Partridges will close its Chelsea store next month. (Image: Partridges)
After half a century of trading, the grocer loved by the Royal Family is closing its Chelsea doors. Serving bird’s nest soup, gull’s eggs and a plethora of artisan produce, the store had been granted a Royal Warrant on two occasions.
However, Partridges will now be closing its flagship shop off Sloane Square in Chelsea next month, just weeks after King Charles gave it the royal seal of approval.
The royal connection started in 1991 after a telephone call from Buckingham Palace shocked the store by asking to order some of its products.
A spokesperson for Partridges told the DailyMail: “At first, no one was sure which palace, but fortunately, it turned out to be the Palace.
“Partridges leapt at the opportunity and in 1994 was granted the royal warrant as grocers to Her Majesty the Queen.”
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Partridges’ Gloucester Road store. (Image: Partridges)
The family-run store is one of the few remaining in central London. Famous for its delicatessen, cafe and the running of the Saturday market, many high-end shoppers will be left heartbroken.
John Shepherd, the owner of Partridges, said: “Although the Chelsea chapter is sadly coming to an end we are looking forward in the future to building Patridges 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.”
Partridges believes that Cadagon will take over the running of the shop premises from the middle of February and the weekly Saturday Fine Food Market from the 8th. The market is a Chelsea staple, which was once attended by Princess Michael, who judged Partridges’ World Chelsea Bun Awards in 2023.
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The famous Duke of York Square food market. (Image: Getty)
Mr Shepher continued: “We are of course very sad to be leaving Chelsea and are grateful to Cadogan for allowing us the opportunity to develop our creativity in Duke of York Square, especially in supporting us to create a Fine Food Market in Chelsea.
“We have curated the market for over 19 years and run nearly 1,000 markets. During that time we have invited hundreds of start up artisans to attend and launch their businesses. We send all of the traders our very best wishes for the future. We enjoyed working with every single one of you.”
The spokesman said the business had been unable to “come to a contractual understanding” with landlord Cadogan.
Hugh Seaborn, chief executive of Cadogan, said: “While I respect the decision of John Shepherd, of Partridges, I am deeply sorry to see them go.”