Iconic royal grocer loved by string of A-list celebs suddenly closes flagship store leaving fans in disbelief
FANS are gutted to see this iconic royal grocer, loved by a range of A-listers, close its primary store.
The news comes after the independent-run branch was awarded a royal warrant by The King.
High-end grocery store Partridges announced it would be closing its flagship store, much to dismay of loyal customers/
Known for its gourmet items and international products, the shop will officially close on February 2.
Thankfully, the specialty food shop in Sloane Square, Chelsea, is transferring its business to its nearby branch in Gloucester Road, Kensington.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Partridges owner John Shepherd said: “Although the Chelsea chapter is sadly coming to an end we are looking forward in the future to building Partridges in smaller and more sustainable shop formats across London.
“We are very proud to have recently achieved carbon neutrality for both our Chelsea and Gloucester Road shops.
“We have just received the Royal Warrant from King Charles and have tried to support as many local community initiatives as possible, last year donating over £30,000 to local charities and good causes.”
The London landmark has been a prominent name in Sloane Square for more than half a century, having been acknowledged by affluent shoppers since it first opened.
Partridges sells a range of luxury products, from bird’s nest soup, gulls’ eggs and frozen jugged hare, and catches the interest of a range of VIPs.
Celebrity chefs, members of parliament and, the mega-wealthy are said to have frequented the venue, particularly its delicatessen.
Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was said to be a fan of the store and actresses Jane Asher and Sophie Winkleman and also been said to visit.
The weekly Saturday Fine Food Market is hugely popular and attracted the likes of Princess Michael of Kent.
In 2023, the royal acted as a judge in Partridge’s World Chelsea Bun Awards Bake-Off Competition, which garners international attention.
The store’s connection to the royals started when Buckingham Palace placed an order in 1991.
It must have been a success as the shop was offered the royal warrant as grocers to Her Majesty the Queen three years later.
Shepherd said the Partridges team has curated the market for over 19 years and runs nearly 1,000 markets now.
He added: “During that time we have invited hundreds of start up artisans to attend ad launch their business.
“We send all the traders our very best wishes for the future.
“We enjoyed working with every single one of you.”
Property manager Cadogan will take over the running of the market from February 8 and the shop premises from the middle of February.
The next nearest Partridges store will be located on London’s Gloucester Road and, to the relief of devastated customers, is only an eight-minute drive away.
For those ready to brace the London congestion, it’s a 35-minute walk or a 12-minute cycle away.
Shepherd continued: “We would like to thank all of our loyal Chelsea customers for their support, over more than half a century, and we have often served several generations of the same family.
“We will never forget you and could not have possibly done it all without you.”