London Luxury Shopping at Fortnum & Mason
Famous for Gourmet Food Hampers and Traditional Afternoon Tea
May 17, 2009
Over 300 years ago William Fortnum was a footman at the Royal Palace of Queen Anne. He persuaded Hugh Mason, in whose house he lodged, to join him in a new business and the famous Fortman & Mason store was born.
Fortman and Mason – The Beginning
It seem that Mr. Fortnum was a true entrepreneur. While working at the palace he also ran a small grocery business on the side. Not only that, because of the Royal Family’s insistence on having new candles every night, he also raised cash by selling the used ones to the ladies of the palace.
Mr. Mason, on the other hand, seems to have been a more conventional man, being a person who rented out rooms in his house. A good combination, it seems, for starting a new business and ‘Fortnum & Mason’ opened in Central London, on Piccadilly, in 1707. Mason used his connections at the Palace to attract customers and the business did well from the start.
Fortnum & Mason Hampers – A Success Story
William Fortnum’s grandson, Charles, followed in his grandfather’s steps by taking employment in the Royal Palace. This connection, as in the past, brought business to Fortnum & Mason. During the Napoleonic Wars at the beginning of the 19th century Fortnum's helped to pack goods to serving soldiers. Also, Victorian philanthropists, wishing to give food to the poor and needy at Christmas, used baskets in which to send the goods.
Today, a Christmas gift of a Fortnum and Mason hamper, packed with delicious and expensive treats is a very special present. Top-of-the-range hampers are very expensive.
Fortnum & Mason Today
In 1964 Fortnum's was acquired by a Canadian businessman, W. Garfield Weston, who commissioned a four-ton clock to be installed above the main entrance of the store as a tribute to its founders. Every hour, four-foot high models of William Fortnum and Hugh Mason emerge and bow to each other, with chimes and 18th century-style music playing in the background.
Although best known for its famous food hall Fortnum's is also known for an impressive selection of more than 100 rare and exotic teas from India, China, Nepal, Japan, Ceylon, along with their own traditional blends and a range of green teas
The store has numerous floors which are home to the usual department store goods like fashion, cosmetics, home accessories etc, as well as five restaurants, a wine bar and an ice cream parlour.
Traditional Afternoon Tea
Probably the most popular Fortnum & Mason treat is their traditional afternoon tea. It’s a bit posh. They advise: "Fortnum and Mason request that both sexes lean more towards elegance. Gentlemen please refrain from wearing shorts or open toe sandals." It’s also expensive. Nevertheless, it’s a real treat and worth doing at least once.
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