A destination for both the food lover and the historically curious, Fortnum and Mason is a British institution - a London without it would be inconceivable. It was one of the first establishments to stock exotic spices such as saffron, supplied the first explorers with goods for their expeditions and provided produce for the great and good of the city.

If you were to ask someone about F&M now, chances are they'd know it for their mouthwatering window displays, esoteric and anachronistic décor and beautiful selection of hampers, which are ordered as a special treat at Christmas and events up and down the land. It also carries a well-chosen selection of kitchen equipment and cookbooks, as well as the ever-popular women's accessories, lest the lady hanker for a Mulberry bag while perusing the fine teas.

Furthermore, it stocks some hard-to-find fragrances such as Clive Christian in its beauty and fragrance department, further adding to its appeal.

It's not cheap, mind you, but everything is of an exceedingly high quality and beautifully packaged. Shopping in the environs of Fortnum's is suitably exciting - you're not going to be able to get an experience like this at your local farmer's market.

Opening Hours - Mon-Sat 1000 to 2000, Sun 1130 to 1800.

Nearest Tube - Piccadilly Circus or Green Park.