Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports

Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports is a long-established British outdoor retailer, and its Southampton Street shop is the company's flagship store. Set towards the Strand end of Covent Garden, it spans two large floors and stocks the full spread of the brands and product lines the company carries, making it a well-known destination for climbers, skiers and hillwalkers heading out of London.

The range covers mountain and outdoor clothing, waterproofs, insulated jackets, footwear, climbing and skiing equipment, rucksacks and accessories for men and women, from everyday layers to technical alpine gear. There is enough floor space to try products such as running shoes and tents before buying, and the store holds a comprehensive selection of skis and mountain sports equipment. Ellis Brigham also runs regular in-store events with outdoor brands and ambassadors, from shoe demos to talks.

Outdoor shop in Covent Garden with fitting services

What sets the store apart is the list of free services. Staff offer backpack fitting matched to activity, load and body shape, tent pitching for models up to two-person size, clothing and layering advice, outdoor footwear fitting, custom insoles for ski, snowboard, running or walking boots, expedition advice and one-hour personal shopping sessions. These can be booked in advance through the company's booking portal, which is worth doing before a big trip. The combination of ski equipment, climbing gear and expert fitting is what brings people back.

What to expect on a visit

The shop opens 10:00 to 19:00 from Monday to Saturday and 11:30 to 17:30 on Sunday, according to the official store page. Southampton Street links the Strand to the Piazza, so the store is a short walk from Charing Cross and Covent Garden stations. It is one of the more specialist clothing shops in Covent Garden, and anyone after coastal and surf-led outdoor clothing rather than alpine kit can continue up to Finisterre on Neal Street.