Iconic London Grocer Loved by Royal Family Set to Close After 53 Years
Partridges, a beloved Chelsea food shop, will close its doors on February 2 after 53 years of service to the community
Partridges, Chelsea, London, Royal Family, Food Shop
London: It’s a bit of a sad day for food lovers in Chelsea. Partridges, that charming little grocery store, is shutting down its flagship shop on Duke of York Square. The owner, John Shepherd, shared the news, and it’s set to close on February 2.
This family-run store has been a staple in the area for 53 years, and while the Chelsea location is closing, the shop on Gloucester Road in Kensington will still be open. John expressed his gratitude to the landlord, Cadogan, for supporting their creative efforts over the years.
He mentioned on their website how much they’ll miss the Chelsea community, especially since they’ve served generations of families. It’s heartwarming to think about all those memories made over the years.
Interestingly, this closure comes right after they received a royal warrant from King Charles, which is quite the honor. They had also held a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth since 1994, so it’s a big deal for them.
Partridges is known for its unique offerings, like frozen jugged hare and bird’s nest soup, which is pretty unusual for a grocery store. Plus, it’s had its fair share of royal visitors, including Princess Michael of Kent, who judged their World Chelsea Bun Awards last year.
Hugh Seaborn, the CEO of Cadogan, expressed his sadness over the closure and mentioned they’ll be looking for a new grocer to take over the space. It’s a bittersweet moment for everyone involved.