Gourmet Shopping in London: Food and Cookery Shops

Most of London's top department stores have impressive food halls but Fortnum & Mason is the only one with a Royal appointment to stock The Queen's larder. At Fortnum's you'll find the finest caviar, cheeses, fresh fruit, veg, fish, poultry and meats, as well as a huge range of teas and, of course, marmalade!

A favourite with wine lovers since the 17th century, Berry Bros & Rudd retains its old-world charm today, while delivering a modern, informed attitude towards wine selling. Rare bottles from Burgundy, Bordeaux and beyond are available, with the oldest plonk dating back to 1933. If you're reluctant to shell out too much, don't fret - you can buy bottles off-licence style for around £10.

James Knight of Mayfair stocks high-quality fresh fish and shellfish. Accredited by the Organic Food Federation, the store's produce is all sustainably sourced, mostly from the UK and Ireland. Many of the in-store fishmongers have professional chef experience and can provide recipe ideas and cooking guidance to customers. As well as the Notting Hill store, you'll find James Knight in Selfridges Food Hall.  

For cheese lovers, Neal's Yard Dairy is a must-visit in London. This excellent emporium sources cheese from around 70 producers and farms across Britain and Ireland to sell in its two London shops at Covent Garden and Borough Market. With an impressive list of restaurants as customers, and more than 20 years' experience, you'll find some of Britain's best cheeses at Neal's Yard Dairy.

The Spice Shop sells more than 2,500 spices from around the world as well as mustards, oils and bespoke spice mixes. Founded in 1990 by Birgit Erath, the store is now run by her son Philip. Many chefs and famous TV cooks frequent this Portobello Road institution for inspiration and recipe ideas. We suggest you do the same!  

With more than 8,000 books on the shelves, Books for Cooks far exceeds the realm of simple recipe books. Find titles on foodie fiction, history, biographies, nutrition and art, plus gourmet cards and posters. Taste recipes straight from the pages at the cafe to the rear, or have a go yourself: Books for Cooks hosts regular cooking classes upstairs.

Established in 1797, Paxton & Whitfield is London's oldest cheese shop. As well as housing the most jaw-dropping selection of cheeses (including the likes of Dales Crumbly and Soft Bloomy), this gorgeous shop also stocks wines, charcuterie, biscuits and cheese accessories.

The original Gill Wing Cook Shop in Crouch End is a small and friendly shop, run by business mogul Gill Wing, with a wide range of kitchenware, cookery books and all the essential gifts and gadgets. The newer, larger branch of Gill Wing in Islington stocks a huge range of cooking products alongside shoes, gifts and jewellery.

Harrods is on many London tourists' must-do lists and no trip to the iconic department store is complete without stepping into Harrods Food Hall. Dazzlingly decorated and piled high with comestibles, Harrods Food Hall is a delight to browse or buy from. If you're lucky, you'll catch one of the regular food & drink demos, cookbook signings or, best of all, free samples!  

Villandry sells the finest quality ingredients sourced from specialist suppliers. It stocks everything from olive oils, wines, cheese and meat from across Europe to fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables from Covent Garden's Food Market. There's also a restaurant, bar and bakery on the premises – guaranteed to satisfy all cravings!