For visitors in a black cab exploring London, Fortnum & Mason is more than a luxury store, it’s a treasure trove of stories stretching back to 1707. Step inside its Piccadilly flagship and you’re walking into centuries of royal service, quirky traditions, and a surprising amount of adventure.
The store’s origins are wonderfully humble. William Fortnum, a footman in Queen Anne’s household, noticed that the palace discarded half‑used candles each night. He began reselling them, a small side hustle that earned him enough to partner with his landlord, Hugh Mason, and open his first store.
Fortnum’s hampers are legendary but they earned their reputation the hard way. In the 19th century, explorers and aristocrats took them on expeditions around the world. It’s said that climbers who attempted early ascents of the Alps, packed Fortnum’s hampers filled with pâté, champagne, and biscuits!
Fortnum & Mason has long been associated with the British monarchy, and its teas reflect that heritage. In 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was opened by Queen Elizabeth II, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duchess of Cambridge, marking the first time three generations of royals had ever undertaken a joint engagement.
One of Fortnum’s most charming claims is that they invented the Scotch egg in 1738 as a portable snack for travellers leaving London by coach. Is it true? Historians debate it, but the story is so delightfully Fortnum’s, practical, indulgent, and just a little eccentric!
Fortnum’s Christmas displays are famous, but behind the scenes they’ve had their moments. In the Victorian era, the store once sold live turtles for turtle soup and they were kept in the windows. Thankfully, tastes have changed, but the sense of spectacle remains.
See Fortnum & Mason on a black cab tour of London!
Fortnum & Mason. Image courtesy of Wikipedia. Uploaded by oxyman This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.