AN iconic grocery store that was loved by A-list celebs has officially shut up shop after 53 of service.
Partridges has now closed in Chelsea, London, as the owners give one final thanks to the community for their years of support.
The store is known for its gourmet items and international products, and the many high-profile shoppers who have walked through their doors.
In the closure announcement, it was confirmed that Cadogan, a local property manager, would be taking over the space on Sloane Street by the middle of February.
In addition, Cadgoan is expected to take over the market where Partiregd operated on February 8.
Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, said: “Partridges has been a cherished Chelsea institution since first opening on Sloane Street in 1972, and it is long-term partners like Partridge’s that we particularly value and support as they help make Chelsea special.
“I am deeply sorry to see them go.
“However, we will continue both the store in a similar format but under a new name, and the hugely popular weekly market in Duke of York Square.
“We aim to build on the Partridges legacy which has contributed so much to Chelsea and the Duke of York Square and wish them all the best for the future.”
The business is transferring out of Chelsea and into Kensington, on Gloucester Road.
John Shepherd, Managing Director of Partridges, added: “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 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.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Hollister Announces Closure of Aberdeen Flagship Store” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367989536112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“We will never forget you and could not have possibly done it all without you.”
In an emotional social media post, Shepherd had previously 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.
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