CHECK MATE

It’s (finally) the summer holidays, and with international travel still restricted, many of us are staying on British soil for a family staycation. If you’re packing up the car for a week of camping or a seaside sojourn, make sure you stock up on the fantastic new picnic accessories range from Fortnum & Mason, available at The Royal Exchange. The heritage brand has also just revealed its first-ever tartan in a new lambswool blanket. Designed by tartan specialist Araminta Campbell and made in a family-run mill in Scotland, this beautiful accessory has the 314-year history of Fortnum & Mason woven into its very fabric.

Fancy winning the ultimate F&M picnic kit worth over £2,500? It is currently running a competition on its Instagram channel inviting people to snap their favourite picnic spot using the hashtag #FortnumsSummer. Check out F&M’s Instagram page for more info – and happy picnicking!

Discover the picnic range in-store at Fortnum’s at The Royal Exchange, and follow @fortnums on Instagram for more details on the competition.

OUTDOOR DINING

If you prefer a more upscale version of alfresco dining, why not book a spot on the beautiful Fortnum’s Bar and Restaurant terrace at The Royal Exchange? Fortnum’s has just unveiled its seasonal menu, which is full of delectable delicacies such as panzanella salad with black olives and basil, and native lobster and prawn salad with Marie Rose. In fact, seafood lovers will delight in the new-season menu, which features a host of delicious fresh fish from British shores. What better way to enjoy a long overdue catch up with friends and family than over a generous serving of oysters and a glass of Fortnum’s Blanc de Blancs Champagne? Cheers!

 Book a table at Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at The Royal Exchange here.

GOLDEN WONDER

This month, British jeweller Boodles has reimagined its iconic Raindance collection with elegant enamel pieces. Raindance was introduced to Boodles in 2000, created by head designer Rebecca Hawkins, and 10 years later a Raindance ring was selected by the Victoria & Albert’s jewellery curator to go into its permanent collection as an enduring icon of British design. So, the ‘iconic’ label is well justified. Now Boodles has created a range of pendants and necklaces bearing Raindance’s signature cascading diamonds – inspired by raindrops glistening in the sun – offset with striking pink and blue enamel. 

The new Raindance enamel collection is available at The Royal Exchange Boodles boutique.

DESERT STORM

Established in 2002, Bremont may be a relative newcomer in the world of watchmaking, but the British brand has already created timeless collections. One such range is the MB Collection, which in the words of Bremont has ‘redefined the aviation watch world’. Martin-Baker (MB) is a British aviation company which supplies 70% of the world’s Air Forces with fighter ejection seat technology. The company first approached Bremont in 2007 to create a watch that could withstand their rigorous testing programme. Now the MB Collection is an established and popular part of Bremont’s offering. This August, Bremont unveils the latest iteration of the MB family: the MB Savanna. This limited-edition, ultra lightweight timepiece is made from Grade 5 titanium and features an anti reflective protective case surface treatment and colour palette inspired by the arid environment of the savanna.

Bremont co-founder Nick English commented: ‘Following the success of our MB collaboration we wanted to create a more lightweight model and put it through the full spectrum of MB testing to coincide with the development of the new MB seat programme – ensuring the next generation of the Bremont MB is more robust than ever. Along with the extensive testing done in the UK, we’re proud to say all case finishing and manufacture has also been done in the UK.’

Visit The Royal Exchange Bremont store to discover the latest releases.

ON THE CASE

Let’s be honest, our suitcases haven’t had many outings over the past 18 months. But even if your travel plans barely extend past a week in Norfolk, it’s always a pleasure to invest in new luggage, and Montblanc has released exquisite new travel accessories that are sure to fill you with wanderlust. A highlight is the high-performance polycarbonate suitcases, which are sleek and modern and finished with soft leather detailing to keep your precious cargo secure.

Shop the new suitcases and travel accessories at The Royal Exchange Montblanc store.

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

Have you popped into Oeno House yet? This newcomer to The Royal Exchange is an elegant shop, bar and terrace, and the first boutique from fine wine investment company, Oeno Group. The boutique currently has a dazzling gold leaf Liber Pater window display, which showcases iconic vintages from the luxury wine maker, including a 2015 vintage worth £35,000. Wine lovers are invited to a private tour of the display with Oeno House general manager Luisa Marinello to discover more about Liber Pater and its traditional methods.

 Visit in-store and arrange your bespoke tour or contact Oeno House here.

WORK IT

We may be in summer mode at The Royal Exchange but Smythson has just unveiled its autumn-winter campaign. Expect gorgeous leather bags and accessories in elegant pastel shades – including, of course, a range of leather-bound diaries and fun notebooks embossed with positive mantras. Ideal for if you’re heading back to the office this September, or if you just fancy treating yourself.

Discover new-season accessories at The Royal Exchange Smythson’s boutique.

BUCKLE UP

Also showcasing some new accessories is Tateossian, which will be re-opening its store at The Royal Exchange next month. Premium leather wallets, accessories and belts are all waiting to be discovered. Beautifully crafted from leather with a titanium buckle, the belt designs feature the brand’s recognisable vintage gears motif or the signature Tateossian ‘T’, creating a striking finishing touch for any outfit.

Visit The Royal Exhange Tateossian store from next month to discover a range of luxury leather accessories.

The Royal Exchange celebrates its 450th 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 personal 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.