Best of the Borough: High Street District

Consider High Street for your open-air shopping, with its eclectic mix of vintage wares, archival bookstores and clothing stores to suit any taste.

EAT

A day spent browsing High Street's stores aplenty requires adequate fuel to keep energy levels and motivation high. You're in luck – the High Street District is home to many an impressive breakfast menu, not to mention superb coffee. Warm up with Chuffed's in-house crumpets, served with ginger poached pear, vanilla cream and Canadian maple syrup.

If you're after something lighter, Chancery's Health Nut Kitchen serves an Island Spice Shake, packed with superfoods to keep all cylinders firing. If you prefer little less noshing and a little more shopping, grab a coffee and freshly baked treat to-go from newcomers Stolen Summer, or sip on their eponymous signature blend at Eighthirty. Sweet tooths will be hard pressed to not pop into Mellow just for a coffee, but leave with one of their fanciful desserts or sweets in tow.

SHOP

From pocket squares to luxurious bathroom wares, High Street caters to a wide range of shopper's tastes. Start your journey along the central city's most famous one-way street with a visit to Barkers. Freshen up your hair cut in their Groom Room, and put their in-house tailors to work in their boutique downstairs. Complete your look with a pair of snappy-looking shoes from Merchant Man across the road, and you're away laughing. Be spoilt for choice over the variety of clothing and footwear labels situated along the popular strip, including Gorman, moochi, flo & frankie and RUBY.

Bookworms will be familiar with award-winning independent bookseller, Unity Books. Covering everything from history to poetry, their helpful staff will even track down obscure books from across the globe. You'll easily lose yourself in the racks at Tatty's, a boutique retailer who specialises in local and international vintage and retro pieces. Discover the art of scenting yourself or your home at Aesop, whose shop fit out is just as impressive as the delicately fragranced wares within.

DRINK

Offer tired feet a well-deserved break by popping into one of the High Street District's cosy and character-filled bars. Defrost your date by the fire at Hotel Debrett's in-house cocktail lounge, Housebar. Decorated in the same Art Deco style as the hotel itself, you'll come for the company and stay for the elaborate drinks list. Downstairs, watch the world go by at Corner Bar over a craft beer or two. Popular for both its wine list and small plates, reserve your spot in a booth at Pilkingtons, where the Rosé is second to none.

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