Harrod’s Food Halls a Must See

 

The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum…why waste your time visiting old stuff when you can visit the food halls of Harrod’s!

Harrod’s Food Halls: Literally English Tastemakers

Charles Henry Harrod opened his first establishment almost two hundred years ago. He was a draper and haberdasher. Today, Harrod’s is the most famous department store in the world. The store’s giant footprint on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge covers five acres. Five acres. That’s a lot of Prada bags. But skip the designer duds (actually, if you enter on Hans Road like we did, you have to walk through designer bags) and head directly for the glorious food halls. And, go hungry.

I’m a caviar lover and was delighted when we entered here.

Just as interesting as anything at the Victoria and Albert. Look at all the caviar paraphernalia.

There’s a caviar bar in the food hall but since my husband hates caviar, we passed right by. Sniff.

The red meat section was more to his liking.  Harrod’s butchers will slice a cut of meat that you choose, in a thickness that you choose and a few steps away the guy at the grill bar will cook your meat to the done-ness you choose. Then you sit and eat it. What can go wrong?

Of course, you can’t be in that part of the world and not be tempted by the exquisite smoked salmon.

Don’t forget to look up…at the glorious stained-glass ceilings.

The seafood department announces itself well. Ursula, is that you?

Friendly faces greet you. How can you not buy seafood from this charming lady?

Prawns from the Indian ocean (previously frozen). Luscious Canadian lobster.

Packing more ice, keeping it fresh and cool.

I wonder if Harrod’s swordfish tastes better than other swordfish. We were in a hotel…no buying fresh fish for us.

Who doesn’t love fresh sole?

You can pause at a bar that’s a Harrod’s outpost of Bentley’s, a favorite London seafood restaurant in the theatre district. Who’s that shady character…who won’t eat caviar?

We ordered some fresh shrimp and that seaweed they’re serving all over the UK and Ireland that I can’t remember the name of.  Quite tasty actually.

Cheeses from all over. Boy, if I lived near there…

I’d have a dinner party and serve that cheese on that plate.

With a nice French white to wash it all down.

These “hot dog sausage rusticci” make nice appetizers for a small party.

Oh look, sausage rolls by Hermés.

Take home a hunk of meat to roast.

Hit the sweets and tea hall as you make your way to the door.

These make great gifts in a handsome Harrod’s tin.

OMG, would you actually cut into this wedding cake? I would put this on display in my house. Spray sealant on it.

These little finger pastries travel well. Trust me.

Harrod’s thinks of everything for the perfect dinner party. Now if we only lived there. Visit Harrod’s Web site here if you can’t get to London, and even if you can.