Wandering With
Wandering With
Yasmin Saoirse
The Royal Exchange, London
The Royal Exchange, London
You know your week is off to a good start when it kicks off with Oysters 🦪 and Champagne 🥂 at 2pm on a Monday...
I had been wanting to visit the Fortnum & Mason restaurant at the Royal Exchange for ages. Dubbed “The most Instagramable restaurant in London” by the Evening Standard.
The interior of the Royal Exchange by far lives up to the expectations built up by its charismatic Palladian exterior.
Entering from the west side of the building you get a glimpse of what you’re in for as you ascend the regal steps and pass through the grand colonnades. Taking a step back into 19th century pomp and prestige.
The building it’s self, it’s third incarnation, was opened in 1841 by queen Victoria. Drawing on inspiration from both the original design and the original inspiration, Antwerp House. Todays royal exchange is filled with beautiful yet practical shop fronts, offices and plenty of space to conduct business meetings. And of course to enjoy some champagne and oysters!
As you enter your eyes are drawn to the calming tones of Fortum & Mason’s trade mark Eau de Nil in the centre of the space above the bar. That light blue green colour that will forever be associated with the brand of luxury. This part of the building once would have been the centre of the open court yard. Covered with a glass ceiling in 1883 to maintain a light atmosphere.
Diners can choose to be seated in a little booth, standard table or up at the bar. We went for the bar. Because of course we did… for the aesthetics.
There is so much to see inside. As you sit down to drink it all in. The walls are gilded with symbols of royalty, trade and colonialism. Despite it's beauty, it is impossible to ignore that last one.
The building it’s self was funded by one of the most prolific slave traders in England. ‘Sir’ William Garrard. And even though the home of British commerce wasn’t completed till 11 years after the abolition of slavery in England. The architects involved couldn’t resist depicting a person whom appears to be slave kneeling as part of frieze on the front of this iconic building.
Next time you’re in the area, take a look directly up at the pediment above the west entrance. You will see the sculptures by Richard Westmacott (the younger), depicting the pinnacles of British commerce across the globe. Perhaps we could see the inclusion of a figure who appears to be a slave, as a much needed reminder of exactly whose back the city around us was built upon.
As the sparkles from the champagne bring you back into the room… Your oysters arrive on a bed of ice, lemon and relishes. Add a splash of Mignonette Sauce and they’re ready to go down. Followed by the house smoked salmon! Due to my recent surgery. I opted to go for something a bit smaller for my main. It was delicious. I would go as far as to say the best smoked salmon I have ever eaten. And I’ve eaten a lot of smoked salmon over the years.
Being 100% transparent with you all. Due to my surgery I wasn’t able to drink the champagne either. But next time! I am told by my friend that it was delightful. So much in fact she went on to purchase a bottle or two to take home.
Bringing this to a close. I have to say that it is a wonderful experience, in a beautiful location. With some complicated undertones and a chill in the air. It’s a bit cold in there. Do bring a jumper.
It is of course one of the more expensive things I’ve done. My bill came to £38. That was for my share of the oysters, a glass of champagne and my house smoked salmon. Which truthfully I think is pretty good. Considering where we are talking about.
It is for sure somewhere I would say go to. Especially if you’re looking for somewhere insta worthy, fancy and historic. I do however think that we always need to keep in mind where these places came from.