Last week, I enjoyed a proper posh lunch at Fortnum and Mason, The Royal Exchange, London. Set inside the courtyard of the former financial trading building, you can enjoy an alfresco dining experience but undercover. It’s a grand affair thanks to the luxurious surroundings and upmarket menu. Many dishes showcase the best of British produce, from Suffolk Pork Belly to Dover Sole. It’s the perfect restaurant for anyone wanting to entertain their clients for lunch in the city of London, looking for a special occasion restaurant near Bank Station or those wishing to enjoy British food.
“Those wanting a perfect, proper or posh lunch will be thrilled with the British classics served at Fortum’s inside the stunning Royal Exchange Courtyard,” Homegirl London.
Fortnum And Mason Lunch Menu
Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 11.30 am until 2.15 pm. It’s orientated towards Seafood, although, funnily enough, we didn’t order any Caviar or fish dishes. My dining companion is a meat eater, and I’m a vegetarian, so our choices may not represent Fortnum’s specialities well. But never mind, we enjoyed what we ate.
If you want to push the boat out, you can order Caviar, Oysters or Smoked Fish. 50g of Beluga 000 caviar will set you back £475, but it does come with Scrambled Eggs, Baked New Potatoes and Blinis if that softens the blow. However, twelve Oysters from Carlingford Lough in Ireland are £40, which may be within reach.
My dining companion, Peter, is a traditionalist, so he ordered the Scotch Egg with house-made Piccalilli. The menu reveals that Fortnum and Mason invented the Scotch Egg in 1738. Well, I never knew that! Other starters include Portland Dressed Crab and Steak Tartare.
Mains are comforting crowd pleasers like Chicken Chasseur, Calves Liver, Sirloin Steak, Pork Belly and Seafood options like Lobster Spaghetti, Dover Sole and Brixham Cod. In the end, Peter went for the Welsh Rarebit, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
I was happy to see a Vegetarian section on the menu which all sounded tempting. I couldn’t decide between the Grilled Cauliflower, Onion Squash or Wild Mushroom Emmer Farro. Ultimately, I opted for the Caramelised Onion Risotto, which was excellent thanks to the sweet-tasting Onion reduction and the perfect creamy consistency. I did see the Grilled Cauliflower being taken to a nearby table, and it looked pretty spectacular, so I think I’ll try that next time.
Add sides to complete your Main, whether it’s Chips, Mashed or Boiled Potatoes, January King Cabbage with Garlic, Spinach with Nutmeg or Oak Leaf Lettuce with Chardonnay Vinaigrette.
Save room for one of the classic Desserts. Pick from Knickerbocker Glory, Dusty Road, Sticky Toffee Pudding or Apple and Berry Crumble. Don’t look at the calories listed. Just enjoy! You’ll appreciate the British Cheese Selection with Celery and Grapes if you’re a savoury person.
To give you an idea of prices, Smoked Fish costs £15.95-19.50, Oysters are £12-40.00, Caviar 50g is £175-475, Starters are £9.95-28.50, Mains are £20.50-62.50, Vegetarian options are £14.75-17.75, Sides £6.50, Desserts and Cheese Board are £8.75-13.50.
Helpful Information About Fortunum’s At The Royal Exchange
To find out more, visit the Fortnum and Mason website. The restaurant is in the courtyard of The Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LR. Bank is the nearest station. Check the current opening times on the website. The bar and restaurant are closed on Saturday and Sunday. I recommend that you book a table to avoid disappointment. The Royal Exchange was London’s first purpose-built building (1566) for trading stocks, which was rebuilt twice due to two fire incidents. Today, it’s an upscale shopping and dining destination. Shops include Hermes, Jo Malone, Mont Blanc and other luxury brands.
If you want to explore the area, you may be interested in these articles:
Ten Things To Do In The City Of London
Ten Things To Do In Leadenhall Market
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about restaurants where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as restaurant standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the restaurant is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
