A first look at Fortnum & Mason at Bicester Village

Fortnum & Mason has opened its first UK store outside London at Bicester Village, bringing a taste of Piccadilly to Oxfordshire’s luxury shopping destination. The boutique offers visitors a chance to explore the brand’s signature indulgences, from teas and hampers to bespoke treats, all in a contemporary and joyful setting.

A Storied Beginning

Fortnum & Mason’s story began in 1707, when William Fortnum and Hugh Mason opened their Piccadilly store. What started with the humble trade of spare wax from Queen Anne’s candles quickly evolved into one of London’s most celebrated purveyors of fine food and gifts. Piccadilly has always been home to Fortnum & Mason, and the current building, constructed in 1840, replaced the original premises. It has been updated over the years to reflect the brand’s blend of tradition and modernity.

A Heritage of Innovation

Over the centuries, Fortnum & Mason has been at the forefront of culinary creativity. Hampers, introduced in the late 1730s, were designed as portable, pre-packed provisions for wealthy customers travelling to their country estates – now they are the world’s best-travelled tuck boxes. In 1738, the Scotch Egg was invented: a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and fried in breadcrumbs, combining portability with taste. Fortnum’s also introduced baked beans to Britain in 1886, cementing its role as a pioneer in tinned and exotic foods. Tea, central to the Fortnum’s experience, gained royal pedigree in 1902 with a bespoke blend created for King Edward VII – a tradition of tea craftsmanship that continues today.

Fit for Royalty

Fortnum & Mason’s connections with the British Royal Family are deeply ingrained in its identity. The first Royal Warrant was granted in 1910 by Queen Alexandra, with subsequent warrants from King George V, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). Today, the brand holds three Royal Warrants, granted by Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla, affirming its enduring reputation for exceptional quality, service, and tradition.

A Contemporary Take on Tradition

Today, the Bicester Village boutique reimagines the iconic London flagship, blending heritage with modern design. Walls in the brand’s signature Eau de Nil create a serene backdrop, while a grand chandelier provides a striking focal point. Walnut service desks with Georgian beading nod to craftsmanship, and interactive sampling sessions led by Red Coats bring the store to life.

Treasures to Take Home

Inside, visitors will discover Fortnum’s most celebrated products. Tea remains at the heart of the offering, with blends such as Royal Blend and Sparkling Tea alongside contemporary infusions. Hampers continue to delight, and exclusive to Bicester Village is the Fortnum’s x Bicester Village gift box, featuring chocolate pearl shortbread, Royal Blend tea, a signature mug, and locally produced Banbury honey. Biscuit lovers will enjoy the chocolatey Lossus range, and bottles of Blancs de Blancs champagne or Amalthea Gin can be personalised in-store.

Fortnum’s On the Go

The boutique also debuts “Fortnum & Mason On the Go”, serving handmade sourdough crumpets crafted by Chef Tom Moore using a sixty-year-old starter. Toppings curated by Executive Chef Sam White range from indulgent Lobster & Caviar with Marie Rose crème fraîche and pickled cucumber to classics like Strawberry & Champagne Preserve with Ivy Farm butter. The kiosk design, complete with a playful duck mascot, is a nod to the nearby Bicester Wetland Reserve.

A New Chapter in Oxfordshire

With its mix of history, indulgence, and imagination, the Bicester Village boutique is more than just a store. It is a celebration of everything Fortnum’s represents: portable pleasures, joyful discoveries, and the craftsmanship of a brand that has been delighting customers for over 300 years.

Fortnum & Mason Bicester Village is open daily from 9.00am to 8.00pm.