When I first arrived in London, I had no idea what Liberty was. All I knew was that this stunning, historic building in Soho instantly caught my eye. A dream for any photographer!
But Liberty is far more than a pretty façade. It’s a treasure trove of luxury, fashion, and design. A true icon of London life.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to step inside and experience Liberty for yourself, the legendary luxury retailer that’s captured the hearts of Londoners and visitors alike.
A building with real history
Liberty isn’t just designed to look historic. It actually is.
The Tudor revival building we know today on Great Marlborough Street began construction in 1924, using timber recycled from two old Royal Navy ships, HMS Hindustan and HMS Impregnable.
It is said that the weathervane atop the store features a model of the Mayflower, the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America.
Today, it’s a Grade II* listed building.
If you glance at the clock on Kingly Street, you’ll spot a piece of wisdom for shoppers: “No minute gone comes back again, take heed and see ye do nothing in vain.”
Every hour, the clock chimes, and the figures of St. George and the Dragon re-enact their legendary battle. Don’t miss the Four Winds angels: Uriel (south), Michael (east), Raphael (west), and Gabriel (north), on each corner of the clock.
But the story of Liberty goes back even further. The store was founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty, who started the business with a £2,000 loan from his future father-in-law.
His vision was simple but ambitious: to create a space dedicated to cutting-edge artistry and self-expression. In the beginning, Liberty mainly sold fabrics, ornaments, and Japanese art objects, items that felt exotic and innovative at the time.
Since then, the store has expanded its offering significantly and has become one of the most recognised and respected department stores in London.
Inside, that history is still very visible. You’ll find wooden staircases, panelled walls, and a layout that feels more like a large townhouse than a modern shopping centre.
It’s also a listed building, protected for its architectural importance. Walking through it feels different from being in a typical department store. It’s quieter, more intimate, and full of character.
What makes Liberty different?
At first glance, Liberty is a luxury department store. You’ll find designer fashion, high-end beauty brands, leather goods, and carefully selected homeware.
But what really sets it apart is its connection to design history.
Liberty became internationally known for its distinctive floral and patterned fabrics.
These prints became so influential that in Italy, Art Nouveau was once referred to as “Stile Liberty.” Today, the store still has its own in-house design studio and an archive of thousands of original patterns.
So when people talk about Liberty, they’re not just talking about shopping, they’re talking about a brand that has shaped design trends for over a century.
What to expect when you visit
If you’re planning a visit, here’s what you’ll notice:
- The layout feels like a series of connected rooms rather than one large open space.
- There are no escalators, just staircases, which adds to the historic feel.
- The atmosphere is calm and curated rather than fast-paced.
You can browse luxury fashion, discover niche perfume brands, explore beautifully displayed homeware, or shop for the famous Liberty fabrics.
Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it’s worth stepping inside just to experience the building itself.
A special mention: Christmas at Liberty
Christmas at Liberty always stands out, thanks to its unique and stunning annual decorations.
Each year, the store creates one-of-a-kind festive displays that captures attention and draws visitors from all over, making it a must-see destination during the holiday season.
The central atrium becomes a show-stopping spectacle, with giant festive installations suspended above the store: it's whimsical, magical, and perfect for photos!
The Christmas Shop (every December) is just as impressive, filled with unique ornaments, stylish décor, and gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
The Christmas Shop in 2025
Between the atrium and the seasonal displays, visiting Liberty at Christmas is a must for anyone in London.
Liberty at the heart of the West End
Liberty is located just off Regent Street, close to Carnaby Street and Soho. It’s easy to combine a visit with a day of exploring central London.
Because of its location and its history, it’s more than just another shop, it’s part of the London experience!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to explore Liberty London, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
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Everything you need to know about Liberty:
Liberty London: Regent Street, London, W1B 5AH
Liberty Website
