From gourmet delicacies to exquisitely crafted accessories, The Connoisseur enjoys taking their time to seek out items that embody quality and excellence in their pursuit of perfection. Nothing brings them more joy and satisfaction than discovering something that meets their high standards, and revelling in having uncovered something so splendid.

FITS THE BILL

Understated and sophisticated sums up The Connoisseur’s everyday accessories, like this slimline leather cardholder from Church’s. Meticulously crafted from textured St James leather, with a smooth calf leather interior, its striking emerald green colour adds a splash of personality to an item The Connoisseur will appreciate as much for its functionality and durability as for its aesthetic beauty.

EXPERTLY BLENDED

The Connoisseur starts their day as they mean to go on, savouring every sip of an expertly blended cup of coffee. Freshly roasted in Shoreditch, Grind’s organic House Blend Coffee is served every day in their coffee shops, and can be enjoyed at home too. With notes of chocolate, hazelnut and cream, the House Blend is the recommended pairing for milk-based coffees, while the more fruity and floral Light Blend is better suited for espresso and filter coffee drinkers. As well as punctuating each morning (or perking up the end of a dinner party) with its delectable aromas, the distinctive, reusable pink tin is deserving of a spot on every coffee-lover’s kitchen shelf.

GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME

The Connoisseur knows that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and values getting something right over doing something quickly. This ethos means they naturally veer towards accessories that embody exquisite craftsmanship and a timeless aesthetic over chasing the latest trends. When it comes to timekeeping, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso wrist watch, which celebrates its 90^th birthday this year, is equal parts elegance and excellence, engineered to feature an ingenious watch face that can be flipped over to protect the dial – originally in order that it could be worn by polo players, but today considered an iconic timepiece by watch experts and enthusiasts.   

FIT FOR A KING

What may be considered a luxury for some is a store cupboard staple for The Connoisseur. King’s Keta Salmon Roe is perfect for whipping up some impressive canapés should friends pop by for an impromptu drink, but The Connoisseur doesn’t feel the need to save it for special occasions. For breakfast on top of hot buttered toast, or spooned into an avocado half to create a nutritious light lunch or afternoon snack, every day is a day for enjoying the finer things in life.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

The Connoisseur takes great pleasure in adding the finishing touch to their ensemble, and their accessories collection is a treasure trove of elegant items, crafted from beautiful materials. Tateossian is renowed for its cufflinks, which pair contemporary design with unusual materials. These Moonlight Tonneau Cufflinks feature quartz cabochons inlaid with white mother of pearl, to create a subtle shimmer effect. The refined look of these cufflinks strike just the right balance for The Connoisseur’s understated yet highly considered style.

REFINED TASTE

Partaking in small pleasures to enhance the everyday is The Connoisseur’s mantra, and Ladurée’s dainty macarons are the perfect indulgence to enjoy with a mid-afternoon cup of tea or to accompany an after-dinner coffee. Ladurée’s sumptuous packaging appeals to The Connoisseur too, making it an ideal gift should you be invited over for dinner and wondering what to give to such a discerning personality.

EYE FOR DESIGN

Anything from Danish design house Georg Jensen is likely to appeal to The Connoisseur’s appreciation for items that are both functional and beautiful. From the brand’s Art Deco-inspired Manhattan collection, this essential kitchen accessory will add a sophisticated touch to any home bar or dining table with its sleek and minimal aesthetic.

ADVENTUROUS EPICURE

Crafted from a complex blend of Ooolong, Darjeeling, Japanese Sencha and Silver Needle tea, combined with hibiscus, grape must and lemon juice, Fortnum’s Rosé Sparkling Tea is the ideal alcohol-free alternative to champagne or prosecco for discerning palettes that don’t like to compromise on taste. The crisp and elegant bubbles give way to notes of tropical fruits, cranberry and ginger, accompanied by aromas of summer berries, elderflower and sherbet. The Connoisseur can enjoy this decadent bottle of bubbles at any time of day, for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea or at a summer’s eve soiree.

BEST FOOT FORWARD

Always impeccably turned out, only the finest footwear will pass The Connoisseur’s meticulous approvals process. Crockett & Jones’ Dorset 2 Oxford shoes are a classic design crafted from the finest calf leather, sourced from Europe’s leading tanneries. The leather sole is wax polished to protect against the elements, and the shoe is constructed to stand the test of time using the Goodyear welting method, which allows them to be re-soled and re-healed up to four times. All repairs are undertaken at the Crockett & Jones factory in Northampton, so The Connoisseur can rest safe in the knowledge that their favourite pair of shoes will remain looking spic and span for the foreseeable future.

Look out for more personality-inspired product selections on The Royal Exchange journal

The Royal Exchange celebrates its 450^th anniversary this year. We look forward to welcoming you for a considered shopping and dining experience in spectacular and historic surroundings. Please visit our boutiques page for regular updates on our retailers’ opening information and hours, as well as details about virtual appointments and click and collect services.

Visit our heritage page to learn more about the history of The Royal Exchange, and keep an eye on our specially created 450 Years site, journal and Instagram for more fascinating facts and insights about The Royal Exchange’s past and present as we commemorate this special milestone throughout the year.