When I found out that Fortnum & Mason was coming to Bicester Village, I was absolutely delighted – and I knew I had to visit as soon as possible. The weather that day was rather unpredictable, with bursts of sunshine between showers, and unfortunately the outdoor seating area was being packed away due to the rain.
There was a small queue to get in, though it moved quickly. While waiting, a member of staff was kindly offering biscuits to those in line – I didn’t have one myself, but I’m certain they were delicious.
To be honest, I felt a little underwhelmed at first. I suppose I was expecting a larger store with more on display. Of course, it’s impossible to recreate the grandeur of the original Piccadilly location at an outlet village, but I was still surprised by how compact the space was.
Just outside, there was a charming pop-up serving beverages, ice cream, and crumpets. Sadly, by the time I left the shop, the rain had returned, so I didn’t get the chance to sample anything. Inside, the shop itself felt like a “mini mini” version of Fortnum’s — ideal for picking up essentials like tea, biscuits, and chocolates. They also had hampers, gift boxes, and a selection of wines available.
I’m hoping that as the season and initial popularity quieten down, the queue inside to pay will become shorter – it currently spans the back of the shop, right across the biscuits. I can completely understand why they’ve had to limit the number of people inside at one time. I must admit, I missed what was tucked away in the left front corner of the shop, as it was quite busy. I did choose to go at peak time, so perhaps I’ll venture back over on a quieter weekday when it’s not so busy.
It certainly won’t replace my beloved trips to Piccadilly, far from it, but it’s lovely to know I can now pick up Fortnum’s favourites locally without waiting for a delivery or planning a London visit.
The staff were, as always, wonderful and welcoming – exactly what you’d expect from Fortnum & Mason. The store has only been open a few days, and I’m genuinely excited to see how it evolves over Christmas and into the New Year. I’m secretly hoping they’ll stock ornaments and crackers for the festive season!
Bicester Village is only a short distance from me, and I’m thrilled to have this addition on our doorstep. The aesthetics of the village have improved so much over the years — it’s come on leaps and bounds since its early days. It’s fantastic to see so many premium brands investing in the space, and the dining options have also improved tremendously, which is a very welcome change.
