Luxury Food Shopping in London

Oliver Twist loved London food so much he was inspired to sing "Food, Glorious Food" at the top of his voice. OK, so it was an ironic slight against the gruel served up at the workhouse, but had he been able to experience the rare cheeses from Paxton & Whitfield, the fresh gateaux from Comptoir Gascon, or a jam from Fortnum & Mason, he'd have meant every word.

Aside from the fine-food specialists listed here, try celebrity chefs' favourite haunt Borough Market, commonly known as London's Larder. The market is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but the wonderful gourmet-food stores surrounding it open throughout the week.

Berry Bros & Rudd

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 from under £10.

Comptoir Gascon

You don't need to hop on the Eurostar to sample the best food that France has to offer. Comptoir Gascon, a lavish French delicatessen in the City, flies in the finest Gallic cheeses every week, and it has is a truly awesome charcuterie selection. You can take away delicious homemade dishes and breads or eat them on the premises.

Fortnum & Mason

Wouldn't it be great to say that you buy your groceries in the same place as The Queen? Well, you can, simply by picking up a basket at this highbrow department store. Fortnum & Mason sells the very best caviar, cheeses, wild salmon and chocolates, as well as 67 different teas! These are just some of the foods on display, and the hampers are world-famous.

Harrods

A magnificent food hall on the ground floor serves up luxurious cookies (a speciality!), olive oils, teas, chocolates and wines, many of which bear the famous Harrods logo.

Marylebone Village

Harrods food hamper. Copyright Britain on View

It's only minutes away from bustling Oxford Street but, in terms of style and atmosphere, Marylebone Village feels like a different town. This little pocket of W1 is not only great for designer boutiques and furniture stores, but it is also excellent for food shops. There are few chain food stores here. Instead you will find, among others, Terence Conran's Orrery Epicerie, La Fromagerie, and the sublime chocolate specialist Rococo.

Paxton & Whitfield

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.