The Burlington Arcade, off Piccadilly, was built in 1819 by Lord George Cavendish in order to stop people throwing rubbish into his garden. Since then it has become one of the nicest shopping precincts in the whole of London.

For this is where you can experience shopping in the atmosphere of a bygone age. The buildings are regency, the shops are exclusive, and the atmosphere is twice as genteel as you could possibly imagine!

The tone of this very exclusive shopping arcade is upheld by uniformed guards known as Burlington Berties, who were initially employed to protect shoppers against pickpockets. Today they ensure that the decorum of the arcade isn’t spoilt by running, whistling, humming, singing, bubble gum or general high spirits.