Latest news with #HughMason
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
UK's most iconic department store plots its first shops outside London after 318 years in business
Plus UK stores returning to the High Street SHOP TO IT UK's most iconic department store plots its first shops outside London after 318 years in business THE UK's most iconic department store plots its first shops outside London after 318 years in business. The upmarket store currently has four UK stores that are all based in the capital. Advertisement 2 The UK's most iconic department store plots its first shops outside London after 318 years in business Credit: Alamy 2 The department store is well known for its luxury products Credit: Alamy Fortnum & Mason was established 318 years ago in 1707 and was founded by William Fortnum, a footman for Queen Anne, and Hugh Mason, his landlord. The pair started operating from a small store in St James Market and a spare room in Mason's house. The store quickly became known for its innovative and high-quality products, appealing to the tastes of the affluent and aristocratic clientele. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Fortnum & Mason expanded its offerings, becoming a purveyor of fine foods, wines, and spirits. Advertisement Currently, Fortnum & Mason has stores in Piccadilly, St Pancras station, the Royal Exchange in Bank and in Heathrow Terminal. But now the upmarket department store is thinking about venturing outside of the capital. The retailer said earlier this year that it was no longer seen as a 'Christmas focused' business as shoppers were snapping up its luxury food products to 'stock their own larders' throughout the year. The retailer's chief executive Tom Athron told The Telegraph that he would be interested in having branches 'up the spine of the country'. Advertisement He said the business would look at sites in a 'beautiful location' with 'beautiful architecture'. 'This isn't about ubiquity. But there are other locations across the country where we think that Fortnum could offer both retail and restaurants, where it would be relevant. The Viking Centre: Britain's first American-style mall faces demolition "And we're looking at those now,' Athron said. The news comes as the retailer says there is a surge in demand for its luxury teas, biscuits and jam. Advertisement The store underwent a significant refurbishment in 2007, celebrating its 300th anniversary with a rejuvenated look that honoured its storied past. History of Fortnum & Mason Fortnum & Mason was established 318 years ago in 1707. It was founded by William Fortnum, a footman for Queen Anne, and Hugh Mason, his landlord. The pair started operating from a small store in St James Market and a spare room in Mason's house. The department store eventually set up shop at its current location at 181 Piccadilly. One of Fortnum & Mason's earliest claims to fame was its invention of the Scotch egg in 1738, a portable and filling snack ideal for travellers. The store quickly became known for its innovative and high-quality products, appealing to the tastes of the affluent and aristocratic clientele. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Fortnum & Mason expanded its offerings, becoming a purveyor of fine foods, wines, and spirits. It was also during this period that the store became renowned for its hampers, which were meticulously curated and became a staple of British festivities and picnics. These hampers were often sent to British troops during times of conflict, providing a comforting taste of home. By the Victorian era, Fortnum & Mason had firmly established itself as a symbol of British luxury. The store's association with the royal family was further cemented when it was granted its first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria. This distinguished honour recognised Fortnum's as a supplier of goods to the royal household, a tradition that continues to this day. The 20th century saw Fortnum & Mason adapting to the changing times while maintaining its commitment to quality and tradition. During both World Wars, the store remained open, offering solace and a sense of continuity to Londoners. Post-war, the store further diversified its range, introducing new departments and expanding its international reach. In more recent years, Fortnum & Mason has continued to evolve, embracing modernity while preserving its heritage. The store underwent a significant refurbishment in 2007, celebrating its 300th anniversary with a rejuvenated look that honoured its storied past. Today, it offers a wide array of products, from gourmet foods and fine teas to exquisite homewares and beauty products. It offers a wide array of products, from gourmet foods and fine teas to exquisite homewares and beauty products. Meanwhile, a popular British retailer has returned to the high street after collapsing into administration is set to open more shops. Earlier this year ASOS also revealed plans to relaunch a Topshop website. Advertisement And major brand Wilko is already back on the high street after closing 400 stores in 2023. Its new owners, CDS Superstores, have opened branches across the UK.
Global News
05-06-2025
- Global News
Vicious attack in Langley caught on security video
Global News has obtained video showing a vicious assault in Langley. In the video, a man can be seen shoving a woman into the street, then repeatedly kicking and punching her before she escapes. It happened in the 20100 block of Fraser Highway around 6:17 a.m. on Sunday. Soon after the attack, Langley RCMP arrested 34-year-old Hugh Mason, who has since been charged with assault and assault causing bodily harm. 'We recognize that this violent incident was not only traumatic for the victim but is also deeply concerning to the community as a whole,' Langley RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom said on Monday. 1:26 Suspect arrested in Langley stranger attack Opposition public safety critic Elenore Sturko said the video was disturbing. Story continues below advertisement 'It's absolutely horrific to see an individual standing minding their own business suddenly attacked by someone that they don't know,' she said. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'This was a relentless beating on a member of the community. Frankly, I felt sick seeing this.' Mason is well known to police and has a long list of court appearances for assault and breach. 'The premier and the attorney general need to go to Ottawa and insist that there are changes made to bail conditions and to the Criminal Code of Canada that can help see people involved in this type of activity kept in custody for the protection of the public,' Sturko said. The injured woman was treated in hospital and is expected to recover. Mason is due to make another court appearance on Thursday. For now, he remains in custody.
Global News
03-06-2025
- Global News
Assault charges laid in attack on Langley woman
A B.C. man has been charged with assault and assault causing bodily harm, after a woman was attacked in Langley. It happened in the 20100 block of Fraser Highway at about 6:17 a.m. Sunday. 'Our officers immediately responded to the area and located a victim who was suffering from non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local area hospital,' Langley RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom told Global News. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The suspect, 34-year-old Hugh Mason, is well known to police and has a long list of court appearances for assault and breach. B.C.'s public safety critic says this is just the latest example of a system that desperately needs fixing. 'If we really want to make an impact on justice and ending catch and release, then they have to do the proper funding of our system here, and it goes beyond giving police the tools they need and looking deeper into the justice system,' said Elenore Sturko. Story continues below advertisement Anyone who witnessed the assault on Sunday or who has video is urged to contact Langley RCMP. Mason remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance Wednesday.
CTV News
02-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Man arrested after Sunday morning assault in Langley, B.C.
A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection to an assault that took place early Sunday in Langley, B.C. Mounties were called to a report of an assault in the 20100 block of Fraser Highway around 6:15 a.m., Langley RCMP said in a release Monday. The victim was found with non-life-threatening injuries and was sent to hospital. 'We recognize that this violent incident was not only traumatic for the victim, but is also deeply concerning to the community as a whole,' said Sgt. Zynal Sharoom. Hugh Mason, 34, has been arrested and charged with assault and assault causing bodily harm, police said. He remains in custody. Anyone who may have information regarding the incident is asked to contact Langley RCMP on 604-532-3200 and quote file number 2025-16920.
