One great place to admire beautful Easter eggs is restaurant and nightspot Shaka Zulu, whose pastry chef will be making a gorgeous display (similar to the one pictured above) out of giant ostrich eggs. It’s bound to make you peckish, so fortunately the South African restaurant will be serving a special three-course feast from 12pm-5pm on Easter Sunday to satisfy your appetite.

London’s top hotels are also getting into the Easter spirit. Claridge’s is selling distinctive art deco eggs that are inspired by the hotel’s black and white marble lobby. Created with three types of fine Valrhona chocolate, the limited-edition eggs are filled with chocolate quail eggs and covered in art deco foil wrapped with a satin bow. They’d make great gifts, but you’d better be quick – there are only 100 of the £45 eggs available. If you’re planning to spend the Easter weekend in London, the Landmark Hotel’s Easter Delight package could be a great option. Not only will you get a large Easter egg – specially prepared by the hotel’s chef – delivered to your bedroom, but inside you might find a golden ticket that grants you one of several special treats provided by the hotel.

One of London’s most unusual Easter eggs can be found at tongue-in-cheek bar and pizzeria Bunga Bunga, where you can sip specially-created cocktails out of large chocolate Easter eggs. Two indulgent ice-cream based drinks are available during the Easter Weekend: a seasonal twist on the espresso martini and a chocaholic’s dream combination of chocolate ice cream, strawberry puree, white chocolate liqeur, vodka and chocolate bitters. If you’re looking for something more savoury, Cinnamon Soho is doing  a special Easter Egg Flip cocktail and an egg-inspired menu, which turns the traditional Easter Egg idea upside down through a series of Indian ball-shaped dishes.

London’s department stores have a reputation for doing everything with panache and this Easter, their eggs don’t disappoint.  At Harrods in Knightsbridge you can marvel at their behemoth of an egg, which is several feet high and – if you’re feeling flush – can be yours for £795. Fortnum and Mason have created ‘the ultimate Easter egg‘ (£90), a Russian-doll-like structure comprised of five different Easter eggs that range from white to very dark chocolate.  Selfridges has solved the age-old chicken and egg problem with a cute dark chocolate easter egg (£59.99), which has been decorated to look like a chick. For truly quirky eggs, head to branches of Artisan du Chocolat for their ‘egg and soldiers‘ masterpiece (£45), which is a cross between delicious chocolate egg and salted caramel fondue kit, or pick up a macabre Rococo ‘day of the dead’ egg from Harvey Nichols (£64.95).

If reading about all that chocolate is making you queasy, fear not: some of London’s most dramatic eggs are inedible. Head to Covent Garden from 22 March – 1 April for the Lindt Big Egg Hunt, which raises money for Action for Children. Giant fibreglass Easter eggs, which have been designed by leading artists, fashion designers and architects, will be hidden around the area for visitors to find – simply pick up a Hunt Book and get cracking!

Cambridge Satchel Company Opens Debut Seven Dials Store
If, like me, you’re a fan of the Cambridge Satchel Company, you’ll be thrilled to hear the brand is opening its first standalone store in Seven Dials. Located on Short Gardens, the store will open in two phases: first as a pop-up store on Saturday this week in time for Christmas, and open until January. Then the rest of the shop will be completed in time for London Fashion Week in Feburary, where they’ll have an exclusive Bloggers Lounge. I’m really looking forward to this one.

Zaeem Jamal Opens New Kings Road Boutique
And here’s another store with a split opening, combining Christmas and London Fashion Week. Luxury eveningwear brand Zaeem Jamal opens its new flagship boutique on London’s Kings Road today, coinciding with the area’s late-night Christmas shopping evening. However the official celebrity launch is planned for London Fashion Week in February, where the brand will also launch a bespoke shoe service. Pop in to peruse the boutique’s two floors, with the ground floor dedicated to ready-to-wear dress, gown and accessories collections, while the lower section features a swish private bespoke area and suite.

Harvey Nicks Jewellery Designer Showcase: 6 Dec
Head to Harvey Nichols on Thursday between 7pm and 9.30pm for a special evening showcasing their beautiful jewellery collections. Enjoy up to 20% off on the evening, plus sip on complimentary Champagne and sample funky bejewelled canapes while you shop for that perfect Christmas gift. Stylist Melissa Lund will be on hand, running a Jewellery Clinic offering top tips on how to wear this season’s key trends, stones and colours. Make sure you RSVP: eventsrsvp@harveynichols.com

Quintessentially British Christmas Shopping on Sloane Street
On 6, 13 and 20 December, there’ll be special shopping events taking place on Sloane Street. Look out for a host of traditionally uniformed British butlers. Lining either side of the street between Basil and Pont Streets, the butlers will be on hand to open car doors, guide visitors into stores and provide information about Sloane Street’s luxury retailers. In full uniform and holding umbrellas, the butlers will act as beautifully dressed beacons on wintry evenings, welcoming all Christmas shoppers to the street.

