Fortnum & Mason: London’s Iconic Gourmet Department Store
Discover centuries of luxury and gourmet delights at Fortnum & Mason, London’s iconic Piccadilly department store since 1707.
Established in 1707, Fortnum & Mason at 181 Piccadilly is a historic London department store renowned for its luxury food products, exquisite hampers, and elegant dining experiences. With a rich royal heritage and a distinctive iconic clock, it offers a unique blend of gourmet delights, fine teas, and exclusive gifts across multiple floors in a beautifully preserved setting.
A brief summary to Fortnum & Mason
- 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER, GB
- +442077348040
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-8 pm
- Saturday 10 am-8 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon for a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience.
- Look up at the famous Fortnum & Mason clock on the hour to see the founders’ figures bow to each other.
- Explore the Food & Drink Studio on the third floor for masterclasses and unique culinary events.
- Try the original Scotch egg, a Fortnum & Mason invention dating back to 1738.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
London Underground
Take the Piccadilly Line to Piccadilly Circus station, approximately a 5-minute walk to Fortnum & Mason. Trains run frequently, and the station is fully accessible. A single journey costs around £2.50 with an Oyster card or contactless payment.
-
Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Piccadilly Circus, including routes 14, 19, and 38. Buses run regularly throughout the day. A single fare is £1.75 using an Oyster card or contactless payment. Note that traffic can affect journey times.
-
Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Licensed London black cabs and ride-hailing services such as Uber can drop you off directly at 181 Piccadilly. Travel times vary with traffic, typically 15-30 minutes from central London locations. Expect fares from £10-£25 depending on distance and time of day.
-
Walking
If you are in central London near Piccadilly Circus or Green Park, walking to Fortnum & Mason takes about 5-10 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. The area is pedestrian-friendly with accessible sidewalks.
Fortnum & Mason location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Fortnum & Mason
Origins Rooted in Royal Service and Innovation
Founded in 1707 by William Fortnum, a footman in Queen Anne’s household, and his landlord Hugh Mason, Fortnum & Mason began as a small grocery shop in St James’s Market. Fortnum’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by repurposing leftover candle wax from the royal household, turning it into a profitable venture. This early innovation laid the foundation for a business that would become synonymous with quality and exclusivity. Over the centuries, the store evolved from supplying the British aristocracy with exotic imported foods to becoming a pioneer in ready-to-eat luxury meals and gourmet hampers.An Architectural and Cultural Landmark on Piccadilly
The flagship store at 181 Piccadilly, rebuilt in the 1920s in a Neo-Georgian style, stands as a distinguished London landmark. Its elegant façade features fanlights and decorative elements designed to invite discerning shoppers inside. Above the main entrance, the famous four-ton clock, installed in 1964, chimes every hour while mechanical figures of Fortnum and Mason bow to each other, symbolizing the founders’ legacy. The store’s iconic eau-de-nil green, inspired by architectural details, adorns packaging, signage, and the building exterior, making it instantly recognizable.A Treasure Trove of Gourmet Foods and Exclusive Products
Fortnum & Mason’s food halls are legendary, offering an unparalleled selection of fine teas, chocolates, preserves, and fresh delicacies from around the world. The store is credited with inventing the Scotch egg in 1738, a testament to its innovative culinary heritage. Visitors can explore multiple floors dedicated to gourmet food, kitchenware, beauty products, and elegant homewares. The store’s hampers, filled with luxury treats, have been a favored gift choice for centuries, especially popular with travelers and the London carriage trade.Dining Experiences and Modern Enhancements
Beyond shopping, Fortnum & Mason offers refined dining options including the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and The Parlour, where guests can enjoy traditional afternoon tea and light meals in a sophisticated setting. Recent expansions have introduced a Food & Drink Studio, a cookshop, and an in-house distillery producing Amalthea Gin, blending heritage with contemporary tastes. Regular events such as masterclasses and talks enrich the visitor experience, making it a vibrant cultural hub.Enduring Legacy and Global Presence
Privately owned by Wittington Investments, Fortnum & Mason honors its centuries-old traditions while embracing modern retail trends. The brand has expanded beyond Piccadilly with stores at St Pancras International, Heathrow Terminal 5, Canary Wharf, and internationally in Hong Kong. Its commitment to quality and provenance continues to attract a diverse clientele, from local Londoners to global gourmets.Timeless Appeal in the Heart of London
Situated in the prestigious St James’s area, Fortnum & Mason remains a must-visit destination for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Its blend of history, luxury, and innovation offers a unique shopping and dining experience that captures the essence of British heritage and craftsmanship.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Beau Brummell Statue
0.1 km
The dandy who revolutionised menswear and defined Regency elegance in bronze.
