At 181 Piccadilly, Fortnum & Mason is a department store founded as a grocery shop in 1707. Its green-and-gold surroundings and sweeping spiral staircase give you plenty to look at between the food counters and upper floors. Browse the teas, biscuits, preserves and hampers, or head to the fourth-floor Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon for afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and seasonal pastries. The lower-ground-floor Food Hall has fresh bakery items, and the store also sells homeware, fragrance, stationery and kitchen equipment.
From grocery shop to Piccadilly department store
William Fortnum and Hugh Mason founded the business as a grocery shop in 1707. It later grew into a department store, with food at its centre alongside homeware, clothing, fragrance and gifts. Today, its Piccadilly building brings those different departments together across several floors.
Look for the store’s pale green colour on its décor and packaging. The broad spiral staircase winds through the building and is one of its most distinctive features. The window displays and the staircases across the different levels are part of the visit, even if you have come mainly to shop for food.
Tea, biscuits and the Food Hall
The ground floor is a good place to begin if you are shopping for something to eat or take home. Fortnum’s teas sit alongside biscuits, chocolates, preserves, confectionery and patisserie. Tea options include blends such as Royal Blend and Earl Grey Classic, as well as Ginger and Sicilian Lemon. Biscuits come in decorated tins and lighter packaging, so you can choose a gift or something easier to carry.
The lower-ground-floor Food Hall has fresh bakery items, fruit and vegetables, cheeses, charcuterie and meats. It is also home to the 1707 Wine Bar, where wine from the store’s wine department is served with dishes made using Food Hall ingredients. For freshly baked bakery items at a reduced price, the material gathered for this guide points to a visit after 5 PM.
Other floors have homeware, teaware, stationery, fragrance, jewellery, hampers and kitchen equipment. The range makes it easy to spend time browsing, so decide whether you are looking for food gifts, practical kitchen items or simply a look around before you arrive.
Afternoon tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is on the fourth floor. Queen Elizabeth II reopened it in 2012 after its refurbishment. Its afternoon tea follows a familiar pattern: finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and cakes or pastries that change with the season, served with Fortnum’s tea. Sandwich fillings mentioned on the menu include Coronation chicken, ham and mustard, smoked trout and egg mayonnaise.
The salon also has savoury afternoon tea options, with savoury bites in place of the usual sweet course. Menus and seasonal pastries can change, so check the current menu when booking. Afternoon tea is a reason to plan ahead: tables can fill quickly, and booking is advised. If you have a dietary requirement, ask the salon about suitable options before your visit.
FAQ
Where is Fortnum & Mason in London?
The store is at 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER.
What is Fortnum & Mason known for?
It is known for its teas, biscuits, hampers and food hall, as well as its Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and spiral staircase.
Where is the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon?
It is on the fourth floor of the Piccadilly store.
Should I book afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason?
Booking ahead is advised because tables can fill quickly.
