Fortnum & Mason

We went to the refurbished "Fountain" restaurant for lunch. I am not an old fuddy-duddy who can't stand change of any kind, however I did not like the new Fountain.

The wonderful ice cream fountian with stools facing the long window is gone! They have placed a round single-seating bar-style thing in the middle of the room, and it is horrible, intrusive and if you are at a table anywhere near it, you are bumped and walloped by the swinging bags etc as people get up/off those damned stools.

Anyway,the food? The kitchen is very slow to produce the traditional stalwart menu-no new surprises here.The pies were individual sized,which made them look nice,but which resulted in the portion being mainly pastry and very little filling.I had the impression that the pastry had eaten amost of the filling.

The fish and chips was nothing remarable,but now that Geales has disappeared for all intents and purposes,this is an acceptable alternative.They claim you can select a bottle of wine in the shop at retail price and for a small corkage fee they will happily serve it.I am all in favour of this,as the horrendous markups at London restaurants for wine(300 or 400%) are a disgrace.However,actually doing this at fortnums is a complex task,as you have to go back into the store,select ,queue up and buy the wine and come back, and hope to do this in time before your food is served.If I had known the food would be so slow, I would have done ,so feel free to do this next time.
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C.Elder
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Thursday, July 03, 2008

hi just thought i would note down my experience at the st james rest at fortnum and mason. staff friendly and service was impeccable, managers welcoming all in all a great start but when the wonderful tea arrived WOW the chefs perfection piano playing in the background we will be back soon

Lisa

Surrey
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Lisa Woodley
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Must say what a wonderful place tea was beautiful, pastry mmmmmmmmmm and the scones what else can i say and what with the piano in the background an all round amazing day we will be back VERY soon..
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paddy - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, February 02, 2008

We were seated in between the toilet and waiter station on the only single two seater sofa in the restaurant (all others were either chairs or sofas facing each other). This made it difficult to chat and every time a waiter or guest entered or left the afternoon tea area, they walked within about 2ft of our table (the area was only about 1/3 full). The carpet around our sofa and table was marked and dirty.

Having been given our tea about 20 minutes earlier, our waiter came to inform us that they were running out of cakes and that there would be a further delay. By this time our tea drinks were cold and after another 20 minutes wait, we were ready to give up. When it finally arrived, the afternoon tea itself was nice but nothing outstanding.

This was supposed to be the highlight of my Mother's 60th birthday weekend but turned out to be awful.
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Naomi - Cheltenham
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Monday, January 21, 2008

Afternoon tea at Fortnums is best described as 'lovely'. Its calm, relaxed and friendly. Not great value for money but it is Fortnum and Mason ! An extra finger of sandwich each wouldn't go amiss. The finger sized portions of pastries ( of which you are allowed to choose three of)are fresh,tasty and well presented. Perfect place to take parents !
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, May 17, 2006

I love Fortnum and Mason's tea room, as it is one of the least expensive, elaborate high teas around. If you are a tourist, who wants to experience a typical, English tea, but don't want to have to pay too much, this place is a great choice. The wait staff is not polished, but they are good at what they do (reminds me of Cafe du Monde in New Orleans - you aren't paying for the friendly service, but the experience).
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C. Britt
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, January 20, 2006