Central London has so much to offer the conscious consumer. But where to start? Our guide to an eco-conscious day out includes our pick of nature-filled activities and plant-based hotspots, preloved shopping and holistic beauty experiences. And with so many things to do, you may even want to make a night of it and stay in a sustainably minded hotel. So, keep scrolling for the best experiences to enjoy in and around Oxford Street.
Tuck into a vegan brunch
Start your day with London’s favourite foodie ritual, vegan style. Aqua Kyoto‘s vegan brunch menu is available every Saturday and Sunday and includes options like matcha green tea soba noodles and Japanese mushrooms with onion teriyaki, washed down with your choice of prosecco, cocktails or mocktails. For week-day visits to Oxford Street, fuel up with a tasty veggie breakfast of crushed avocado and roasted halloumi on potato rosti from M&S Café. Inside John Lewis, The Place to Eat serves a full English breakfast with vegan sausages that’ll set you up for a spot of shopping.
Shop vintage treasures
In search of a one-off tee or classic denim jacket? Wander into Wornwell, a preloved clothing pop-up within Primark, full of handpicked treasures from around the globe. Think jumpsuits, printed sweaters and crazy patterned shirts from the 70s, 80s and 90s. A short walk away is Beyond Retro, the largest vintage retailer in the UK. Find your perfect piece from their latest edit that celebrates checkered patterns and make a fashion statement wherever you go! Looking for even more ways to shop responsibly? Discover the positive steps Oxford Street brands are taking from in-store recycling initiatives to using plant-based fabrics.
Indulge in a holistic spa treatment
Whether you need a relaxing massage or refreshing facial, trust the highly-skilled therapists at Lush to give you a well-deserved dose of calm. The spa menu offers 12 luxurious treatments using Lush’s vegan skincare products to soothe the skin. Kitted out with reclaimed furniture, old books and plenty of tea, the spa is designed to feel more like home. In this warm and cosy setting, you’ll find the perfect break from the bustle of Oxford Street.
Visit Lush’s conscious café
After a leisurely treatment, shop Lush’s collection of handmade bath and beauty products before heading up to the café on the first floor. That’s right, nestled amongst the mountains of bath bombs, you’ll find an in-store coffee shop, Kafi, which may just be one of Oxford Street’s best kept secrets. Sip on fairly traded coffee and tuck into 100% vegan pastries as you watch the world go by.
Immerse yourself in nature
London is made for leafy wanders and the West End’s picturesque parks and gardens don’t disappoint. Stroll through Brown Hart Gardens, Hanover Square, Cavendish Square and Soho Square, all within walking distance of Oxford Street. Meander towards Marble Arch and you’ll find Hyde Park, one of London’s eight royal parks within easy reach of Oxford Street. Pack a picnic, go boating on The Serpentine or simply take in the beauty of your surroundings.
Visit the Royal Parks shop
After a ramble around Hyde Park, make your way to the Boat House by the Serpentine Lake. Here you’ll find the Royal Parks’ first retail shop offering eco-friendly products that celebrate nature. Pick up gardening accessories, picnic essentials, books and more that are ethically sourced, locally made or crafted from recycled materials. All income raised goes back into supporting the Royal Parks charity to maintain the parks for everyone to enjoy. The shop is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Discover plant based dining
If you’re looking to cut down your meat intake or go vegan altogether, it’s never been easier to find plant-based alternatives. Step inside Selfridges for incredible plant-based burgers from Brasserie of Light and vegan dumplings from Din Tai Fung. The ever-popular Willows on the Roof above John Lewis boasts breathtaking views of the city and offers vegetarian sharing plates bursting with flavour. For budget-friendly vegetarian options or a quick plant-based pick me up, check out Market Halls, Marugame Udon or Veggie Pret towards Soho.
Book an eco-friendly staycation
Hotels like BoTree, The London Edition and Treehouse London keep their carbon footprint low and enjoyment factor high. With sustainability at the heart of their design decisions, newly opened BoTree achieved an Excellent rating in the world’s leading environmental assessment method for buildings (BREEAM). At the London Edition all single-use plastic items have been replaced with eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo guest toothbrushes and cork coasters. Similarly, Treehouse London offers guests cruelty free, refillable toiletries and organic cotton sheets in all rooms, while their near zero-waste cocktails make the perfect nightcap before you turn in.
Commute more consciously
With bikes, buses, tubes and trains, getting to and from Oxford Street has never been easier. But have you considered making small changes to your journey to commute more consciously? For short-distance commutes, cycling or walking can drastically reduce individual carbon emissions. In fact, choosing a bike over a car just once a day can reduce your transportation-related emissions by 67%. No bike? No problem! Rent one from your nearest Santander docking station from only £1.65.
Sign up to our newsletter to find out what’s happening and visit Oxford Street this Autumn to shop, dine, stay and play!
Share the love
Back to What’s happening
