Fortnum and Mason is a palace of food, it’s also a one-stop-tourist hole from hell. What was once the grocer to Queen Victoria’s court is now a giant food themed gift shop (unless you buy all your food in pretty tins). But what a gift shop it is. The window displays are worth a visit alone. Every British condiment and edible commodity from days gone by is sold here in [re-produced] original packaging. There are also counters dedicated to all and everything delicious, chocolate, pastries and cakes, cheese and exotic coffee and tea in delectable wooden boxes. It’s a good a place as any to get all your gifts in one go and when you feel you have just about enough, drop into the fountain tea room for an authentic, I mean expensive afternoon tea. Actually don’t its a bit tacky, designed for American tourists. Afternoon tea is a cherished British tradition from days when the upper classes had the time to sit around and eat finger food and chat. That’s why many such places including fancy hotels try to re-create this experience in lavish and fake settings which charge anything upwards of £40 a head making them little more than overpriced tourist traps. Like I said great for gifts though.
http://www.fortnumandmason.com/
181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER
020 7734 8040
Monday – Saturday 10am-8pm Sunday 12pm – 6pm (with browsing time from 11.30am to 12noon) 020 7734 8040
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