Carnaby Street has gone for a homely look, and taken it one step further by making sure the hard of sight can enjoy their lights by plugging in oversized bulbs. Onlookers have commented on their looking like low-energy bulbs. This is good as the London lights this year have been hit by complaints that they are paid for with taxpayers money (untrue) and there have been demands that all of the lights be switched off because they are responsible for the destruction of the environment and global warming (obviously 300 fairy lights being left on overnight for two weeks will do more damage than the lights and electrics being left on in London's office blocks year round. Durr.)
2. Regent Street
Regent Street has gone further to prove the point of environmentally friendly lights by recycling last year's efforts. This is understandable as the lights are paid for by the shops lining the streets. Unfortunately these lights lose their Greenpeace award by going wholesale for corporate sponsorship- the pretty blue lights are adorned with pictures of plasticine snails and toads from some kid's film or other. And it leads the dullards who think their tax dollars are paying for the lights to think that the council's earning cash-dollar-bling hand over fist.
3. New Bond Street
Money, money, money. If you walk a block or two from Bond Street down New Bond Street, you'll find many of the really upmarket shops in London. Hence why I rarely get further than 20 yards down here. Now, people always say that rich people stay rich by taking care of their money. This could be translated as they stay rich by being tight. And New Bond Street does go some way to prove this. The lights are simple and pretty but a bit small. Although there's no sign of toads and slugs, so that's a blessing.
4. WINNER! St. Christopher's Place
St. Christopher's Place is a lovely little restaurant quarter off Bond Street. The square and its connecting streets offer al-fresco dining of Italian, Afghan, Turkish, African, Korean and numerous other cuisines from around the world. And in keeping with the intimate, European feel of this often wildly busy square, the lights are slogan free, traditional yet modern and eye-catching, and fit well with the narrow alleys and cobbled pavements. You may have guessed, but I like these ones.
5. New Molton Street
New Molton Street has possibly gotten it wrong. Blue lights, yellow stars, modern design. But upright? Upright? There is something un-Christmassy about this. Full marks for effort, but surely that lights should straddle the street is a major point in design of Christmas lights. Bah humbug? Perhaps.
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