not just a shop – Creative Hub for UAL Talent in Holborn
Discover unique, handcrafted creations by UAL students and alumni in this vibrant Holborn shop supporting emerging creative talent.
Located at 272 High Holborn in London, not just a shop is a unique retail space showcasing homeware, fashion, gifts, and artworks exclusively by University of the Arts London (UAL) students and alumni. Operating on a not-for-profit model, it supports emerging creatives by reinvesting proceeds into enterprise education programs. The shop offers a curated selection of innovative, sustainable, and handcrafted products, reflecting the vibrant creativity of UAL’s diverse artistic community.
A brief summary to not just a shop
- 272 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EY, GB
- +442075142277
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-3 pm
- Thursday 11 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekday afternoons (11am–3pm) when the shop is open and staff can share insights about the makers and products.
- Explore seasonal pop-ups and special collections for exclusive, limited-edition items.
- Check the online shop for products that may not be currently available in-store, with options for click-and-collect.
- Support sustainable and ethical design by choosing handcrafted pieces that reflect traditional techniques and innovative materials.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Information Boards
not just a shop location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about not just a shop
A Platform for Emerging Creative Talent
not just a shop serves as a pioneering retail space dedicated to promoting the work of students and graduates from all six colleges of the University of the Arts London. Situated on bustling High Holborn, this shop provides a real-world commercial environment where emerging designers can sell their handcrafted and design-led products. The shop operates on a not-for-profit basis, with all proceeds reinvested to support the next generation of creatives through UAL’s enterprise education initiatives.Diverse Range of Unique Products
The shop features an eclectic mix of items including home décor, fashion accessories, giftware, artworks, stationery, ceramics, jewellery, and even small furniture pieces. Each product is carefully selected through open calls and panel reviews, ensuring a high standard of creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Many items reflect traditional British manufacturing techniques and innovative sustainable practices, making the shop a destination for thoughtful and original design.Educational and Enterprise Support
Beyond retail, not just a shop functions as an enterprise learning space where students gain invaluable experience in running product-based businesses. The Careers and Employability team at UAL manages the shop, providing workshops, one-to-one support, competitions, and resources to help creatives develop skills in pricing, branding, and market readiness. This holistic approach bridges the gap between education and industry, empowering students to succeed commercially.Location and Atmosphere
Located in the vibrant Holborn district, the shop benefits from a central London setting surrounded by cultural landmarks like the British Museum and Somerset House. The area’s blend of busy streets and quieter cobbled lanes creates an urbane yet intimate shopping experience. The shop's interior reflects its creative ethos, offering a welcoming environment where visitors can browse unique, limited-edition, and one-off pieces that are not widely available elsewhere.Seasonal and Special Events
not just a shop hosts seasonal pop-ups and special collections, such as Christmas gift guides and collaborations with UAL’s London College of Fashion Founders Club. These events highlight fresh talent and exclusive designs, encouraging repeat visits and continuous discovery. The shop also offers online ordering with click-and-collect options, extending accessibility beyond its limited in-store hours.Community and Cultural Impact
The shop plays a vital role in fostering a supportive creative community by spotlighting diverse voices and cultural influences within UAL’s student body. It champions sustainable and ethical design practices while nurturing entrepreneurial spirit. As a result, not just a shop is more than a retail outlet—it is a cultural hub that celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and the future of design in London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sicilian Avenue
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Discover Sicilian Avenue, a serene Edwardian pedestrian street in London blending Italianate architecture with charming shops and tranquil ambiance.
190 High Holborn
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Bomber Harris Memorial
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St Clement Danes Church
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Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
Prince Henry's Room
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Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
Bow St
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Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
Hidden London - Aldwych Station
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Discover Aldwych Station, a hidden gem in London that unveils the city’s rich transport history through guided tours and captivating stories.
Hare Pl
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Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
Temple Church
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Medieval fortress of faith where crusading knights shaped English law and history.
The Old Watch House
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A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
National Trust - Strand Lane "Roman Bath"
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Explore the Strand Lane Roman Bath, a fascinating glimpse into London's ancient Roman history amidst modern attractions.
Royal Opera House
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Experience the breathtaking performances and rich history of the Royal Opera House, a premier destination for opera and ballet enthusiasts in London.
Hodge The Cat Statue
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Bleeding Heart Yard
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London's most haunted courtyard, where Gothic legend meets gritty Victorian history beneath ancient cobblestones.
