Fortnum & Mason have a fancy new dining destination.
When you’re over 300 years old, you’ve got to make the occasional move to shake things up a little. Acutely aware of this, Fortnum & Mason have unveiled their newest restaurant, a grand eatery in the central courtyard of London’s historic Royal Exchange. Taking over from the Exchange’s former Grand Cafe, the opulent spot is now open, and judging by the pictures, it’s a stunning place for an afternoon nibble.
I mean, the City was clearly lacking upmarket dining spots, so this should reverse that worrying trend. All jokes aside, this place is fanciness personified, with Fortnum & Mason’s trademark pale green (or Eau de Nil, as it is officially known) splashed around the tiling and upholstery. It all comes together under the splendid roof of The Royal Exchange, making for a dining experience that, although not quite al fresco, is still pretty damn atmospheric.
With a reputation for fine food behind them, Fortnum & Mason are unveiling an equally rich menu. Top of the dinner menu are offerings of smoked fish, oysters, and caviar, whilst there’s a strong focus on mains from the grill. Other quintessentially English dishes including the Scotch Egg – invented by the company back in 1738 – round out a filling, if pricey, selection. If you’re just planning on drinks, there’s a big cocktail list, with libations such as the Floral Negroni and the Stockbroker catching our eye.
Though the restaurant is the big crowdpleaser here, Fortnum’s have also opened a food hall in the arcade of The Royal Exchange, stocking their usual range of carefully-considered nibbles and luxury hampers. Certainly isn’t unhelpful in the run-up to Christmas…
Location: 4-7 The Courtyard, The Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR. Nearest station is Bank. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: 7am-11pm (Mon to Fri), 8am-11pm (Sat). The store is open 8am-8pm, Mon to Sat.
Price: starters range from £9, mains from £18, and cocktails from £12.
More information: from their website.
Featured image: @fortnums