Lifeline Design Store

One of several Lilliputian size shops in an offbeat arcade, this Lifeline store is a notch above most with its emphasis on quality non-threadbare goods.

The result is a host of clothes racks where a quick rummage will invariably unearth a designer label or three - such as Ralph Lauren, George Gross and DKNY - amongst the well-preserved, washed and ironed chain store stuff.

But it’s not just about her, there’s plenty for him too in the clothing lines, as well as accessories – trilbies, berets, evening clutches, travel trunks, costume jewellery and shoes.

And that’s just half of the tiny store – lining the walls is a veritable library of cerebral and escapist fiction and non-fiction for adults and children and enough vintage homewares to stage an episode of Mad Men.

If there’s a snag it’s that sometimes prices are not indicative of label, with the standard retail stuff having the same or higher price tag than the more salubrious.