Harrods - not just for the super rich (Harrods)

Member Name: honey000

Product:	Harrods
Date:	08/02/09 (375 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An experience, great service, wide range of products

Disadvantages: Tacky, lots of tourists!

Harrods of Knightsbridge. Not somewhere you would usually visit unless you are a rich tourist or a lottery winner?

Well I beg to differ. Harrods is an amazing experience that anyone can enjoy and is definitely worth a look on a visit to London.

Location

Right beside Knightsbridge tube on the Picadilly Line - in fact there is an exit from the tube to Harrods so you really can't miss it!

It is on the Brompton Road - so is around 5 minutes bus ride from South Kensington and the museums there.

Outside

Most of us will recognise the dark green facade with the gold writing which indicates Harrods but I would recommend taking a little walk around the outside of the store as the windows are quite a treat. To be fair Harvey Nichols along the road has better, more unusual windows but the Harrods lights in the evening when it is dark are a recognisable tourist attraction.

At the entrance

Depending on which entrance you go in you may be greeted by a doorman wearing a top hat who will open the door and say "good morning / afternoon / evening madama/sir" as you pass - making you feel like royalty!

Do be aware of the dress code - if you are exposing too much midriff you are unlikely to be allowed in. Also if you have a large bag or suitcase you will be made to leave it in the left luggage department on the lower ground floor and charged £3 to do so!

There are information desks at many of the entrances - go here to be politely given instructions and a map of the store by staff wearing smart black suits and who are normally so friendly and respectful that you feel at home. If you are wearing a rucksack you will be told to carry it in one hand.

Inside

What I love about Harrods is the sheer celebration of tackiness - where else can you ride up the Egyptian escalator (suitably decorated of course) and here an opera singer serenading you with an aria from the third floor balcony? Or perhaps a jazz pianist playing in the champagne bar?

Or even (and one of my personal favourites) - see an Italian pizza chef similtaneously making pizza and singing romantic opera arias in a very credible baritone in a pizza restaurant!

From the Diana and Dodi memorial statue to the pet department (which has to be seen to be believed - fancy dress costumes for your dogs?) there is something to see. And you dont have to spend a penny to enjoy it!

Toilets

Of course Harrods being Harrods the rest rooms are luxurious - they are spotless, have free drinking water and a wide selection of perfumes that you can use to refresh yourself. There is a donations jar for the use of the perfumes but no suggested donation level so it really does vary from £0.05 to £20.

Shopping

You would imagine that Harrods would be super expensive and certain departments are certainly that. However Harrods also has concessions of lots of "regular" stores. Try Waterstones on the 4th floor or the "Way In" fashion for younger users on the 4th floor. This hosts such stores as Top Shop, Warehouse, Mikey and Kurt Geiger (along with more expensive brands). Prices are exactly the same as they would be in the regular stores - minus the crowds, plus the excellent customer service that Harrods offers - a win win situation!

Of course if you are blessed with lots of money try the designer clothes sections on the lower ground floor for men and the 1st floor for women.

My personal favourite area is the beauty section on the ground floor. Brands include Benefit, Clarins, Clinique, Origins and the list goes on. Staff are only too willing to give you a free makeover or let you try (and take away) free samples of all the goodies - which are again no more expensive than any other store.

Food outlets

Harrods has a great range of food outlets, from an "Eds Diner" serving milkshakes and fries on the 4th floor, to a French tea room on the 1st, to a pizzeria complete with singing chef! My personal favourite is the hot chocolate bar selling such delights as melted milk, white or plain chocolate in a cup. Probably one for the girls I know - but at around £2.50 - £4.00 is this any more expensive than Starbucks? Other food is slightly more expensive than the norm - but the service and location are so good that it is just a treat to be there!

Service
Generally staff are lovely - they fall over themselves to help you whether you are spending £5 in the food hall or £1000 on a handbag (I wish). They are all beautifully dressed and both well presented and well mannered.


Downsides
OK it is a tourist attraction so expect to be tripped up by lots of tourists wandering aimlessly along the floors. It is also easy to get a bit lost, sometimes you can be wandering looking for an escalator for ages.

Overall - a place to experience. Despite popular opinion you can take £10 and enjoy the store, have a drink and cake and still take away a branded Harrods food item from the Food Hall as a souvenir - you just need to explore!

Summary: Chocolate, friendly staff and singing pizza makers!