Fortnum & Mason (London, United Kingdom)
Fortnum & Mason is a store in Piccadilly, London, where it has been located since its founding in 1707. It is a department store, but is best known for its food hall, and as a purveyor to royalty (they hold a number of royal warrants) and the upper classes. Non-food departments were added in 1925. The eponymous founders got their business started by selling candles. As the British Empire expanded, so did the scope for importing produce and supplying to expatriates. British interests in India meant loose tea became, and remains, a speciality. Traditional British fare remains at the heart of their store but they have also embraced foreign cuisines. Their hampers became a feature of upper class summer venues such as Henley and Ascot, and Christmas hampers are still popular. Always keen to spot new produce, they were the first British store to stock Heinz beans. A major refurbishment in 2007 extended the food hall to two floors. The store has four restaurants, ranging from formal dining to afternoon tea, and a wine bar.
Contact
181 Picadilly, W1A 1ER, Telephone: +44(20)77348040 | Fax: +44(20)74373278 | Official site