Question of the week: With Christmas on the horizon, can you recommend a favourite London shop?"So, you asked your mother/grandmother/sister/aunt what she wanted for Christmas, and she said 'Something really English!' You asked your father/grandfather/brother/uncle the same question, and got a similar reply... Whatever you get, it needs to be nice, and appropriate to open in front of great-aunt Matilda...
Go to Fortnum & Mason. It's a little bit pricy, but what would you expect from somewhere founded in 1707? It is a one-stop shop for all things for the traditional English Christmas (especially foodwise). The ground floor and basement are full of things that you can imagine the Queen eating for dinner, all presented beautifully. Tins of tea, beautiful chutneys, delicious biscuits - all go down well as gifts. Gentleman's Relish is a big hit with us at Christmas as is the Piccadilly Piccalilli. Go upstairs and look at the non-food items (like rubber ducks dressed as Beefeaters and Royal Guardsmen...), British-made perfume and fashion, and gentleman's accessories (I'm sure that Prince Charles has loads of that sort of stuff!).
Even if you're not made of money - go and have a look. The window displays are stunning, and the whole store is simply beautiful. The clock on the outside of the building chimes the hour, as it has for hundreds of years, with mechanical men striking bells. Wander around, pretend that you're royalty, and if you have time have tea in the afternoon. As all civilized people should. At Fortnum & Mason."
- Kris
* Photo by newpn2000, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.
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