Cath Kidston

Nothing like Cath Kidston! Love this little shop! I’ve been to every Cath Kidston in Central and East London (all have the same merch) but that’s how obsessed I am! The cutest little things you never thought you needed until you entered this store. They have everything from floral printed napkins, cups, plates, sewing kits, and even dog beds. I want everything!!! If you are visiting from another country (USA) you cannot forget to stop by this shop!

I’ve made several purchases at this location of Cath Kidston for myself, as well as for gifts. I have noticed that the sales personnel are very aggressive, asking, «May I help you?» several times, even though my response each time was, «I’m just looking.» It made me feel uncomfortable to be asked repeatedly and made me feel as if I had to rush to make a decision. I detest having sales personnel «hang» on me when I am browsing and making a decision; asking me once is enough.
I love to gift wrap and consider it to be an art. I needed to post my last purchase right away, so I had the salesperson wrap it for me. My gosh — I think a 6-​year-​old child could’ve done a better job! They use paper bags with a Cath Kidston design on it, so wrapping should be a breeze; basically a no-​brainer! This salesperson used a ton of tape and folded the bag very sloppily. She also attempted to snip off all the tags, but I stopped her — that would’ve made the bag I purchased appear to have been purchased at a second-​hand shop or one of the stores that sell unauthorized copies of Cath Kidston merchandise! I could not believe that she could make a nice gift look so cheap! She seemed very nervous… I’m not sure why, as I was the only customer there.
On another occasion, I presented my credit card for a purchase. Since I had just moved to London from the US, I did not have any identification, other than my photograph affixed to my card by the credit card company. The salesperson asked for my passport. Any savvy traveler doesn’t carry around an original passport, as loss of such is difficult and time-​consuming to replace. I found that to be insulting and demeaning.

Dans mon appartement loué pour quelques jours à Notting Hill, nous avions des mugs comme je les aime, mais né les trouve jamais en France, en porcelaine fine et décorée avec des fleurs très «english style». Après avoir retourné le mug, j’ai trouvé la marque et déniché la boutique la plus proche.
L’accueil était charmant, la boutique petite, mais pleine de trésors: linge de lit, pijamas, vêtements pour bébés, parapluies de poche, torchons, et, au fond de la boutique, les fameux mugs ! Tout cela avec des fleurs très girly. Un joli souvenir à rapporter de Londres, pas trop encombrant et abordable.
Une jolie boutique, que l’on peut trouver visiblement dans plusieurs quartiers de Londres, Covent Garden par exemple.
Mais une suggestion: venez donc à Notting Hill: le quartier est aussi charmant que le suggère le fameux coup de foudre !

After my favourite store in Clarendon Cross closed, their new shop on Portobello Road is the nearest one in the Notting Hill area.
I preferred the quaintness of the location in Clarendon Cross compared to that of Portobello Road (a little too busy for me), but nonetheless it’s only roughly a 10 min walk from Notting Hill Gate Underground Station, and along the way you pass some pretty pastel coloured houses and small vintage clothing shops.
On entering the shop, they sell everything from homeware, childrens clothing, accessories and women’s clothing downstairs.

This is now my local Cath Kidston outlet after the original shop in Clarendon Cross has closed. I still love the vintage-​inspired fabrics and accessories and will come here on my search for unique (well, not quite so unique considering how many branches there now are, plus online shop, etc) gift ideas.
I buy a new design of oil cloth almost every year as they make perfect table covers for kitchens and outdoor dining. The designs are girlie without too being too kitsch or too sickly. I have discovered many designs which reminded me of my grandmother’s kitchen — nice to unearth them for another generation.
If you have the choice I would recommend visiting the shop during the week rather than on Saturdays when the whole area is teaming with tourists.