A majestic, spiral staircase beckons her up its velvety, red carpet. Past the light-filled glass dome, she glimpses, from the corner of her eye, a row of eau-de-nil and gold tins with flashes of rosy pink. ‘This can only mean one thing,’ she thinks. ‘It’s going to be a merry Fortnum & Mason Christmas this year.’

Her hands glide through the strawberry jams, English breakfast teas and Christmas puddings. She remembers the giant Christmas hamper her grandmother gifted her many moons ago, from this very store in Piccadilly, in the heart of London. It was the first time she tasted Piccadilly Piccalilli, tangy and sweet. And who could forget the pistachio and clotted cream biscuits? “Too bad I finished them all in one sitting,” she mutters softly.

There are hampers - and then there are Fortnum & Mason hampers. she will be delighted to hear that our Fortnum & Mason hampers this Christmas will be just as indulgent as her sweet grandmother’s gift, if not more so. Viennese coffee for after dinner, black tea with cranberry, champagne, chocolate nuts, Scottish shortbread and more. After all, if there ever were a time for indulgence, it’s Christmas, no?

Speaking of Scottish treats, she remembers a story of how Fortnum & Mason is said to have invented that moreish treat, the Scotch egg, back in 1738. William Fortnum was an enterprising footman in Queen Anne’s royal household, who persuaded his landlord, Hugh Mason, to open a small shop in 1707. Fortnum’s grandson went into the service of Queen Charlotte years later and the family’s affiliation with the Royal Court is said to have given Fortnum & Mason its first big step towards its gilded reputation.

But enough of history. She just can’t wait to pick out her Christmas gifts. “That stilton cheese in the beautiful ceramic jar would be perfect for mum,” she whispers beneath her breath. “And my niece would have a ball, popping those gold-cone Christmas crackers!”

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a touch of Fortnum & Mason magic.