The Fortnum & Mason Clock
A grand Piccadilly clock whose founders emerge and bow to each other on the hour, to a peal of bells.
The lowdown
High above the entrance to the famous Fortnum & Mason store on Piccadilly hangs an ornate clock that does more than tell the time. On the hour, to a peal of bells, two little figures of the shop's eighteenth-century founders, Mr Fortnum and Mr Mason, emerge from their doors, turn and bow politely to one another before retreating.
Installed in 1964 and weighing several tonnes, the clock is a beloved Piccadilly fixture, and a small crowd usually gathers to watch the performance. It is completely free to enjoy, a charming bit of theatre on the hour, and the perfect excuse to admire one of London's grandest old shopfronts.
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