Make sure you carry your bag! (Harrods)

Member Name: CokaCola

Product:	Harrods
Date:	12/08/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interesting, Unusual, Good Quality Products

Disadvantages: Expensive, Staff can be a little bit forceful.

I have perhaps visited Harrods in Knightbridge about four times over the years, most recently I popped in just a couple of days ago. Harrods is one of the most famous department stores in the world, certainly in Britain, and whilst you do need to be pretty rich to go on a shopping spree here, the store is also popular simply as a tourist attraction.

To get to Harrods, I get the Piccadilly line on the underground to Knightsbridge, the shop being a quick walk from this station. There are several numbered entrances, I tend to either enter through door 5 or door 6 and there are always Harrods guards on the doors vetting every person that enters. There is apparently a dress code and I have heard rumours of people being refused entry whilst wearing jeans. I have always worn jeans and never been rufsed entry, but if you have a lot of skin exposed I'd be a little dubious. I have noticed recently that they have become very hot on bags and backpacks, if you enter the store wearing a bag they will pretty much definately ask you to take it off and carry it by hand. I must admit the member of staff who asked me to do this was a little bit demanding and I feel he could have been politer. Surely it would be more polite to ask if I'd mind taking my bag off? Rather than being commanded.

When you enter the store on the ground floor, you're greeted with perfume and beauty products with banner upon banner of designer brands, estee lauder, dior etc etc There are lots of little booths with women sitting at them and men shopping for gifts for their wives. In the middle of Harrods there is a network of escalators with signs on each level telling you what departments are situated on that particular floor. My own favourite level is "Pet Kingdom" although unfortunately this does not have the range of animals it did many years ago - now it just sells rodents, kittens and puppies (oh and rabbits!). In previous times it had a large bird selection with some of the most gorgeous budgies I have ever seen, and I'll always remember seeing the most beautiful galah in there. This time they had Siberian, British Short Hair and Bengal kittens, priced from £750 to £900 each.

Harrods is famous for it's Christmas selection which goes on sale from summer, many months in advance of Christmas. It's also famous for it's toy department, although I have never really paid much attention to this area. I remember it being big with demonstrators, and lots of teddy bears.

Overall I'd say it's worth a visit, the food hall is very unusual and sells some very unusual meats and dishes. I'd say go and have a look around, but remember the dress code and also be prepared to walk out empty handed simply because of the sheer cost of everything inside.

Summary: worth a look.