London - Fortnum and Mason

Fortnum and Mason started in 1707, when William Fortnum (a footman for Queen Anne) linked up with his landlord, Hugh Mason and founded a small shop in St James's Market.  They're now on Piccadilly, not far from Piccadilly Circus, the Royal Academy and The Ritz. The store underwent a £24 million refurbishment in 2007 as part of its 400th birthday celebrations.

There's a good butchery department an excellent cheese counter and fine wines and spirits.

They hold two Royal warrants; for HM The Queen they're Master of the Household, Grocers & Provision Merchants and for HRH The Prince of Wales they're Tea Merchants and Grocers! 

It's a stylish building inside with attractive displays of top quality foods - like this area selling teas: 

As it's nearly Easter, it's also a very good place for eggs. Fortnum and Mason claim to have invented the Scotch Egg in 1738, and if you want a change from hens eggs you can also buy a goose egg! 

They also sell fine chocolate Easter eggs and cakes liked these pretty Easter cakes: 

Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly
London
W1A 1ER

Tel: 020 7734 8040

Web: www.fortnumandmason.com