POSH grocer Fortnum & Mason has launched its Christmas 2024 collections.
The big day is still 105 days away, but it’s always wise to plan ahead for the festive season.
From its iconic wicker basket-filled hampers to extravagant advent calendars and even edible coal, the Royal supermarket has gone all out for this festive season.
Fortnum & Mason has also announced the prices and availability dates for their new products.
Shoppers can look forward to six new advent calendars this Christmas.
The cheapest, at £35, is perfect for tea lovers, but if you want biscuits included, you’ll need to fork out £95 instead.
New this year is a £265 beauty advent calendar, brimming with up to £1,080 worth of goods.
It includes everything from Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Cream to a luxurious Charlotte Posner makeup bag.
In terms of hampers, Fortnum’s has introduced three new festive variations.
The cheapest costs just £40, while the most luxurious will cost £365.
Other unique items available this Christmas include their Sparkling Tea – a tasty alternative to Bucks Fizz in the morning and Mulled Wine at night.
It’s also selling edible coal, making for an ideal Christmas stocking filler.
Those on a budget can still treat loved ones to a small gift from the posh shop, with prices starting from as little as £3.50.
For example, a can of Fortnum’s Christmas Ale (44cl) costs just £3.50.
It’s selling its iconic Christmas Cognac Butter for £5.95 too.
Those looking for Christmas decorations can also bag a Toadstool Decoration or Jormaepourri Rose Gold Mesh Star for £12.
Here’s a look at some of the chain’s newest items on offer this festive period.
The Tea Lovers advent calendar is one of Fortnum’s newest festive creations.
It costs £35 and is available to buy online and in-store right now.
Hidden behind each door, you’ll discover many of Fortnum’s favourite teas.
These include:
Fortnum & Mason’s 2024 beauty advent calendar contains over £1080 worth of products.
It will be available to shoppers both online and in-store from October 21 and costs £265.
The advent calendar contains 27 nourishing skincare, haircare, fragrance, bath, body and wellness treats nestled within its drawers
Here’s a full list of all the items it contains:
Fortnum’s Nice List gift box is the cheapest new hamper available this winter.
It’ll be available from September 16 and set shoppers back £40.
Inside, festive revellers will find a tin of our Christmas Green Tea, a relaxing brew to kickstart the season.
For the grazers, its Reindeer Carrot Sweets are the perfect snack.
Next, discover a duo of sweet Chocolate Owls delicately crafted and enclosed in an adorable matchbox.
Finally, indulge in some of Fortnum’s Orange & Dark Chocolate biscuits, a delectable mix of citrus and richness.
Fortnum’s St Nicholas Hamper is the most expensive goodie selection on offer this Christmas.
It will set shoppers back £365 and will be available in-store and online from November 11.
It contains a whopping 19 items, including drinks and snacks, as well as festive classics.
Here’s a full list of what’s in the huge wicker basket:
Fortnum’s latest sparkling innovation has been created with wintertime celebrations in mind, and, unlike our other sparkling teas, its Winter Sparkling Tea has a slight alcoholic kick.
Bottled inside is a festive journey of warming spices, with notes of homemade apple pie, lebkuchen and stollen.
Celebratory, warming, and generously spiced, at only 5% ABV, it makes a fantastic low-alcohol alternative to traditional sparkling wines.
Enjoy as an aperitif – with or without your favourite festive nibbles.
Fortnum’s says it pairs perfectly with sweet treats like Stollen and Lebkuchen, as well as Cured Ham.
Shoppers can purchase individual bottles online and in-store for £19.95.
A case of six will set you back £107.70.
Receiving coal in a stocking filler is traditionally associated with those on Santa’s “naughty” list.
However, Fortnum’s Christmas coal isn’t the type you use to light your fire.
Instead, it’s completely edible.
It’s made of cinder toffee dipped in smooth milk chocolate and covered in black lemon sherbet for a deliciously distinctive flavour.
Shoppers can buy a 250g bag now for £13.95
FORTNUM & Mason was established 317 years ago in 1707.
It was founded by William Fortnum, a footman for Queen Anne, and Hugh Mason, his landlord.
The pair started operating from a small store in St James Market and a spare room in Mason’s house.
The department store eventually set up shop at its current location at 181 Piccadilly.
One of Fortnum & Mason’s earliest claims to fame was its invention of the Scotch egg in 1738, a portable and filling snack ideal for travellers.
The store quickly became known for its innovative and high-quality products, appealing to the tastes of the affluent and aristocratic clientele.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Fortnum & Mason expanded its offerings, becoming a purveyor of fine foods, wines, and spirits.
It was also during this period that the store became renowned for its hampers, which were meticulously curated and became a staple of British festivities and picnics.
These hampers were often sent to British troops during times of conflict, providing a comforting taste of home.
By the Victorian era, Fortnum & Mason had firmly established itself as a symbol of British luxury.
The store’s association with the royal family was further cemented when it was granted its first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria.
This distinguished honour recognised Fortnum’s as a supplier of goods to the royal household, a tradition that continues to this day.
The 20th century saw Fortnum & Mason adapting to the changing times while maintaining its commitment to quality and tradition.
During both World Wars, the store remained open, offering solace and a sense of continuity to Londoners. Post-war, the store further diversified its range, introducing new departments and expanding its international reach.
In more recent years, Fortnum & Mason has continued to evolve, embracing modernity while preserving its heritage.
The store underwent a significant refurbishment in 2007, celebrating its 300th anniversary with a rejuvenated look that honoured its storied past.
Today, it offers a wide array of products, from gourmet foods and fine teas to exquisite homewares and beauty products.