We are heading to London in May and I'm saving some room in my suitcase to bring back some yarn. Can anyone recommend good yarn shops? thanks!

I can tell you where I saw a very nice yarn shop but did not notice the name of it. There are two pubs--Nag's Head and The Grenadier within a block of this yarn shop. Both pubs are located in quiet little back streets in the area between the Berkley Hotel and the Lanesborough--Knightsbridge/Mayfair area. All are walkable from Harrods. Get a good map and look for Kineton St.

When you go to the blog below, scroll way down past the empty white space for a really comprehensive list of shops & locations including the brands of yarn each place carries.

http://tinyurl.com/2j58yl

Thank you, Hausmann and Carrybean--very helpful! It will be fun to look at these shops.

John Lewish on Oxford St and Liberty have good haberdashery departments.

Or try Loop in Islington. http://www.loop.gb.com/

The last suggestion of John Lewis and Liberty (& Co) is spot on. However, if you're looking for something special you're more likely to find it at Liberty.

I went into Lyndon's Bead and Stitch on Portobello Road the last time we were in London:
http://www.streetsensation.co.uk/ptbello/pb2_west.htm

They had an interesting selection of yarn downstairs and some pattern books that were different than what you can find in the US.

I was in Liberty last week, just drooling over the yummy yarns there. I have so many projects stacked up, I couldn't justify buying any

I make a point to stop in Liberty every time I'm in London, my idea of a proper department store; their home dec fabrics are really great. And the London stand-alone button stores with unbelievable vintage and current styles, there's nothing that compares that I've found in US, even in NYC. Oh please don't get me started. Yarn is not my area, but I would think with the woolen tradition there you are in for a treat.

I appreciate all the responses! I love the Liberty store, and like having tea there, so any reason to explore longer is very welcome.

We would love to see you in our little shop in Central London, just off Carnaby St. We carry a small amount of yarn, haberdashery and quirky hand knitted items. Please visit:www.allthefunofthefair.biz or www.carnaby.co.uk for more details.