LOVE IS…

Modern Love by Justyna Stasik

February sees the launch of our Love Is… campaign, with The Royal Exchange declaring a season of love to celebrate entering a new decade. From self-love and romance to our love of friends, family, work and hobbies, we’ll be exploring all angles of this infinitely fascinating theme with interviews, events and a series of specially commissioned artworks by Justyna Stasik.

Visit The Royal Exchange to see The Closer We Get, by the artist Justyna Stasik, brightening up our main entrance until the end of March. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts about #WhatLoveIs with us on Instagram @theroyalexchange and Twitter @rexshopper; and keep an eye on our what’s on page for details of all upcoming offers and events at The Royal Exchange.

DATE AND DINE

The Fortnum’s Bar and Restaurant is partnering with Original Dating to host a special series of culinary speed-dating events. The events will take place over three evenings on 11, 12 and 13 February. Over the course of each evening 30 guests will experience 15 mini-dates, each lasting four minutes long and accompanied by specially concocted canapés and drinks served throughout the night to help get the conversation flowing. There are three themes to choose from – plant-based, Fortnum’s favourites, and cheese and wine.

Tickets cost £25pp. For further information and online booking, click here.

TABLE FOR TWO

On the big day itself, the Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at The Royal Exchange will be serving a special four-course Valentine’s menu, with the option to enjoy wines paired to each course. An aphrodisiac appetiser of Carlingford oysters, accompanied by a glass of Fortnum’s Brut Rosé, should start your evening off on the right note, followed by poached brill and Chablis, beef Wellington with Bordeaux and a baked Alaska for two, flambéd at your table and served with a Coin Flip cocktail featuring the delicious 12-year-old Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or whisky.

To make a reservation, please call 0207 734 8040, or email reservations@fortnumandmason.co.uk

GET INTO THE GROOVE

The Fortnum’s Bar and Restaurant continues its regular live music sessions every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month, from 7pm. Enjoy dinner or a drink at the bar to a soundtrack of soulful tunes performed by some of the city’s most accomplished ensembles.

To make a reservation, please call 0207 734 8040, or email reservations@fortnumandmason.co.uk

TIME FOR TEA

Fortnum’s popular Tea Adventure experiences will also continue throughout the February, every Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 2pm-4.30pm. The experience starts with an hour-long tea masterclass and tasting session – hosted by a Fortnum’s tea expert – after which you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in one of Fortnum’s famous afternoon teas, while soaking up the historic ambience of The Royal Exchange’s magnificent courtyard.

Tickets cost £55pp and can be booked online here.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Whether you’re looking to add sentiment to a Valentine’s gift or to commemorate a significant occasion, personalising a specially chosen item is a way to express your love, gratitude or good wishes to the lucky recipient. A number of The Royal Exchange’s luxury boutiques are offering complimentary personalisation services throughout the month of February. Visit Montblanc for personalisation of leather goods and writing instruments; Bremont for engraving on timepieces; Tateossian for engraving on all full priced pieces; and Searle & Co. for monogram hand engraving onto any gold locket purchases (please note that engraving at Searle & Co. can take up to two weeks).

VEGAN TREATS

Sweet-toothed vegans have reason to rejoice with Cutter & Squidge bakery’s introduction of vegan loaf cakes and cookies to its delectable range of baked goods. Sample them in store at the boutique’s cafe, or take some away to win some brownie points back at the office.

Or if it’s chocolate you’re craving, Rococo has a delicious range of vegan confectionary, including the award-winning Vegan Raspberry Praline. Handmade in small batches in West Dulwich, this particular cocoa-based delicacy won a gold medal at the 2019 British Chocolatier Competition, hosted by the International Chocolate Awards. But don’t take our word for it – best to try it for yourself.

ARTFUL TASTE

Photography aficionados take note – iconic camera brand Leica has released a new model, the Leica M10 Monochrom. The latest addition to the Leica’s M-System range opens up exciting new possibilities for black and white photography, with a newly designed 40 megapixel sensor and an ISO range of 160 – 100,000 enabling the capture of evermore detailed and dynamic images. Visit the Leica City Store at The Royal Exchange to experience the capabilities of the M10 Monochrom for yourself.

While you’re there, may we suggest you pop into Castle Fine Art to take a look at the gallery’s spring collection, which features original and limited-edition artworks from contemporary artists including Paul Stephenson, Robert Oxley, Nigel Humphries, Jon Jones and Bob Barker. 

DISCOVER LOVE AT THE ROYAL EXCHANGE

Discover an array of love-themed products and experiences within our specialist boutiques, from sweet treats and uplifting artworks to personalised purchases and specialist workshops with our Love Trail map.

MODERN LOVE IS…PANEL EVENT

We will conclude our season of love on Wednesday 25 March, bringing a selection of dynamic love and relationship experts to The Royal Exchange for an engaging exchange of ideas on Modern Love. Co-presenters of the Project Love podcast, Selina Barker and Vicki Pavitt, author and love expert Laura Mucha and Jounalist and Broadcaster Mariella Frostrup will be talking about how we perceive love, how to build impactful and lasting relationships and the science behind love. During the evening, guests will enjoy drinks and canapes by Fortnum & Mason, brand experiences from Halcyons Days, Tom Davies, Ladurée, Rococo Chocolates and Jo Malone London. Tickets for this event will go on sale shortly. Be the first to know about all events at The Royal Exchange by keeping an eye on our What’s On page, and signing up to our newsletter.

Join the conversation about #WhatLoveIs by sharing your thoughts with us on Instagram @theroyalexchange and Twitter @rexshopper; and keep an eye on our what’s on page for details of all upcoming events at The Royal Exchange