Selfridge is the second biggest retail store in Oxford Street and is a shoppers paradise. I found the outer buildings as beautiful as the inside stores. Though not one tuned in for shopping, I met a good friend Rupa Girsrd here for lunch and it is our passion for Indian heritage that brings both of us together. Rupa had come to Hyderabad to meet me and discuss a Project of History related to temples in South India that she is interested in and continues do very good work in this area and popularises Indian cultural heritage in Britain. Selfridge was designed by Daniel Burnham in 1909,for Harry Gordon Selfridge and has a variety of shopping areas. There is a huge food court with different kinds of food from all over different places, Mexican, Thai, Lebanese, Chinese, Greek, French, Indian that one can choose from. We had to go four floors up the escalator to reach the food court and on each floor were a variety of shopping areas, perfumes, bags, clothing, shoes and all the big brands about which my children keep taking like Armani, Louis Phillips and God knows what all. I still do not see eye to eye with my children and may be it is the generation gap but brands have no meaning for me. Some of the brand name purses which I have are not because, I have bought them but because they are gifted by my sons who think carrying a brand article adds value to you persona and I could never agree. Any way, Selfridge has got the World's best Departmental store award for the year 2010 and 2012. Though I have seen huge stores in France, Switzerland and the US this was a different experience. The food is given the final touched before being served right in front of you and so are the deserts which are made fresh.
