I was first in London as a lad, a millennium ago, melting my way into the ways of the world. London smiled and led me into a wonderland of “yes indeed.” For Hemingway Paris was a moveable feast. My feast was London and so it remains. To this day, the lady is still smiling and offering a banquet.
Although there are many, one beautiful delectable charm is Fortnum and Mason. To label it as a grocery store is akin to mistaking priceless diamonds for rough gravel. This sparking jewel dates back to 1707.
Walk through the beautiful doors and feel surrounded by luxury. Ladies and male clerks, dressed in black and white livery, coats and tails, stand ready. My first stop is the seemingly never ending array of tins of every known variety of tea, many of which have found a comfortable place in my cupboard.
Now let's move on.
Next door to Fortnum and Mason, be sure to step into Hatchards, the city's oldest bookshop, where you'll find, among the many tomes, autographed selections from well known authors.
Time for lunch? Or maybe a noontime cocktail? Why not?
Around the corner from Fortnum and Mason, you’ll find 45 Jermyn Street, connected and owned by Fortnum and Mason. Delicious meals! My preference is to sit at the bar and converse with loquacious barkeepers. It’s where I learned how to make a Perfect Manhattan. A hint: it starts with Four Roses!
With lunch and a tipple behind you, is there more to see and do and marvel nearby? Do some shopping along along Jermyn Street. Mens and women's clothing, shoe shops, famous perfume shops, and a fabulous cheese shop.
Oh, child! You’ve just begun the trek through a wonderland!
