subject: Fancy treating yourself to afternoon tea at Fortnum and Masons? [print this page] Fancy treating yourself to afternoon tea at Fortnum and Masons?
Dining Out in London
Restaurants help to unify and define London, from the smallest caf to the grandest hotel restaurant with international acclaim. It has always been a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities and restaurants have been at the forefront of reflecting this diversity. A restaurant often has the dual purpose of providing sustenance as well as a dose of nostalgia: an authentic taste of home for those living or travelling in London. Today, it is possible to dine out on food from virtually every corner of the globe somewhere in London and the restaurant scene continues to reflect the wonderfully diverse nature of the city.
London has built up a worldwide reputation for the quality of its restaurants over the years and this spans all cuisines and all calibre of establishment. With literally thousands of eateries in the capital, it is no mean feat to be considered a classic London restaurant. So many criteria must be fulfilled in order to be considered worthy of an entry in the classic' list that few establishments are eligible. However, this book attempts to bring together some of the oldest, best-loved, most enduring and relevant eateries in London. You will find five-star hotel restaurants nestling up next to venerable coffee shops and long-established French bistros. Price, location and awards are irrelevant here: what matters is the restaurant's ability to serve extraordinary food in convivial settings.
Fortnum and Mason
Fortnum and Mason is quite possibly the most famous and luxurious grocery shop in the world. Founded back in 1707 by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason, it has been supplying British high society with their jam and high tea in london ever since. These days, Fortnum and Mason (or Fortnum's as it is fondly called) is so much more than a convenience store. It is a large department store that also includes a hair and beauty salon. For anyone with a phobia of supermarkets, this is definitely the way to shop.
Having been granted a number of Royal Warrants over the years, the Fortnum name is inherently linked to the Royal Family. This has had obvious advantages in terms of the tourist market and the distinctive turquoise and gold packaging makes its way into the suitcases of many people holidaying in London. However, it is not just the Royal connection that has been key to the incredible longevity of this shop.
Fortnum's prides itself on the quality of its produce, the innovations of its products and the loyalty of its staff and customers. A shopping experience at Fortnum and Masons is about so much more than dashing around piling food into a trolley. It is about perusing products and carefully considering the options available; it's about believing in quality, not quantity; and it's about really engaging with the whole shopping experience and using all the senses. And, when you've finished shopping, the stunning St James's restaurant is an oasis in which you can relax, take the weight off your feet and indulge in a sumptuous feast of top-end food. Although there are a number of restaurants and cafes in Fortnum's, St James's is the best known. It has a reputation for quality fine dining in elegant surroundings and it is open daily for lunch, although lunch is probably not a grand enough word to describe the incredibly diverse and expansive menu on offer. The restaurant prides itself on having created a menu that relies on seasonal British ingredients, thus reiterating its heritage and the focus on quality, fresh produce.
