Iconic department stores in Nostalgic London

A resplendent food and homewares department store, Fortnum & Mason has been drawing crowds to 181 Piccadilly since 1707. As soon as you step inside the historic shop it’s clear you’re somewhere rather special – there’s something about the plush red carpets, creaking grand staircase, elegant circular atrium and the sea of the store’s trademark shade (eau de nil) stretching out in front of you. First and foremost, Fortnum’s is famed for its luxe or exotic foodstuffs – it invented the Scotch egg, introduced Heinz baked beans to Britain and won first prize as importers of dried fruits and dessert goods at 1851’s Great Exhibition, so it’s no surprise that it remains an ace place to stock up on ready-to-eat treats. Follow in the footsteps of 18th-century travellers, explorers and picnickers and fill an iconic F&M wicker hamper up to the brim with tea, biscuits, preserves and other edible delights.