Pharmacies in London
Pharmacies or ‘chemists’ as they are called in the UK are everywhere, but it’s hard to find one that is open late or 24 hours per day. Independent chemists are few and are fast becoming replaced by chains such as Boots. Chemists can also be found in supermarkets. To locate a chemist near you consult: http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search
London pharmacies carry a huge selection of over-the-counter remedies and most chemists will be able to help you find the right medicine if you come down with a cold, flu or allergy. They will not, however, honor foreign prescriptions. If you are taking a particular medication, make sure to bring a suitable supply with you until you are able to register with the NHS (National Health Service). It is advisable to have prescriptions from home with you that include the generic name and the compound drug, as well as the brand name. If you are not yet registered with the NHS and run out of your medication, you may need to visit a private doctor to have your prescription renewed. Same Day Doctor, located near Bond Street, is a good option: http://www.samedaydoctor.co.uk.
Here are a few pharmacies of convenience and distinction:
Boots: Visit http://www.boots.com
Superdrug: http://www.superdrug.com
Superdrug is another big UK pharmacy chain and has branches around the capital.
Garden Pharmacy: http://www.garden.co.uk
Garden Pharmacy is an upscale pharmacy in Covent Garden and carries brands like Lancome and Dior, while also offering natural remedies. The pharmacy accepts NHS and private prescriptions. Garden Pharmacy is located at 119 Long Acre; WC2E 9PB and is open 7 days a week.
John Bell & Croyden: http://www.johnbellcroyden.co.uk
This is the capital’s fanciest pharmacy. This London landmark is located in the prestigious Harley Street private medical district. In addition to filling your prescriptions, the shop offers massage chairs, ‘lightboxes’ for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder and henna hair color to name a very small number of products. The shop also has an osteopathy clinic, hair clinic, podiatry clinic, hearing center offering free hearing tests and more. John Bell’s chemists are exceptionally knowledgeable. The pharmacy has the stamp of approval from Her Majesty the Queen. John Bell & Croyden is located at 50 – 54 Wigmore Street; W1U 2AU and is near Bond Street and Oxford Circus tubes.
