Fortnum & Mason

In the US and across the world, there is one robin-egg-blue box that makes girls' hearts flutter and men's wallets suffer.  In London, there's one unmistakeable turquoise-blue bag that fills my heart with longing every time I see someone carrying it - and it's got nothing to do with jewellery.

It has to do with food.

Of course I'm talking about Piccadilly's iconic Fortnum & Mason food emporium, where one can purchase everything from F&M monogrammed oven gloves to *the* finest champagne truffles at their chocolate counter.  And if you'd rather sit and sip tea accompanied by a selection of finger sandwiches or delectable cakes, then there are several dining options.  My personal favorite is the Fountain Restaurant, which is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea (although they also serve dinner).  They make the perfect cup of hot chocolate (as evidenced above - check out the rock candy stirrer) and the bright and airy dining room makes your eating experience absolutely heavenly (I am often prone to exaggeration).

When purchasing souvenir gifts for family and friends at home, I shun the tacky, overdone domes of Harrods in Knightsbridge and opt for the cool elegance of Fortnum & Mason's instead.  In particular, I love to pick up a couple tins of Rose Biscuits (£7.95) (simply because the packaging is so sublime and gorgeous) and the Chocolate and Macadamia biscuits (£7.95). 

And I haven't even gotten to the shopping experience.  I love everything about that store - it brings about a calmness in me (which is actually alarming when the sight of beautifully packaged food acts as a natural Xanax).  From the wonderful thick deep red carpet beneath my feet to the long-aproned shop assistants quietly helping customers, every detail is looked after, making each visit a treat. 

Harrods may be more well-known, but Fortnum & Mason win hands down in my book.