William Fortnum was a footman at the Royal Palace and saw his opportunity when he began to resell the used candles from the Royal table; Queen Anne wanted fresh ones every day. Fortnum’s connections to the palace served him well, and his grandson Charles followed in his footsteps.

Fortnum and Mason became Royal Warrant holders and suppliers of various specialty foods for royal events, indeed it is the store most commonly associated with the Royal Family today.

The store reportedly invented the Scotch Egg and was the first store in London to sell tins of baked beans.

Fortnum's hampers were originally distributed to high society in Victorian times for events such as the Ascot Races and Henley Regatta, and now have become a staple of Christmas gift giving.

The Food Hall at Fortnum and Mason is quite impressive, full of beautifully packaged containers of the finest foods. It is a treat for all the senses, wandering through row after row of amazing items.

There is an extensive fresh foods department, with meats, fish, cheeses, and pies.

Afternoon tea is quite an event at Fortnum's, it is rather posh and one should really dress up a bit for it, it is a wonderful traditional high tea and a very British experience indeed. There are more than 100 varieties of tea for sale at Fortnum and Mason; they also have an extensive wine and spirits department.

The hampers are truly impressive, full of gourmet treats like quail eggs, and cognac. There is the Children’s Hamper full of biscuits and sweets, the Bond Street Hamper full of fine wines, teas, and preserves, and the “Best of the Bunch” is a top of the line wicker hamper packed full of treats.

Fortnum and Mason in London is an excellent place to find that special gift for any gourmet food lover.

Fortnum & Mason

Address: 181 Piccadilly, St James's, W1A 1ER

Telephone: 020 7734 8040

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 12noon-6pm

Photo courtesy: Accidental Hedonist

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