Fortnum and Mason Food Hall, Central London
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This page will give you an overview to the epicurean department store. There is some information on the history of the shop and what to expect when you go there. You will find the opening times, contact details, a link to the official website and instructions on how to get there. There is also information on the different place to eat once you have arrived at Fortnum and Mason.
The history of Fortnum and Mason
Fortnum and Mason has been in existence in the heart of London's Piccadilly since 1707. It is a five floored department store that focuses on food (three of the five floors are dedicated to food- see below for more information). Fortnum and Mason is famous for certain signatures such as their hampers, own brans teas and preserves, knickerbocker glories in the Parlour Restaurant and afternoon tea in the Saint James Restaurant, overlooking the city.
The building itself is distinctive. Decorative glass doors lead to a red carpet that takes you through the five floored building. The famous Duke Street winding staircase corkscrews its way through the centre of the building.
What to expect and what makes the shop special
Fortnum and Mason is a store that specialises in high quality produce. They focus on provenance, working with individual suppliers to find the high quality ingredients from Britain and around the world. Each floor of the store offers a different style.
If you are after one of Fortnum and Mason's famous hampers these can be found on the first floor. It is also worth remembering that Fortnum and Mason have an online shop (see website link below). So if you don't want to carry a hamper around all day you can order one online and have it delivered to your house. Fortnum and Mason offer an international delivery service.
Lower Ground Floor:
Cheese
Charcuterie
Deli
Take away service
Flowers
Fruit and vegetables
Wines
1707 Wine Bar (see below)
Ground Floor:
Bakery
Chocolates
Confectionary
Biscuits
Cakes
Tea
Preserves
The Fountain Restaurant (see below)
First Floor:
Christmas shop
Candles
Cooking implements
Hampers
China, glass and silver
The Parlour Restaurant (see below)
Second Floor:
Babywear and gifts
Beds and linen
Handbags
Fashion accessories
Jewellery
Toiletries
Perfume
Cosmetics
Third Floor:
Gentlemen's accessories
Gentlemen's grooming
Books
Games
Gifts
Luggage
Leather goods
Stationery
Fourth Floor:
Saint James Restaurant (see below)
The Burlington Room (see below)
Places to eat
Fortnum and Mason offer a selection of places to eat within the department store. This is a convenient opportunity to have a Fortnum and Mason experience without having to worry about whether your purchases will fit in your suitcase for the flight home. Whether you would like a snack, a decadent lunch of cakes and ice cream or a top class dinner, the places to eat offer a wealth of options.
Saint James Restaurant
This is a formal dining room on the fourth floor of the restaurant. This is the restaurant where you can enjoy Fortnum and Mason's famous afternoon teas.
For details on the opening times, menus, how to make a reservation and offers available at the restaurant, see the Official Saint James Restaurant Website.
To enjoy high tea at Fortnum and Mason you will need to ensure that you come at the correct time - it is not served all day. Make sure that you check the official opening times at the link provided above for when you will be able to enjoy the tea.
Parlour Restaurant
The Parlour Restaurant is situated on the first floor and this is where you can tuck into one of Fortnum and Mason's famous ice creams. It is an old school ice cream parlour that is perfect for people who have a sweet tooth. If you don't fancy an ice cream, you can try one of the famous hot chocolates.
To find out more about the restaurant, opening times and what you can buy, see the Official Parlour Restaurant Website.
Fountain Restaurant
Fountain Restaurant is a brasserie style eatery where you can come for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This is where you can enjoy Fortnum and Mason's famous welsh rarebit. During dinner at the restaurant you can enjoy jazz live music.
To find out more about the restaurant, opening times and what you can buy, see the Official Fountain Restaurant Website.
1707 Wine Bar
The 1707 Wine Bar is a fitting option for wine enthusiasts or if you want to enjoy the experience of eating a drinking in Fortnum and Mason without eating a full meal. You can choose a bottle of wine from the shop's wine cellar and simply pay a corkage charge to enjoy it in the wine bar. The light bites food menu compliments the wines.
For details on opening times, what food and drink is available and making a reservation see the Official 1707 Wine Bar Website.
Afternoon tea
High tea at Fortnum and Mason is one of the popular and traditional things to do there. It offers you the opportunity to sit in regal surroundings and feast on their famous signatures teas. These will be accompanied by sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries. A typically British delicate and lady like afternoon activity. Afternoon tea is served in the Saint James restaurant. See above for restaurant details.
Contact details
Fortnum and Mason
181 Piccadilly
London
W1A 1ER
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7734 8040
Website: Official Fortnum and Mason Website
Opening hours
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
Sunday: 11:30 - 18:00
For the opening times of the restaurants, see above for each individual restaurant website link.
How to get there
Fortnum and Mason is situated in the heart of London. The closest tube station is Piccadilly Circus. When you exit the tube station you will be in the heart of Piccadilly Circus. Head down a street called Piccadilly. In less than five minutes you will find the distinctive pistachio green doors of the store on your left.
Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Fortnum and Mason is a place to head to get a real taste of true Britishness. It offers old school English glamour, quality products and purchase options to suit all budgets. If you simply want a small souvenir you could opt for buying one of their distinctive biscuit tins or jars of sweets. If you are looking for a chance to treat yourself and your family, you can buy chocolates to bring to the theatre, fresh produce for making a picnic or ready-made meals to enjoy in your accommodation. For an experience that you will remember you can opt for a trip to one of Fortnum and Mason's five places to eat - sample anything from a knickerbocker glory to a three-course dinner.