopping done in a single day (or two hours, if you’re a disciplined shopper).

And this year brings an added treat. On the 29th of November, Chiltern Street hosts its festive shopping event, with in store drinks, exclusive offers and a choir and brass band to keep the whole street perfectly in tune. Bring that thing we’ve heard whispers of every year — Christmas joy — back to your shopping experience. 

Let the shopping commence...

First stop — Bella Freud. Yes, her great-grandfather may have studied our unconscious mind, but Bella understands our unconscious wardrobe desires. HUGE difference.

Boasting of elevated classics and their iconic ‘psycho analysis’ slogans, Bella Freud is the British brand beloved by British icons like Kate Moss and Alexa Chung. In just ten minutes, you’ll be prancing out of the store, Bella Freud bag in hand, having ticked off two, maybe three gifts in one go.  

From formal attire to statement knits and slogan-based perfumery, there is something in there for everyone - even the most "hmmm... interesting" of gift-receivers are sure to be wowed. 

Just down the street resides every gift-giver's mecca, Labour and Wait. Curated general stores stand as nostalgia goldmines and bring us back to our basic instincts. That, yes, we do need that stylish bread bag even if we already have one at home.

Amidst the shelves of utilitarian beauty, the possibilities of gifts are endless and ripe for the taking. Their Guernsey Basket is — not to be dramatic — to die for, while their Ulm School espresso cups are simply charming. From stamp carving kits and calligraphy sets to the most delightful enamel kitchenware, this is where you’ll find gifts that even the “I don’t want anything” friends end up loving. 

Within the green arches of Trunk lies the secret to shopping for men, and it resembles elevated tailoring and rich leather goods. It's difficult to go wrong with their cashmere polo shirts, essential Porter bags or elevated stationary so it's certainly worth a look. Keep an eye out for the AL Sport Fountain Pen and Hanpu for Trunk Large Tool Bag, both understated treasures guaranteed to earn serious gifting kudos.

As the carol goes — on the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, two luxury pen cartridge sets and a pear tree.

Wellbeing has always been in style, but this year it's at the forefront. It's everywhere — in articles, it's online, and on everyone's wishlist. And it’s far too easy to put it off.

That’s why wellbeing gifts are perfect: they do the hard work for the recipient, giving them a treat without the stress. So now, take the pressure out of finding the perfect product by visiting Anatome, where expert staff effortlessly guide you to the ideal wellbeing gift. 

From sleep and gut health supplements to two-step skin ritual gift sets, the options are endless. To narrow it down, the Neroli, Orange Blossom and Tobacco Room Spray isn't only a safe bet — it's easily one of the best. We know you'll leave with a thoughtful gift for a loved one (and probably an extra bath oil or two for yourself). 

Niwaki, a fan favourite among culture and garden connoisseurs, is just a second away from Anatome and ready to make your gift bag look like it’s straight from the North Pole.

Among the plethora of Japanese workwear and gardening tools, the Niwaki Hori Hori Knives has kept gardeners and garden-lovers alike coming back for more, and it's a faultless gift for any newly-discovered horticulturists out there or even the weekend warrior gardeners.

And without a doubt, special attention must be paid to the Niwaki Kenzan. The tool creates the famed ikebana flower displays, a personal favourite that is yet still under-appreciated and just enough to turn even your most reluctant of friends into budding floral artists.

Familiar with all things ambrosial, the next stop is Perfumer H. Perhaps the trickier of gift-giving, Perfumer H is here to help you prove the impossible and gift a perfume that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression — and a good one.

Lyn Harris, perfumer and founder of Perfumer H, has perfected her craft, curating scents that can evoke memories and moments through only smell. Formerly formulating L’Air de Rein with Jane Burkin and collaborating with glassblowing craftsman and tea farms from around the world, the fragrance speaks for itself but the stories behind it make it that more compelling.

A personal favourite and crowd pleaser is their scent "Steam", reminiscent of mist on an early morning with notes of green tea, cedar wood and plum. And as though the stars aligned, a gift box including their Steam Eau de Parfum and Steam Tea is available to purchase. And if you’re unsure what to choose, Perfumer H's in-store appointments make a noteworthy gift: from £250, guests enjoy a 60-minute journey through the craft of Perfumer H fragrances.

The day gets darker, your bag is twofold heavier and this is the perfect place to lift your mood and finalise your Christmas shopping expedition.

Dashing Tweeds is a local favourite and prides itself on perfecting the union of modern taste and timeless tailoring. Their baseball caps incorporate tweed patterns and are something of a signature — a clear contender for the SPHERE wishlist. With impeccably crafted jackets, luxury knitwear and voguish details, Dashing Tweeds is the spot to shop for those friends who admire style but are hesitant to take the plunge themselves.

Feast your eyes on this!

Sitting comfortably in the heart of Chiltern Street is The Gallery of Everything. The commercial space and gallery opened nearly 10 years ago and is committed to preserving a space for self-taught artists and makers within the tide of cultural undercurrents.

Currently exhibiting 'ECTOPLASMIX', a curated visual odyssey of otherwordly wonders and spanning artists across generations. A piece worth visiting is Austin Osman Spare's Satyros Dux (1945), a slightly haunting and mystical illustration that draws you in the longer you look.

So, whether you happen to be looking for a collector-worthy piece or simply want to stretch your imagination, this is the place.

Treat Yourself

Home to the most delectable daytime dishes, Cafe Murano is the place for a quick afternoon bite. Take a seat at the bar or get comfy in a booth and treat yourself to their breakfast menu, which consists of nourishing dishes that strike the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent.

Cafe Murano's a la carte menu also pledges to please with the most tempting dishes that look straight from the streets of Sicily. Whether you go with the chicken Milanese with rocket, baby gem and parmesan or the pumpkin risotto with sage and roasted walnuts, this is the spot to fuel yourself before the treasure hunt commences.

Celebrate the end of your spree and toast to yourself in the cosy corner of Chiltern Street and Blandford Street at The Hart. The interiors should suffice in tempting you through the doors, but if not, the menu will certainly do the job.  

A celebration of British farmers and traditional hearty plates, whether a non-verbal moment is needed or a quick drink is necessary, before you leave the slow streets of Marylebone, this spot promises peace at the end of your day.