Fortnum & Mason has been known as “The Queen’s Grocer” since the Queen’s name was Anne, but that doesn’t tell a quarter of the story.

Fortnum’s is a store like no other in the world. It has spent three centuries exploring, pioneering and developing the nation’s tastes. It was among the first to bring exotic teas to the general public, a leader in coffee and chocolate and the inventor of the filled picnic hamper and the Scotch egg.

When it comes to Food, Drink, Celebration and Entertainment, Fortnum’s has all bases covered. With stops at all the restaurants one could easily spend the day there; a piano-accompanied Champagne tea at St James’s Lounge is still among London’s most coveted experiences.


Though it has occupied the same Piccadilly site since 1707, Fortnum’s has been almost constantly growing and updating, and to greet its Tercentenary the store is currently in the middle of its most comprehensive refurbishment ever. The first results were revealed in October 2006 when the Lower Ground re-opened as a Fresh Food Hall - sharing the space with the new Wine Bar where one can sample on the premises - with the final phase ready the following autumn.

Fortnum’s web store, new last year, is at www.fortnumandmason.co.uk and needs no refurbishment. Well worth an unmolested browse. Fortnum’s looks forward to greeting you at either.

Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER
Telephone number - 0845 300 1707
Website: www.fortnumandmason.com
Fortnum & Mason

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