London is a vibrant hub for international brands, and as a French enthusiast, I’ve found some of my favourite French brands that bring a taste of home to this bustling city.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON presents some fantastic brands for you to discover in London…
French Tea brands
I very well know England is fond of tea, which has been very popular here since the 18th century. With 80% of the British population drinking tea every day and a consumption of 165 million cups daily, England is one of the world’s greatest tea consumers per capita (even if I have learnt Ireland came before England in this category…). And I join you on this particular habit as I can’t live without drinking lots of tea everyday… Alright, I’m ready to embrace my preferences: I simply can’t resist French tea brands!
Mariage Frères is certainly the best one for me as I appreciate their corporate image (the whole communication is coherent, using the black colour typical of luxury positioning and an historical sign that refers to the beginning of the tea industry) as much as their teas. In particular, I am currently fond of the “The Vert Provence”, from which I love the freshness of the green tea and the delicacy of the rose and lavender flavours. You can find this Gourmet tea at Selfridges with lots of other choices and a very attentive staff, or you can go to their flagship in Covent Garden.
Another cherished brand is Kusmi Tea, and my favourite shop is in Marylebone. You can’t miss their colourful packaging and their fashion partnerships (they recently had a partnership with Jean-Paul Gautier who designed some tea pots and cups).
They have wonderful teas and as January means “detoxification” after the overindulgence of the-end-of-the-year-parties, I will recommend one of the Detox range I like drinking when it’s cold outside: the BB Detox (BB for “Beauty Beverage”) which is a mix of green tea, maté, rooibos, guarana, and dandelion, flavoured with a hint of grapefruit. Try it, you’ll love it!
In another field, cosmetics, I will refer to L’Occitane en Provence: the range of products “verbena” is divine… Please try the Verbena Foaming bath and you’ll soon recover from your exhausting days! Or use another famous product of L’Occitane: the Dry Skin Hand Cream with beurre de karite as a daily treatment against the cold winter. The smell is delicious, this is a non-greasy texture, and it is efficient! My favourite shop is very close to oxford street on Christopher’s place…
Last but not least, if you appreciate luxury books and a tranquil atmosphere right in the heart of downtown, be sure to visit Maison Assouline on Piccadilly Street. The friendly staff will introduce you to ‘the most sophisticated books in the world,’ with a special focus on design, fashion, and travel – perfect for enthusiasts of all three!
Maison Assouline also presents a “Cabinet de curiosites” with many outstanding items that are really worth seeing, and a bar in the middle of the library where you can enjoy a drink outside the tumult of London. This may be my most unpredictable discover I have made in the city so far…
London is often referred to as the ‘sixth largest city in France,’ which has made it an ideal destination for French brands looking to expand abroad. Although I enjoy exploring new brands here in the UK, I have to admit that these beloved French products always help me reconnect with a touch of French flair whenever I need it!
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To go further:
Mariage Frères in Covent Garden: 38 King St, London WC2E 8JS.
Kusmi Tea in Marylebone: 15 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4NU.
L’Occitane en Provence in St Christopher’s Place: 7 St Christopher’s Pl, Gee’s Ct, London W1U 1JG.
Maison Assouline in Piccadilly: 196A Piccadilly, London W1J 9EY.
Nice post. I actually went to Assouline myself a couple of months ago, and it was quite a good out of the crowd experience. I recommend it as well.
Thanks! I am happy you share my point of view!