The Burlington Arcade , London . Overseas visitors find traditional British quality in the narrow covered passage which is one of the world ' s most exclusive shopping centres . Three of the shops display Royal warrants and all are proud of their exclusive clientele . Many of the shops still have their original shop fronts and windows built when the Arcade opened in 1819 . The North end of the Arcade ( blitzed ) seen in the morning when sunlight strikes through glass skylights over the coverd way . 1948