Fortnum & Mason

The basics

This bustling department store is the epitome of a high-end London shopping experience. On the roof, look for the mechanical statues of Fortnum & Mason clocks whirring into action as the hour strikes. Inside you can find housewares, perfume, jewelry, and accessories, all with an English flair. The store also features a wine bar, an ice cream parlor, restaurants, and Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, famous for its high tea service.

London shopping and food tours often include a visit to Fortnum's, and hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop nearby.

Things to know before you go

• Established in 1707, it’s one of London’s oldest and most luxurious department stores, renowned for its royal connections and exquisite offerings.

• This is a must-do London experience for people interested in shopping or people-watching.

• Make reservations for afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon to avoid long queues, particularly on weekends.

• Don’t miss their iconic picnic hampers filled with gourmet treats, perfect for gifts or indulgent outings.

How to get there

Fortnum & Mason sits on Piccadilly Street in the St. James District of downtown London, England. It’s about a 15-minute walk north of Buckingham Palace. You can get there by taking the tube to Green Park or Piccadilly Circus. Parking at the store is limited.

When to get there

Fortnum's is open daily with shorter hours on Sundays. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds, and stop by during the holiday season to check out the popular Christmas window displays.

About the famous Hampers

Fortnum & Mason is known for its hampers—wicker baskets used to carry everything from picnic items to gourmet Christmas treats. The store offers a wide array of hampers, priced from modest to mind-blowing. These are filled with desserts, tea, coffee, and more. The most expensive version has made headlines for being filled with a magnum of expensive Champagne and caviar.

Ways to explore

This bustling department store is the epitome of high-end London shopping. On the roof, look for the mechanical statues of Fortnum & Mason clocks whirring into action as the hour strikes. Inside, you can find housewares, perfume, jewelry, and accessories, all with an English flair. London shopping and food tours often include a visit to this landmark, with the chance to sample locally made cheese or explore the affluent neighborhood of Mayfair. Thanks to its lavish holiday window display, the department is also a staple of festive lights walking tours.

Accessibility

The main entrance on Picadilly is step-free, and there are elevators to all five floors of the department store.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bring a reusable tote bag—it’s tough to pass up the huge range of gourmet goodies on offer here.

What to wear

While there’s no official dress code, most guests opt to wear smart-casual outfits in the restaurants.

Not allowed

Pets, outside food and drink in the restaurants

Amenities

Restaurants, food hall, restrooms, baby-changing facilities

Address

Fortnum & Mason is on Piccadilly Street in the St. James District of downtown London. It’s about a 15-minute walk north of Buckingham Palace, so it’s a great place to grab lunch after you visit the royal residence.

Driving

There’s no parking at the Piccadilly store—and this part of London is difficult to drive around—so it’s best to hail a black cab or use a rideshare app instead.

Public transportation

The nearest London Underground stations to Fortnum & Mason are Green Park on the blue Victoria and Jubilee lines and Picadilly Circus on the navy Piccadilly and brown Bakerloo lines.

Best times to visit

Head to Fortnum & Mason at lunchtime or in the late afternoon, so you can take advantage of its renowned afternoon tea, served until 7pm (and 6pm on Sunday).

Best days to visit

Visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds, though it’s best to avoid the peak lunch hour

Best months to visit

Fortnum & Mason shines during the holidays, when the window displays reflect the store’s prestige. The installations typically go up after Halloween.

Special events

Throughout the year, Fortnum & Mason hosts masterclasses to help sharpen your culinary skills, as well as special supper clubs with guest chefs.