London's palatial chemist's shop

Collecting a prescription isn’t normally something to get excited about. However, John Bell & Croyden is the exception, with its beautiful interiors and staggering variety of products and gadgets, not to mention several Swarovski-encrusted wares (everything from hairbrushes to mobility scooters… you name it, they have it!).

Having recently undergone a glamorous makeover, the store is now even more of a dazzling health and wellbeing emporium, offering a stunning array of cutting-edge products from around the globe.

Similar to those famous French pharmacies – noted for stocking some of the best skincare on the planet – John Bell & Croyden has a whole range of cult brands that you can normally only discover after extensive trawling through magazines and beauty blogs.

Familiar high-street essentials sit alongside cult British brands such as Oskia and Emma Hardie. There’s also renowned international lines, including Skinceuticals, not to mention fine fragrances by the likes of Serge Lutens and more. It’s definitely worth popping in to discover them on your next Christmas shop.

As well as a place to shop for an indulgent beauty buy or two, their renowned pharmacy lies at the heart of the store. It’s a place where old-school, top quality service meets cutting-edge treatments – not to mention an encyclopaedic range of vitamins, minerals and supplements. And for time-strapped city dwellers, there is also the store’s pioneering First Care Walk-In Clinic.

Priced at £40 per appointment – the clinic is a hassle-free alternative to visiting a GP. Customers undergo a confidential consultation for minor injuries and ailments – as well as having general health and wellbeing check-ups, including tests for blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, along with offering prescriptions. The pharmacists can also administer last-minute travel vaccinations, perfect if you’re jetting off at the last minute.

The store has an extensive and interesting history (with artefacts and information dotted around for customers to explore and admire). It was opened in 1798 by John Bell, whose son Jacob went on to found the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. They famously provided the special ‘anointing oil’ for the Queen’s Coronation (the store also serves the Queen and other members of the Buckingham Palace household and has done so for a number of years). So whatever your ailment or concern – or if you’re just looking to treat yourself – at John Bell & Croyden you’re in good hands. Head down to Wigmore Street and speak to their highly trained team.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or looking for the perfect Christmas gift, visit 50-54 Wigmore Street and discover what makes John Bell & Croyden a cut above the rest.