Burlington House
0.1 km
A grand 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts and Britain’s leading learned societies, blending Palladian elegance with centuries of art and science.
3 Savile Row
0.2 km
Historic Georgian townhouse in London, famed as The Beatles’ Apple Corps HQ and site of their legendary 1969 rooftop concert.
St James's Square
0.3 km
London’s oldest garden square, where Georgian elegance meets centuries of power, politics, and high society in the heart of Westminster.
Pickering Pl
0.3 km
Discover Pickering Place, London's smallest square, a hidden Georgian courtyard steeped in duels, diplomacy, and timeless charm.
Republic of Texas Plaque
0.3 km
A hidden brass plaque marking where the Republic of Texas once sought recognition from the British Crown.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
0.3 km
Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
225 Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
Ziggy Stardust album cover
0.3 km
Step into the legendary London street where David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona was born on an iconic 1972 album cover.
Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
Guards Crimean War Memorial
0.4 km
A poignant bronze tribute in central London honoring the valor and sacrifice of ordinary soldiers in the Crimean War.
Charles De Gaulle Statue
0.4 km
Explore the Charles De Gaulle Statue in London, a monument celebrating Franco-British relations and the legacy of a legendary leader amidst serene gardens.
St. James's Palace
0.4 km
Discover the Tudor grandeur and royal ceremonies at London’s oldest palace, the enduring heart of British monarchy.
Waterloo Pl
0.4 km
Experience the historic elegance of Waterloo Place in London, where stunning architecture meets vibrant city life in a beautiful urban square.
Sir Keith Park statue
0.4 km
Discover the Sir Keith Park Statue in London, an inspiring tribute to a World War II hero amidst the beauty of Waterloo Place.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hatchards - Piccadilly
0.0 km
Explore Hatchards, London's oldest bookshop since 1797, a historic literary haven with royal warrants and timeless charm on Piccadilly.
Prestat Chocolates
0.0 km
Discover London’s oldest royal chocolate shop, where century-old truffle traditions meet theatrical elegance in Piccadilly’s charming Princes Arcade.
Princes Arcade
0.1 km
Discover Princes Arcade, a historic London shopping passage blending timeless craftsmanship with modern menswear in the heart of Piccadilly.
Piccadilly Arcade
0.1 km
Step into Piccadilly Arcade, a refined Edwardian shopping haven blending heritage tailoring, unique boutiques, and timeless London charm.
Burlington Arcade
0.1 km
Step into Burlington Arcade, a historic 1819 luxury shopping gallery in London, where Regency charm meets exclusive boutiques and timeless traditions.
St James's Piccadilly
0.1 km
Discover St James's Piccadilly, a historic Wren-designed church blending artistic heritage and serene gardens in the heart of London’s vibrant West End.
Paxton & Whitfield Ltd
0.1 km
Discover the rich heritage of British cheese at Paxton & Whitfield, London's historic cheese shop on Jermyn Street, featuring exceptional selections and gourmet delights.
White Cube Mason's Yard
0.1 km
Premier contemporary art gallery in St James's, free admission, architectural landmark housing international exhibitions.
Masons Yard
0.1 km
Discover Mason's Yard, a historic London square blending rich artistic heritage with cutting-edge contemporary galleries in the heart of St James's.
The Red Lion, Mayfair
0.1 km
Experience authentic British pub culture at The Red Lion in Mayfair, where history meets hospitality in the heart of London.
