Out of India

The latest upmarket foodie destination in London is the East India Company shop in Mayfair’s Conduit Street, which stocks an array of speciality tea, coffee, wines, biscuits, jams, chocolates and mustards. The revival of the centuries-old trading company as a global luxury brand synonymous with fine foodstuffs is being led by an Indian entrepreneur who has invested millions in its launch.

It’s a beautiful shop, displaying everything from roasted coffee beans to the rarest teas, and assorted crockery. There are marmalades made with gold or silver leaf, all kinds of shortbreads (including one made with Irish clotted cream) and a range of 12 specially-made mustards in strengths from one to five. It’s a great place to find presents for connoisseurs and visitors are encouraged to taste before they buy. Check out the £36,000 specially made steel coffee roaster at the entrance, where coffee can be roasted to order to one of eight different roast levels and a free espresso can be savoured. This Mumtaz Mahal chocolate box contains a selection of chocolates and costs £25. See www.theeastindia company.com