London: I don’t like HARRODS: too large, too crowded, too loud – no class!

I more than like FORTNUM & MASON – I love it!  Even if it’s on Picadilly – it has some hidden treasures. Avoid the ground floor with thousands of tourists buying tea & chocolate – except you get one of the utterly cool linen shopping bags. The second floor upwards it’s mostly quiet and empty and you can find some very lovely British items – like a beautiful wool woven tie I discovered the last time. It still is my favorite. In the basement you can get very delicious sandwiches for take away or spend hours and lots of money at the tiny Champaign Bar with many different smoked salmons. Just writing this – is so mouthwatering for me.

On the back of the huge FORTNUM & MASON building is their 45 JERMYN ST restaurant for breakfast, lunch, pre theatre and dinner. A gorgeous experience in all aspects: a bit a royal ambiance with a twist of understatement, not too crowded, no tourists (except bloody me), delicious food and very stylish service. Not too bad, hm? But please wear some elegant casual clothes and try the best English you have. And please don‘t tell anyone. Thank you.