Jermyn St
0.1 km
Discover Jermyn Street, London’s iconic destination for timeless menswear, bespoke tailoring, and refined British craftsmanship in a historic setting.
Christie's London
0.2 km
Christie's London, at 8 King Street, is a historic and prestigious auction house renowned for its world-class art and luxury sales since 1766.
28 The Royal Arcade
0.2 km
Step into London’s oldest Victorian shopping arcade, where historic elegance meets exclusive luxury boutiques in the heart of Mayfair.
Charbonnel et Walker
0.2 km
Discover over 150 years of British chocolate mastery and timeless elegance at Charbonnel et Walker in London’s Royal Arcade.
Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant crossroads of London’s West End where iconic lights, historic landmarks, and lively entertainment converge.
Essential places to dine
Quaglino's
0.1 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
Golden Lion
0.2 km
Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.3 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
Great British Restaurant
0.3 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
Kricket Soho
0.3 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
NOPI
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Mele e Pere
0.4 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Wild Honey St James
0.4 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
Bantof
0.4 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
0.4 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Blacklock Soho
0.5 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Kingly Court
0.5 km
Discover a world of flavors in London’s vibrant Kingly Court, where global cuisine meets Soho’s lively spirit.
HIDE
0.5 km
Discover refined Modern European cuisine with panoramic Green Park views at HIDE, a Michelin-starred gem blending innovation and elegance in Mayfair.
Evelyn's Table
0.5 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
0.5 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Floris London
0.1 km
Experience nearly three centuries of British fragrance heritage at Floris London’s historic boutique on iconic Jermyn Street.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
0.1 km
Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
John Lobb St. James
0.3 km
Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.4 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.4 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
Kingly Ct
0.5 km
A vibrant three-storey courtyard in Soho offering eclectic global dining and unique shops in a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Bond St
0.5 km
London's most exclusive luxury shopping street, where three centuries of elegance meet contemporary high fashion.
LONGCHAMP
0.5 km
Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
Hamleys
0.5 km
Seven floors of toy wonder in London's most iconic toy shop since 1760.
Machine-A
0.5 km
Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
Regent St.
0.5 km
London's elegant mile of style, where Regency architecture meets world-class flagship stores and timeless shopping heritage.
Carnaby St
0.5 km
London's iconic fashion hub where 1960s counterculture meets contemporary style across 14 vibrant streets.
M&M'S London
0.5 km
Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.6 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
JW Anderson London Soho
0.6 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Disrepute - Soho
0.4 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
The Thin White Duke
0.4 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Cahoots London
0.5 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
Duke of Argyll
0.5 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Below
0.5 km
Discover Below at HIDE, a hidden Mayfair cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks and rare spirits beneath a Michelin-starred restaurant.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.6 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Duke Of Wellington
0.6 km
A lively Soho pub blending traditional British charm with modern nightlife energy on Wardour Street.
Village Soho
0.6 km
A lively, inclusive gay bar in Soho with energetic dance floors, go-go dancers, karaoke nights, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ atmosphere.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.6 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
The Blind Pig at Social Eating House
0.6 km
Soho's hidden speakeasy gem: storybook cocktails and Michelin bites in Prohibition-style elegance.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.6 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
The Admiral Duncan - Soho
0.7 km
Historic Soho gay pub and resilient LGBTQ+ landmark, symbolizing community strength and vibrant nightlife since the 1830s.
Basement Sate
0.7 km
Discover Soho’s chic basement bar where decadent desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting.
Ku Bar
0.7 km
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
The Black Book
0.7 km
Soho's clandestine basement wine bar, pouring rare vintages by the glass alongside Mediterranean bites in a former members' club hideout—perfect for late-night indulgence.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Scotch of St James
0.1 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
The Cuckoo Club
0.2 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
Tabu London
0.2 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
0.3 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
Tiger Tiger London
0.4 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.4 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
Luxe Club
0.4 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.6 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
0.6 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Sophisticats Soho
0.6 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
TSQ Club
0.6 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
The Penthouse London
0.6 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Sunset night club
0.6 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.7 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
St Moritz Club
0.7 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Elegant
- Scenic
- Unique
- Boutique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly