Famous food halls
Today, food shopping is a pretty exciting activity, especially if you treat yourself to a trip to London's fabulous food halls. Which of the senses are alerted first? Is it your sight, as eyes open wide at the fantastic colours of the fruit and veg? Or is it smell, as your nostrils pick up the huge variety of aromas, from fresh seafood to coffee and spices?
Harrods
Harrods (www.harrods.com) food hall - or rather the several halls that make up the whole thing - is the 'piece de resistance' of the world's most famous store. Each hall is lavishly decorated according to the food it sells - and there are very few types that it doesn't.
Selfridges
Walk around the displays of every type of produce you could possibly want, sourced from Britain and countries far and wide, in Selfridges (www.selfridges.com/)' food hall. It's all so beautifully displayed you don't really want to disturb the artistic creations when you pick up the items of your choice.
Fortnum & Mason
Royal Warrant holders Fortnum and Mason (www.fortnumandmason.com) went into business in 1707 and from the beginning one of their main concerns was tea. Today this fabulous foodstore stocks over 100 blends among its many other delectable goodies, all wonderfully packaged. Before you leave, take afternoon tea in the St. James's Restaurant.
For more about the tastes and aromas of Britain, visit our food & drink section.