St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church
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A basilica-style sanctuary where Italian faith, architectural brilliance, and community memory converge in historic Clerkenwell.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sir John Soane's Museum
0.1 km
Explore the extraordinary preserved home and collection of Sir John Soane, a masterpiece of architecture and eclectic art in central London.
London Silver Vaults
0.3 km
Explore the world’s largest underground silver marketplace beneath historic Chancery Lane, where centuries of craftsmanship shine behind steel vault doors.
The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
0.3 km
Explore the historic legal heart of London at Lincoln's Inn, where centuries of law, architecture, and tradition converge in a serene urban oasis.
The Old Curiosity Shop
0.3 km
A charming Tudor-era timbered shop in London, steeped in Dickensian legend and offering a rare glimpse of Elizabethan architecture amid the modern city.
Staple Inn
0.3 km
Discover Staple Inn, London’s last Tudor timber-framed Inn of Chancery, a historic legal and wool trading hub that survived fire, war, and centuries of change.
Princess Louise
0.4 km
Experience the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Princess Louise, a must-visit gastropub in London's Holborn district.
The Seven Stars
0.4 km
One of London’s oldest pubs, The Seven Stars blends centuries of history with a lively legal atmosphere and eclectic charm in Holborn.
Peacock Theatre
0.4 km
A dynamic West End venue dedicated to contemporary dance and innovative performances in a historic yet modern setting.
Black Cab Heritage Tours
0.4 km
Uncover London's rich history and vibrant culture aboard a classic black cab with personalized tours from Black Cab Heritage Tours.
Bloomsbury Square Garden
0.5 km
Discover Bloomsbury Square Garden, London's serene historic square blending 17th-century heritage with tranquil green space in the heart of Bloomsbury.
Smallest Street in London
0.5 km
Discover Emerald Court, London’s famously narrow alley, a hidden passage steeped in history and architectural contrasts in Bloomsbury.
Freemasons Hall, London
0.5 km
Discover London's iconic Art Deco Freemasons' Hall, a grand memorial and Masonic headquarters rich in history, symbolism, and stunning architecture.
Persephone books
0.5 km
Explore the unique literary treasures of Persephone Books, a London bookshop dedicated to uncovering forgotten works by women authors.
The Maughan Library
0.5 km
Explore London's grand neo-Gothic Maughan Library, a historic fireproof archive turned vibrant university research hub at King's College London.
Gillian Lynne Theatre
0.5 km
Experience world-class musicals and iconic performances in the heart of London’s West End at the historic Gillian Lynne Theatre.
Essential places to dine
Margot
0.5 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Sarastro
0.5 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
0.6 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.6 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.7 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
0.7 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Circus
0.7 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Balthazar
0.7 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
0.8 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
0.8 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Chez Antoinette
0.8 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Punch & Judy
0.8 km
Historic Covent Garden pub blending classic British fare, lively balcony views, and family-friendly charm in the heart of London.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.9 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.9 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.9 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
not just a shop
0.0 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Twinings - The Strand
0.6 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
The Store X
0.6 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Fancy That of London
0.7 km
Discover unique London souvenirs and charming keepsakes in a warm, inviting shop just opposite the British Museum on Great Russell Street.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.7 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.7 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Pop Boutique
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Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
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Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Urban Outfitters
0.8 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Good
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Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
London Transport Museum - Shop
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Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
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Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
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Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
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Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
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Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Duke
0.5 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
Be At One - Russell Street
0.6 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Plume Wine Bar
0.7 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.7 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
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Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Crusting Pipe
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Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Fitz's Russell Sq.
0.8 km
Discover Fitz's Russell Square, a glamorous cocktail bar blending Victorian elegance with modern British cuisine in the heart of Bloomsbury.
The Escapologist Bar
0.8 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
The Coral Room
0.9 km
Experience 1920s-inspired glamour and expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant coral-hued heart of Bloomsbury Hotel.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.9 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Beaufort Bar
0.9 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
Prelude by Oriole
0.9 km
A refined Covent Garden cocktail bar blending innovative drinks, Latin American fusion cuisine, and live music in a stylish Asian-inspired setting.
American Bar
0.9 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Mrs Riot
0.9 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Punch Tavern
0.9 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Carwash Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.5 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
The Roxy
0.8 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.8 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Proud Late
0.9 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
The Ivy Club
1.0 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.0 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Club49Soho
1.1 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
La Capannina Club
1.1 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
London Best Night Clubs
1.1 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.2 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Heaven
1.2 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
The Penthouse London
1.3 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
St Moritz Club
1.3 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Sophisticats Soho
1.3 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Casual
- Relaxing
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly