CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show once again features its famous Shopping Village, displaying a whole host of boutique shops. Set in the magnificent private grounds of Windsor Castle, the Shopping Village has something for everyone and is set to be bigger and better than ever before.
To make the shopping experience as navigable as possible, the Village is split into four areas: the Jewellery & Fashion Quarter; Country Lifestyle & Living; Windsor Food Court; and Horse & Rider. Visitors will also be interested in the Royal Warrant Holders Association Pavilion, which will showcase goods and services that are supplied to the Households of HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales. Always a popular feature at the Show, the pavilion offers some exclusive products not seen at other equestrian outdoor events as well as demonstrations from Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust scholars showcasing traditional skills and crafts.
With Father’s Day fast-approaching in June, visitors will find themselves in the perfect location to discover bespoke gifts to show their appreciation to their loved one. From the European-influenced designs of Banvard & James, to the traditional Irish heritage of Celtic Tweeds, there are a number of exceptional shops, which can’t be found on the high street. Truefitt & Hill, the oldest barbershop in the world, as certified by the Guinness World Records, will be present at the Show, selling its beautifully crafted men’s grooming products. However, for something even more memorable, visitors can purchase ‘experiences’, including a traditional hot towel wet shave or a face massage. With a historically impressive roster of clientele ranging Frank Sinatra to Winston Churchill, and holder of a Royal Warrant, its stand at Royal Windsor will be a must-visit.
Geared towards the working woman is Ella & Cherry. Established in 2013, the boutique specialises in simple, elegant blouses with a unique twist, proving popular to women around the world. Zut London features timeless separates in suede and linen to wear for work or dress up for evening. Annabel Brocks, has a line of products named Beach Boutique, which aims to provide women with stylish yet comfortable, UV-protective clothing. With festival season fast-approaching, I Am Indian Soul is a company that provides the perfect look. Featuring Indian-sourced fabrics and prints, the stand sells dresses, kimonos and skirts with stylish, original designs. Joules will also have a stall at Royal Windsor, offering the chance to get hold of some colourful wellies, a festival essential.
Furniture and homeware will be available to purchase at the Show, with Encompass and The Garden Furniture Centre Company exhibiting their impressive ranges. Foy & Co has wonderful soft furnishings and lighting, and The Flying Fox always has a special take on interiors to inspire. For a wide range of contemporary sculptures, original works of art and limited-edition prints, Collier Dobson will be exhibiting a beautiful portfolio of paintings, prints and sculptures to buy during your visit.
Kidswear is set to feature heavily at Royal Windsor Horse Show this year, with options ranging from smart, timeless formal clothing for children provided by Startsmart, to army-inspired camo clothing for boys and girls from Little Hero. More appropriate for the younger equestrian is Laflex Equestrian, which supplies flexible, durable riding leggings for children.
The only way to tempt families away from the shopping stands may be through the suggestion of visiting the Windsor Food Court. Located within the heart of the Shopping Village, the Food Court provides a welcome pitstop from the shops, offering a range of gourmet options. From the savoury delicacies of wood fired pizza and handmade burgers, to the English sweet treats of cream tea and fudge, Windsor Food Court caters to everyone’s tastes. As well as offering a wide variety of nourishment, vegans and vegetarians are also suitably provided for.
If spectators are looking for something a little more thirst quenching, the zone also provides the opportunity for wine tasting, as well as various liqueurs, gins and vodkas at Poetic License Distillery, Oxton Liqueur Company and Pinkster Gin. Scattered around the site are a Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar and Bus Bars – iconic red London buses converted into spots to grab a drink.
