Royal Exchange
Welcome to The Royal Exchange, where heritage meets style. Officially opened in 1571 by Elizabeth I, with a royal title and a license to sell alcohol, today it is the City of London’s only destination for luxury shopping and dining. An unrivalled collection of brands make this the ultimate shopping experience, with the best of British like Fortnum & Mason, Boodles and Tom Davies to world renowned luxury retailers including Tiffany’s, Bremont, Hermes, Jo Malone and even fine art at Red8 Gallery.
Stepping inside The Royal Exchange is as much about appreciating the awe-inspiring architecture as it is about enjoying your time there. From the incredible Fortnum & Mason’s Bar and Restaurant their historic atrium to dinner in the Grade I listed vaults at The Libertine, the atmosphere is to be savoured as much as the food. Or enjoy lunch or dinner this summer at Fortnum’s terrace in their sun filled courtyard. There are also plenty of eateries for a quick pick me up or sweet treat at The Grind, Buns from Home, Laduree, Acai Berry and others. And an incredible selection of whiskey and spirits can be enjoyed at Tomoka Fine & Rare with the finest wines to be sipped on Oneo’s outdoor terrace year-round.
For those who wish to tie the knot within the iconic Royal Exchange building itself, Fortnum & Mason holds a wedding license, and its dedicated events team will work closely with each couple to help plan the wedding of your dreams for up to 200 guests. And of course — these wonderful venues aren’t available just for weddings. 50th birthday party, anyone? Or how about a corporate event to inject some opulence into your workforce? Or even just because. Sometimes, the party is its own reason. In settings like these, this was never more true. For more special events info head here.
For more information and to find out what’s on at The Royal Exchange, visit theroyalexchange.co.uk.
Q&A
3 things to try when you’re there
- Visit to the Red 8 Gallery
- Fortnum’s Summer terrace – 11-8pm Mon- Fri and soon open on weekend
- Wine, Gin or whiskey tasting at F&M or Tomoka – held regularly
Opening times
Building opening hours:*
Monday to Friday
7.30am to 10pm
*Boutique and restaurant/bar opening hours may differ
You might not know but..
- Royal Exchange was rebuilt three times, having burned twice. BOTH THE ORIGINAL AND THIS BUILDING HAVE BEEN OPENED BY QUEENS – QUEEN ELIZABETH I IN 1571 AND QUEEN VICTORIA IN 1844.
- It was a theatre in the 1950s and the home of the London Stock Exchange in the 1980s as well as the original home of the Llyod’s Register for over 60 years until the 1830s.
- In the 1600 stockbrokers were banned due to their bad manners!