Dr Martens Opens Carnaby Street Store

Selfridges Opens World’s Largest Men’s Shoe Department
Staying with shoes, Selfridges opened the largest men’s shoe department in the world last week. The new 15,000 square foot men’s footwear department features more than 250 brands, as well as a made-to-order shoe salon, a salon dedicated to driving shoes, bespoke brand boutiques and a space dedicated to pop-up shops. One of the first designers set to take advantage of the new set-up is Christian Louboutin, who will showcase his men’s collection in a dedicated boutique next February. I think the idea of being able to create bespoke shoes including selecting the leather, the colour, the sole type and the stitching, from brands such as Church’s, Tods, Tom Ford, Ferragamo, Kurt Geiger and Prada sounds like such a fantastic luxury. Enjoy, boys!

New Alice and Olivia Boutique Celebrates Thanksgiving in Harvey Nichols
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Harvey Nichols with the brand new Alice and Olivia boutique this Thursday. The funky American womenswear brand launched its new boutique earlier in the month, and is now offering shoppers complimentary strawberry bellinis and sweet treats, as well as a limited edition American flag scarf with every purchase on Thursday 22 November between 12-8pm.

Musto Opens in Seven Dials
The London 2012 Olympic legacy lives on as performance brand Musto opens a new shop in Seven Dials. Founded in 1965 by Olympic athlete Keith Musto (after participating in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo) and endorsed by elite athletes including Zara Phillips, Musto have been making sailing, equestrian and outdoor clothing for more than 40 years. The new Musto store will offer collections from their Autumn/Winter Men’s Lifestyle, Sailing and Evolution ranges. As well as the high-tech sailing and rambling stuff, look out for sailing-inspired clothing including chunky knitwear and jumpers, comfortable fleeces and sweatshirts, sturdy coats as well as accessories and luggage. Look out for the new shop at 27 Neal Street in Seven Dials.

Harvey Nichols New-Look Lingerie Boutique
Knightsbridge stalwart Harvey Nichols has relaunched its lingerie boutique. As well as a complete shop-in-shop from Stella McCartney, and the latest collections from Elle Macpherson, Calvin Klein, Wolford and Spanx, the third floor boutique offers complimentary expert fittings to give you a flawless figure. To celebrate, Harvey Nichols is offering 20% off all lingerie until 21 October. Plus Nails inc are treating shoppers to a free shape and paint with every lingerie purchase over £50 or with the purchase of a matching lingerie set, meaning you can match your nails to your knickers.

Floris Opens New London Boutique, from 18 Oct
Perfumers to Her Majesty the Queen, and Prince Charles, Floris is one of London’s oldest retailers. Their first store was established on Jermyn Street way back in 1730. The brand is now expanding, with a second shop opening in Belgravia this week. The eighth and ninth generation of the family are now selling their wares at 147 Ebury Street. A growing waiting list precedes the opening of the new boutique which will offer Floris’ unique bespoke Perfumery Service as well as providing their eclectic range of scents for women, men and the home.

London College of Fashion “College Shop” Returns to Kingly Court, from 18 Oct
After the success of its pop-up shop last September, the London College of Fashion Shop is back. Opening on 18 October on Kingly Court off Carnaby Street, and running for just two weeks, the College Shop will stock unique and one-off creations from the college’s alumni. Pieces on offer are by Ada Zanditon; recent London Collections: Mens stars Joseph Turvey and Domingo Rodriguez; womenswear designer Para Manko; and fashion illustrator Rosie McGuiness. Stock will rotate daily and will also feature designs from recent graduates in womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, jewellery, fashion photography and illustrations.

Lyle & Scott’s Campaign for Wool in Covent Garden, 18-21 Oct
The excitement of Wool Week continues in London. Following last week’s news from M&S, this week the promotional campaign moves to Covent Garden. From 18 to 21 October, golf and knitwear brand Lyle & Scott is hosting a “baaa-rmy extravaganza” to show its support for The Campaign for Wool. There’ll be a mini-golf course set up on Covent Garden’s North Piazza, with woollen obstacles and sheep statues in place of the traditional AstroTurf and windmils. Fans of the brand can practice their putting for the chance to nab a 15% discount and a free Lyle & Scott golf ball. Lyle & Scott has also teamed up with a talented design student from the Wool School initiative to create a limited-edition sweater. The marl-stripe jumper is made using high-quality Hinchcliffe yarn and is on sale in the King Street store now.
Visit campaignforwool.org to find out more about Wool Week.

Here are some further highlights of the big Fashion’s Night Out parties taking place in London on Thursday. (See our previous highlights here.)

Carnaby
Head to Carnaby on Thursday where there’ll be plenty of fab fashion fun. Diesel female are giving away a free tote bag with every purchase, while there’ll be discounts in Peekaboo Vintage and the Lash Perfect Lash Bar; free drinks in The Lingerie Collective, free express transformations in Illamasqua and free tapas to FNO visitors in Tapas Brindisa. Look out, too for the live dance performances at Lomography and live music at Aint Nothin’ But.

