Special Occasion Gifts for those Notorious In-Laws (Revisited)
A farewell to traditional baskets, a warm welcome to spicy condiments: Fortnum & Mason re-embrace their historical origins by launching a fresh selection of culinary ingredients and cookware.
Ah, buying gifts for those elusive in-laws during a special occasion! It's as tricky as a tightrope walk, ain't it? Never fear, for Fortnum & Mason has always been the beacon of hope in trying times. But now, here comes a twist - get ready to dive into Fortnum's Kitchen!
Tired of the same old hampers, stuffed with predictable goodies? That's where Fortnums steps in, introducing its new range for the tasteful cook in your life. And honestly, it's about time! The capital's iconic department store on Piccadilly, established back in 1707, has decided to shake things up—apparently, food is the way to our hearts!
Previously dubbed the 'spiritual home of sugared almonds' and the harbinger of tinned goodies like the beloved baked bean, Fortnums has now taken an exciting pivot. So, what's cooking?
Liz Morgan, Fortnum's Buying Director, lays it out: "Tea and biscuits have been very much hero categories for us, but we do want to be at the heart of extraordinary food... Really focusing on ingredients is part of our strategy going forward." But if you're thinking they're abandoning their British roots, think again! The Weston family, the current owners with a long history in food since the 1880s, surely know a thing or two about good grub. Plus, Fortnums has always been a grocery store at heart, after all. And, let's not forget those Scotch eggs they claim to have invented!
The Fortnum's Kitchen line is not for your grandma's kitchen or your traditional British grocer. They're focusing on integrity of ingredients and sourcing, with items like Miso & Black Garlic Flavour Paste, Orange-Infused Olive Oil, and Sicilian Pistachio Paste on the menu. This globally-inspired range is all about turning simple home-cooked meals into restaurant quality dishes with minimal effort. Think of Fortnum as your culinary fairy godmother, waving her magic wand while you're busy with life's demands.
Marinades, jellies, sauces, and beautiful kitchenware designed by London-based artist Kelly Anna are part of this collection, promising functionality and style in equal measure. Are you a fan of Nduja and Tomato Sauce? Your hectic workdays just got easier—stir it into some spaghetti, grate parmesan, and voila! A restaurant-worthy meal to impress your friends!
While Fortnums is quintessentially British, the range is sourced globally, respecting today's demand for culinary diversity. So, if you're worried that your in-laws might miss their favorite British flavors, fear not! Fortnums is proudly maintaining its roots amid this fascinating culinary expedition.
The best part? You can still create your own hamper or select Fortnum's Kitchen items to add a contemporary twist to those traditional hampers. In short, the new range offers the best of both worlds! Here's to easier gift-giving and delicious home-cooked meals!
This special occasion, consider Fortnum's new range in Fortnum's Kitchen, a move away from traditional hampers towards exceptional food-and-drink items for the tasteful cook in your life. With globally-sourced ingredients incorporated into marinades, sauces, and kitchenware, Fortnum's aims to transform home-and-garden lifestyle recipes into restaurant-quality dishes, while still preserving its quintessentially British roots.
