Fortnum & Mason Launches New Bicester Village Store

Since its foundation in 1707, Fortnum & Mason (and its spectacular window displays) have ruled proudly over Piccadilly, London. And bar a store in Dubai and another in Hong Kong, lovers of the brand were forced to journey to London to enjoy Fortnum’s in its full in-person glory. That is, until now. 

Prue Leith Opens New Fortnum & Mason In Bicester Village

Opened by Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith, Fortnum’s officially launched its first UK store outside of London on 6 October. Located in Bicester Village, the Oxfordshire shopping centre is renowned for its high-end stores and luxury restaurants, including the likes of Prada, Burberry and Gucci. Famous for its teas, jams, cakes and shortbreads, any Fortnum’s lovers who live outside of London will now have another chance to enjoy all the goodies it has to offer in the peace and quiet of a slightly more rural setting. 

While much smaller than the Piccadilly store, it still shares the same flavour, with walls lined in its iconic biscuit tins and teas. With the brand’s most iconic products on show, you can discover the Royal Blend and Sparkling Teas, alongside the Lossus biscuit range, plus other biscuits, preserves and sweet treats. And if you’re trying to get your Christmas shopping in early, the store also features a curated edit of Fortnum’s hampers, including an exclusive Fortnum’s X Bicester Village gift box. Unavailable in the London store, the hamper includes chocolate pearl shortbread rounds, local honey made from Banbury’s lime trees’ blossom, Royal Blend tea and a gorgeous Fortnum’s mug to drink it from. 

Designed to be a contemporary interpretation of the beloved flagship store, the shop is awash in Fortnum’s Eau de Nil (you know, the iconic turquoise blue) and boasts two service desks made from solid walnut with traditional Georgian beading. And no need to fear a drop in service, Fortnum’s famous Red Coats are still on hand to offer customers free food and drink samples and personalise a selection of items (including the Blancs de Blancs champagne and Amalthea Gin) for special gifts or momentos. 

In case you don’t have much time to stop and browse on your regimented whizz around the Bicester Village shops, or you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, just outside the store Fortnum’s has launched its first-ever Fortnum & Mason On The Go hospitality kiosk offering a range of sweet and savoury toasted sourdough crumpets alongside a range of hot and cold drinks. 

Working alongside chef Tom Moore of Moore’ish Crumpets, the Fortnum’s offerings are handmade using a sixty year old starter and fermented with artisanal ingredients. Meanwhile, the toppings are designed by Fortnum’s executive chef, Sam White, with flavours including coronation chicken with cream cheese and pickled cucumber, as well as cheese and truffle, and ham, egg and chips.

Alongside these more daring offerings, you can also enjoy more classic crumpets piled high in Fortnum’s strawberry & champagne preserve with Ivy Farm butter, as well as crunchy peanut butter, chocolate and hazelnut, and more. Inspired by the nearby Bicester Wetland Reserve, the kiosk features a playful mascot in the shape of a duck eating a crumpet. 

The opening of the Bicester Village store was given the blessing of Cotswolds local Prue Leith. Visiting the store on the opening day and taking a turn behind the kiosk counter, Prue told C&TH: ‘I think that it’s quite exciting for me that Fortnum & Mason have come to Bicester Village because it’s a damn sight closer than Piccadilly. And it’s the first time they’ve ever moved out of Piccadilly so I wish them luck.’

‘Fortnum & Mason’s does an excellent job of creating the most delicious food and drink items packaged in the most beautiful tins and boxes that make for the perfect gift,’ she added. ‘I can’t wait to try the new exclusive Bicester Village gift box with the most divine chocolate pearl shortbread rounds!’

How To Visit

If you’re looking to visit the Bicester Village store for yourself you can catch the train from London Marleybone to Bicester Village station from which it’s only a short walk to the main shopping centre, or you can travel there by car.