Covent Garden
Get ready for a night of K-pop extravagance with make-up vending machines in Covent Garden for Vogue’s annual Fashion’s Night Out. There’ll be Korean street food, DJs, and a pop-up winnebago salon from Dalston’s finest “Bleach London” recreating K-Pop music video looks at Opening Ceremony. Look out for the Chanel pop-up vending machines, dishing out coveted nail and lip colours. There’ll be traditional fish and chips plus other refreshments at Ted Baker, while Burberry Brit is offering classy canapes and drinks for customers perusing the new Autumn collection. King Street will be closed to traffic for London’s most sartorial soiree to help London’s fashionistas get their new season’s wardrobes sorted.

Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols London are celebrating Fashion’s Night Out with 10% off fashion and accessories in store between 6 and 10pm. Browse the new Autumn/Winter collections, check out the must-have bags and accessories, and don’t forget the designer jewellery to add that finishing touch to your new outfits.

Westfield London
For the first time, Westfield London is also getting in on the FNO action, with a 20% discount at many stores on the night (Accessorize, French Connection, Miss Sixty, Ghost and more). In addition, there’ll be complimentary in-store refreshments at American Apparel, Guess and Diesel, plus free tote bags from Mulberry, free gifts from TopShop and a free 30ml bottle of new Boss Nuit fragrance if you spend £200 or more on Boss womenswear in Boss. In the Atrium, Westfield London are hosting a spectacular fashion show starring Yasmin and Amber Le Bon and Lizzy Jagger, showing off all the best new autumn trends. Fashion festivities continue at Westfield until Sunday 9 September. There’ll be daily catwalk shows, beauty makeovers, competitions and discounts, including free a NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil worth £17.50, when you spend £75 on fashion or beauty.

Follow all the latest Fashion’s Night Out updates on facebook or on twitter with the #FNO hashtag

Harvey Nichols London unveiled new windows in London earlier this month, in celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

In what they’re calling “their most ambitious installation to date”, the Harvey Nichols windows have been transformed into a quaint British High Street of yesteryear, complete with shops and boutiques seen throughout the Queen’s illustrious reign.

Head down there this spring to take a stroll down memory lane and see H. Nichol’s and Sons Greengrocer, Blooming Lovely Florist, Nic’s Plaice Fishmonger, Harvey Nickers lingerie shop and The Knightsbridge Corner Shop — all filled with must-haves from the new season!

Harvey Nichols is one of London’s Top Department stores. You can see the special windows at 109-125 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RJ

Fancy wining and dining your lover in front of London’s finest vista? Then this prize is for you! Visit London and Oxo Tower Brasserie are giving away a fantastic three-course dinner for two with some of the best views in town.

If you win this prize, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal featuring fine local produce such as Cornish cod, Buccleuch beef and Devon crab in the iconic Oxo Tower Brasserie. With breathtaking views over London and St Paul’s Cathedral, this is one of London’s hottest dining destinations.

To win dinner for two at Oxo Tower Brasserie enter here

Harvey Nichols’ food buyers have travelled the world in search of the best Christmas goodies.

Now you can win a box of their favourite festive treats, including champagne Christmas pudding, spiced biscuits, wine and Christmas tea and coffee.

Enter today’s Christmas competition and you could get a Harvey Nichols Noel! Noel! hamper worth £100 delivered straight to your door.

Enter Day 3: A Luxury Christmas Hamper from Harvey Nichols here

The award was based on a number of important shopping criteria including customer service, outstanding in-store experience and strong financial performance.

So would Selfridges make it to the top of your London list and why? Does the huge cosmetics hall float your boat, or are you move of a Harrods devotee?

Do you like to peruse the exclusive food hall at Harvey Nichols. Or do you prefer John Lewis for the price guarantee?

Visit London wants to know: What’s your favourite department store in London?

On Saturday afternoon, I took my mum and sister along to Harvey Nichols to sample the new Floral Afternoon Tea inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show.

Served in the formal Fifth Floor Restaurant, the tea started with a pretty Chelsea Rose Cocktail, made from gin, black cherry jam and elderflower liqueur, topped with champagne and flower petals.

Next came a selection of delicious finger sandwiches on different breads. Our waiter explained that they bring sandwiches before cakes and scones, so the scones aren’t left to go hard while you’re eating your sandwiches. They really had thought of everything!

Then, what we’d been waiting for: the cake stand, which was loaded with a selection of floral cakes. Our favourites were the fruit scones with cream and violet-infused strawberry jam.

We also munched our way through hibiscus financiers, amaretti, rose petal eclairs and lavender cupcakes with pansies on top.  The cakes aren’t just decorated with flowers, they actually taste of flowers. The jam reminded us of old-fashioned violet sweets, while the cupcakes had a strong lavender taste.

The tea seemed to be popular with women – the dining room was full of mainly female groups enjoying cakes and cocktails, Sex and the City-style. I’d definitely recommend the experience for a girly day out, or as a special treat after visiting the flower show.

Floral Afternoon Tea is available at Harvey Nichols’ Fifth Floor Restaurant throughout May. £24.50 per person, including a Chelsea Rose Cocktail.