Fortnum and Mason.
Fortnum &Mason
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William Fortnum & Hugh Mason
Founded in 1707 the famous brand always had a royal connection due to William Fortnum former career as a footman to Queen Anne. Together the two set up a stall in st James selling groceries
History
181 Piccadilly
Fortnum’s saw rapid growth throughout the Victorian era its reputation for quality food and its continued focus on stocking a variety of exotic specialities namely ready to eat luxury meals such as fresh poultry or game served in aspic jelly as well as basic provisions.
Food glorious food
During the Napoleonic Wars, the emporium supplied dried fruit spices and preserves to British officers, it was also called upon to provide food for Royal functions.
1886
Fortnum and Mason became the first shop in Britain to sell a new product by H.J Heinz
Fortnum and Mason invented the scotch egg
The Clock
Above the front entrance on Piccadilly way up high take the time to stand back, watch and listen.
In 1964 a new landmark was added to the store its famous clock. With bells from the same foundry as Big Ben. Every 15 minutes a selection of airs is played on eighteen bells, and once an hour Messrs Fortnum and Mason appear
Eau de Nil
The unmistakable bright blue-green signature colour used for three centuries it has proven to be eternally chic and brilliantly versatile
If Holly Golightly had Tiffany’s to deal with the “mean reds” and moments of sadness..then Fortnum and Mason is my saviour.
At the best and worst of times..always open
Why Fortnum’s
oh just to walk through those doors, sink into the red carpet…the dedication to quality of the British the traditions the atmosphere…I miss it terribly when I’m too busy to visit but Christmas isn’t Christmas without F&M I like to start at the top visit the ice cream parlour and leave with a box of chocolate truffles…..heaven.
Halloween 2022
Halloween 2022
Halloween arrives in store with fabulous purple & orange vibrant windows and a selection of delights in the food hall.
Giant Chocolate pumpkin
A special edition to delight even the most morbid. Hand-painted deliciously life like. The pumpkin made from Colombian white and milk chocolate looks so natural that many will want to crack it open and light it up.
From chocolate skulls to Things that go pop Fortnums provides a selection of edible essentials. For the more health conscious a Cauldon crunch containing Pumpkin seeds coated in delicous chocolate.
Easter 🐣 2022
Hand painted eggs
Easter Eggs.
The colours of yellow and blue are the backdrop for this years fabulous Easter offerings. Handpainted chocolate eggs with a choice of bunny or a chick.
Build it.
Exclusively designed in Wales. Made from Columbian chocolate, 45% minimum cocoa solids. weight 500g.
Fortnum’s Luxury
Rose and violet cream chocolate egg. Theses handmade eggs presented in a gorgeous box are a must.
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Giant hand painted hen. Presented in a F&M crate. Why not snap one of these beautiful hens. Situated at the front of the store with limited numbers available.
Decadent eggs.
Handmade and decorated with handmade sugar flowers. Filled inside with signiture tasty chocolates.
Easter Hampers
The Easter hamper filled with biscuits, tea, cake and the most amazing variety of chocolate. Find happiness within …
November 2021
Christmas arrives, from the windows to mince pies. Overnight the magic begins ..snow-frosted trees, pine-scented wreaths all things festive turn the store into the finest in London.
Father Christmas & Hampers.
Hampers
Nobody does Hampers quite like Fortnums famous the World over. Choose from a huge range of festive goodies, select your own. Packed in beautiful wicker baskets or stylish boxes there really is something for everybody.
Joy of Christmas.
From Father Christmas Storytelling, drawing classes, cooking tips and my favourite a Wreath Tutorial can there be a better way to embrace the season.
The windows
September 13th 2021
The Christmas countdown begins
July 2021
Ice cream parlour
Where better than the first floor eatery on a hot Summers day. New flavours including Freshly cut grass. Delish
June 2021
With more restrictions lifted the store finally starts to welcome back visitors from overseas. The windows are focusing on tea , hampers, picnics the shop is highlighting its best traditions in time for Ascot, Wimbledon and a summer of cricket and Euro football.
Picnics & tea
Summer Vibes
Nobody does hampers like F&M pick your own menu from a fabulous selection of delightful bites don’t forget the champagne.
Parcels of joy
A new Covid inspired section, why not send abroad or a surprise for a gift. Boxes filled with treats available to send all over the world.
Easter 2021
Easter truffles
March 30th and still in masks the food hall remains open but empty it’s an unseasonably hot 75 degrees outside but cool and Easter 🐣 heaven inside
F&M eggs
This years eggs are in the traditional packaging I’m rather taken with the painted hens. Retail price £95 too expensive for me but just fabulous.
Easter windows 2021
A colourful tea Easter
A Easter message of joy
Easter message
Dream Easter
Joy
The word Joy features on more than one window in a Covid world the need to use it or find it more than ever.
Shopping time
Chocolate dept
The ground floor confectionery department is probably the best in London cabinets and fridges full of exquisite hand finished chocolates every variety every texture so delicious all shapes and sizes …my favourites the Truffles I never leave empty handed
Fall shopping
Walking from Piccadilly Circus a must visit to Hatchards book shop next door then always a look round the windows filled with colour luxury and a small indication of the joys inside
Lockdown Christmas 2020
It was the worst of times…
The pictures below show the food halls empty the sad impact of the Covid 19 virus, Fortnum & Mason made the decision to remain open and even at Christmas it was empty the normal hustle and crowded department silent, staff effortlessly welcoming smiling difficult..but very British
February 2021
Food halls open
Easter upon us and the food hall remains open but quiet.The Government announces April 12th the shop can now reopen as usual
Desperately quiet in February minalistic windows