Make conscious choices at these top spots in London’s West End

Explore sustainability-focused initiatives found across our neighbourhood. From slow fashion products and plastic-free items to zero waste stores, we’ve rounded up our top places to experience shopping green.

1. Ole & Steen

The all-day Danish bakery and creator of true “hygge” moments knows what it’s talking about when it comes to sustainability. With its “No waste. Great Taste” initiative, Ole & Steen’s intelligent bakers strive to produce just the right amount each day to satisfy your appetite. For anything leftover, it’s come up with delicious solutions that turn potentially wasted produce into tasty alternatives – like transforming seeded rye into sea-salted rye crisps, or unsold pastries into truffle logs. Why not pick up a great deal for you and our planet with a reduced-price mystery bag? Sold at the end of the day and filled with a selection of its delectable unsold goods, eat your way through the bag or borrow some of its culinary expertise to transform your goodies using Ole & Steen’s food waste recipes on its social media.

2. D R Harris

Specialists in grooming products, D R Harris employ the same focus and care behind-the-scenes as in-store on its journey to becoming more sustainable. Since the beginning, its products have all been made in England, keeping its supply chain and product packaging to a minimum. With its soon-to-launch biodegradable and natural rubber bottles, you can say goodbye to single-use plastic. You can even refill your favourite products at its Piccadilly store. Treat yourself and the planet as with every purchase, D R Harris will plant a tree.

3. Emma Willis

Celebrate slow fashion at Emma Willis, a British-born shirtmaker which prides itself on creating locally produced timeless products with zero waste. You can be assured that your perfectly stitched shirt will be made using the highest quality fabrics and as a brand that disregards disposable fashion, each item from Emma Willis will last for years and transcend seasons. We love its patchwork boxer shorts made from shirt scraps and spare fabric – the perfect gift for yourself or your significant other.

4. Truefitt & Hill

It may be the oldest barbershop in the world, but this celebrated St James’s shop is looking to the future. Truefitt & Hill recently received a Carbon Neutral Gold Standard in recognition of its sustainable practices; from only using recyclable packaging to upcycling pre-loved furniture for its salons and warehouses, changing salon lighting to LED, and its work with conservation charities and memberships in the Climate Neutral Now Initiative to offset its carbon footprint. Cut your impact on the planet with your next fresh trim at Truefitt & Hill and feel good on the inside and the outside.

5. Sofitel London St James’s

Offering a five-star service to all its guests, Sofitel London is taking innovative steps to ensure its impact and waste from its hotel and restaurant are kept to a minimum. Its master mixologists repurpose food waste into cordials and mixers for your next cocktail and you're in for a sweet surprise. Get a sweet surprise at Wild Honey where the honey used in its iconic dishes has been harvested from its rooftop beehives. Staying for the weekend? Enjoy its refillable initiative and the elimination of single-use plastic at this exceptional central London hotel.