Fortnum & Mason, London
Fortnum & Mason is one of London’s most iconic and refined department stores, famous for its fine teas, extravagant hampers, gourmet foods, and long-standing royal associations. Located on Piccadilly in the heart of the West End, this upscale destination has been a hallmark of British elegance and culinary excellence since the early 18th century. For both visitors and locals, it offers a quintessentially British retail experience infused with heritage, charm, and indulgence.
Location
Fortnum & Mason is located at 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER, on the north side of the street between Duke Street and Jermyn Street. It occupies a prominent six-storey building close to Green Park and St James’s, making it easily accessible and an ideal stop while exploring nearby landmarks.
Distance from Charing Cross
The store is approximately 1.1 miles (around 1.77 km) by road from Charing Cross, which is about a 10–15-minute walk depending on the pace and traffic.
History
Fortnum & Mason was founded in 1707 by William Fortnum, a footman in Queen Anne’s household, and his landlord Hugh Mason. Fortnum had the clever idea of selling the half-used royal candles from the palace and used the proceeds to fund the business venture. Over time, the store grew in prestige and developed a reputation for luxury goods, catering to the elite, aristocracy, and eventually the Royal Family itself.
Its location on Piccadilly positioned it perfectly to serve wealthy clients and travelers in the West End. The store has innovated in food retailing throughout its history — for example, it was among the first to stock baked beans and also pioneered the concept of the modern picnic hamper, supplying provisions to British troops and explorers over the centuries.
Fortnum & Mason holds several Royal Warrants and remains a favourite of the British royal household. In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon on the store’s fourth floor.
Nearest Transport Links
London Underground
- Green Park Station – served by the Piccadilly, Victoria, and Jubilee lines – is about a 4-minute walk to the west of the store.
- Piccadilly Circus Station – served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines – is about a 6-minute walk to the east.
Bus Stops
There are multiple bus stops near the store along Piccadilly. Key routes stopping nearby include:
- Bus 6 – from Aldwych to Willesden
- Bus 9 – from Hammersmith to Aldwych
- Bus 14 – from Putney Heath to Russell Square
- Bus 19 – from Battersea Bridge to Finsbury Park
- Bus 38 – from Victoria to Clapton Pond
Opening Hours
As of 2025, Fortnum & Mason’s regular opening hours are:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM (browsing only until 12:00 PM)
Hours may vary on public holidays, so it is advisable to check in advance before visiting.
Notable Features
Fortnum & Mason spans six floors and is especially renowned for:
- Ground Floor Food Hall – a celebrated destination for teas, biscuits, preserves, and wines.
- Luxury Hampers – curated gift baskets filled with gourmet items, which can be customised for any occasion.
- Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon – an elegant space offering traditional afternoon tea with fine china and attentive service.
- Homewares, Perfumes, and Accessories – offering luxury items and designer collaborations.
Fun Fact
Fortnum & Mason once supplied provisions for British mountaineer George Mallory’s ill-fated expedition to Mount Everest in 1922. It also created special hampers for soldiers fighting in the Crimean War, and during World War II, sent delicacies to officers abroad — making it not just a department store, but a piece of living history.
Quick Facts
- Name: Fortnum & Mason
- Location: 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
- Founded: 1707 by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason
- Distance from Charing Cross: Approx. 0.6 miles (1 km)
- Nearest Tube Stations: Green Park (Piccadilly, Victoria, Jubilee), Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly, Bakerloo)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 6, 9, 14, 19, 38
- Opening Hours: Mon–Sat: 10am–8pm, Sun: 11:30am–6pm
- Highlights: Famous hampers, royal tea salon, luxury goods
- Fun Fact: Supplied explorers and troops with luxury provisions for centuries
References
Fortnum & Mason is 
on the Map of Piccadilly, London
Painting of Fortnum & Mason, London (View image in full size)
