Fortnum & Mason's £500 Valentine's Meal Box Sells Out Amid Price Controversy
Fortnum & Mason, the prestigious department store favoured by the Royal Family, has launched an extravagant at-home Valentine's Day meal-for-two priced at a staggering £500. This lavish offering, dubbed the Ultimate Valentine's Day Meal Box, has already sold out online, despite drawing mixed reactions from customers over its eye-watering cost and the requirement for self-preparation.
A Luxury Feast with a Hefty Price Tag
The deluxe hamper includes a three-course meal that customers must assemble themselves, with the main course delivered partially defrosted. The starter features Oscietra Caviar served with a Mother of Pearl Caviar Spoon, accompanied by Amalthea Gin Olives and Cocktail Mixed Nuts to pair with Fortnum's Brut Reserve Champagne.
For the main course, the box offers both Lobster Thermidor and Beef Wellington, alongside Dauphinoise Potatoes and Green Beans in a Shallot Dressing with Red Wine Jus. A bottle of Fortnum & Mason's 'elegant' Saint-Émilion red wine is provided to complement the meal.
Dessert consists of a Heart Chocolate Selection Box and an Espresso Daiquiri. Additional delivery fees range from £5.95 to £12.95, adding to the overall expense for lovebird shoppers aiming to receive their hamper ahead of Valentine's Day.
Customer Reactions and Royal Endorsement
Customer opinions were divided on social media and reviews. Adrienne Barber commented, 'I looked at these however, the meat option being £500 seems excessive. And I'm a huge F&M shopper.' In contrast, Jillanne Bagnell praised, 'Never disappoints,' and Anne Metayer added, 'A great idea.'
The meal box also includes thoughtful extras such as a Fortnum's Four Seasons Honey Candle, a Tiger in the Parlour Card, a Waiter's Friend Corkscrew, and a Champagne Stopper. Fortnum & Mason holds two royal warrants granted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, reinforcing its upmarket reputation, with its flagship store located on Piccadilly in St James's, west London.
M&S Offers a Budget-Friendly Alternative
In stark contrast, Marks & Spencer is offering a similar eat-in meal-for-two for just £25, making it 20 times cheaper than Fortnum & Mason's version. The M&S deal includes king prawn and lobster thermidor gratins, beef Wellington, and a bottle of Crémant, providing a more accessible option for couples celebrating Valentine's Day at home.
Despite the high price and preparation requirements, Fortnum & Mason's Ultimate Valentine's Day Meal Box proved popular enough to sell out, highlighting a continued demand for luxury indulgences even in a cost-conscious market.
