Harrods: London’s Legendary Department Store and Its Hidden Stories

When you think of Harrods, a world-famous luxury department store in Knightsbridge, London, known for its opulent interiors, exclusive brands, and the iconic food hall. Also known as Harrod’s Department Store, it’s not just where people buy things—it’s where history, wealth, and eccentricity collide in the heart of London. Opened in 1849, Harrods grew from a small shop into a cathedral of consumerism, surviving wars, fires, and changing tastes. It’s the kind of place where a royal wedding dress might be bought next to a $10,000 chocolate bar—and locals still line up for the seasonal Christmas displays.

Harrods isn’t just about shopping. It’s tied to London department stores, a category of retail institutions that shaped British commerce and culture, from Selfridges to Fortnum & Mason. While others focused on efficiency, Harrods doubled down on spectacle: live parrots in the bird section, a tea room that feels like a palace ballroom, and escalators that still creak like old wooden ships. Even today, it’s the only store in London where you can buy a live peacock, a £50,000 handbag, and a jar of truffle honey—all in one trip.

The Harrods food hall, a 50,000-square-foot gourmet wonderland with over 300 counters offering everything from Scottish smoked salmon to Japanese wagyu is its own attraction. Locals go there for Sunday brunch, tourists for the chocolate fountain, and foodies for the cheese room that stocks over 300 varieties. It’s not a supermarket—it’s a cultural experience. You won’t find a single plastic-wrapped sandwich here. Everything is displayed like art, tasted like a ritual.

Behind the glitter, there’s grit. Harrods was once the target of a bombing in 1983. It survived a takeover battle in the 90s. It’s been the backdrop for royal scandals, celebrity proposals, and secret meetings between diplomats. Even the elevators have stories—some still run on original 1900s machinery. And yes, the famous Egyptian escalator? It’s real. No CGI. No trick. Just old British engineering holding up a mountain of luxury.

Harrods doesn’t fit neatly into any category. It’s not just a store. It’s a landmark. A museum. A theater. A symbol of London’s ability to turn commerce into legend. Whether you’re here for the perfume, the pastries, or the people-watching, you’re walking through layers of history that most guidebooks skip.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve explored Harrods—not as shoppers, but as seekers of the unusual. From the hidden passages only staff know about, to the quiet corners where London’s elite come to disappear. These aren’t tourist tips. These are the truths behind the glitter.