Retail sales in the capital up 11.6% on like-for-like basis, boosted by improved consumer confidence and widespread discounting.
The increase compares with May last year when sales had risen just 1.7%. Retail footfall also picked up during the month after a disappointing year-on-year decline in April, while special sales events and discounts helped attract shoppers to central London, according to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.

The capital also outperformed the rest of the UK, which saw a 0.8% like-for-like lift in retail sales in May.

Sterling's weakness continued to attract overseas visitors, with tourists beginning to return to the UK now that the volcanic ash disruption has eased.

Food sales picked up, as did non-food, with clothing, footwear and outdoor leisure boosted by sunny weather.

British Retail Consortium director general Stephen Robertson said: "This is a healthier performance. London's sales have bounced back sharply after April's slowdown. The return of the overseas visitors, after the previous month's flight disruption, along with improving consumer confidence and sunnier weather, produced the strongest London sales growth since December.

"There were more tourists and, on average, each spent more, Consumer confidence was less negative in the capital than in previous months and than the rest of the UK. Widespread discounts and promotions encouraged spending, especially when they coincided with sunnier weather. The comparison with weak results last year also helped."

Mr Robertson concluded: "The chancellor must ensure Budget measures don't undermine this revival."