The dg Advert calendar Now that December's here, it's time for a geezer's fancy to turn to gift buying. So over the next three and a half weeks I'll be bringing you a daily selection of the capital's finest luxury produce, carefully chosen to impress. If you're seeking unique festive fare perfect for the extra-special recipient in your life, you've come to the right place. My daily dripfeed will be gushing forth regular marketplace recommendations right up until Christmas Eve. And please rest assured that all of my intimate reviews are totally unbiased, wholly unsponsored and completely unprompted. Let the retail countdown begin.
Countesse De La Mer Chocolatier, Notting Hill
When credit crunch strikes, a woman's heart turns naturally to chocolate. And where better to indulge than at this elite establishment in fashionable W2? Belinda and her enlightened staff will be delighted to fire up your taste buds with their fiery cocoa passion, each confection hand-flavoured for guaranteed decadence. The limited edition Viennese nougat swirls are to die for, and the Lime Cashew Fondant has no equal this side of heaven. No question, their Black Satin selection boxes are the perfect gift for all your pre-diabetic acquaintances this Christmas. Top buy: individually wrapped dark chocolate organic lavender jellies, £11.50
Abigail's LuxBazaar, Dulwich Village
Nothing says "I love you" better than a designer handbag. And where better to indulge than at this bijou fashion emporium in leafy SE21? Browse awhile amongst the stylish accessories and brushed leather, there's sure to be a perfectly-matched bargain here for you. Merchant-in-chief Abigail tells us that the Louis Vuitton Aztec Totebag is flying off the shelves, while she personally recommends the triple-zipped ruby-studded Hollow Alligator clutch. No question, her range of capacious hand-sewn Glitter Pouches will brighten the face of any lady of leisure this Christmas. Top buy: limited edition zebra tartan handbag in fern green or violet, £89.99
Pilates Cafecino, Primrose Hill
The perfect gym experience combines aerobic workout with top-notch coffee. And where better to indulge than at this lavish exercise hub in exclusive NW1? Fire up your thigh muscles on the eco-certified powermats, then relax awhile on the leather sofa with a refreshing marshmallow'n'cream latte. "What our customers want," explains instructor-in-chief Suzanne, "is precise body control through flowing movement, followed by an intense percolated caffeine fix." No question, an Espresso Thrust gift package is a sure fire way to keep body and soul in peak form this Christmas. Top buy: annual double-shot Decaf Calisthenics subscription, £299
Costcutter & Off Licence, Plaistow
If it's convenience you want, there's none better than the UK's premier corner shop experience. And where better to indulge than at this capacious 24/7 boutique in fashionable E13? Trust Iqbal and his staff to offer bottles of sparkling cider to suit all budgets from £1 downwards, plus a complete range of shrink-wrapped Polish processed meats to delight the palate. Party hosts will adore the range of value mince pies and economy mini-pizzas, while younger visitors always enjoy the additive-packed collection of Haribo by the counter. No question, many of London's ordinary residents will be shopping somewhere remarkably similar this Christmas. Top buy: possibility of escape via lottery ticket £1
The dg Advert calendar
