Fortnum & Mason x Kim Xu: A celebration of art and gastronomy

Fortnum & Mason’s 181 restaurant marks spring with a six-month collaboration with celebrated artist Kim Xu, running from March 24 to September 30, 2025. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of Xu’s first solo exhibition, the partnership brings together East and West in both art and dining, with bespoke Kim Xu-inspired artwork gracing the menus and curated pieces available in-store.

Born into an artistic family and trained by his grandfather, Xu blends traditional Chinese watercolours with Western oil techniques. His works—exploring themes of companionship, memory and time—will be showcased across three spaces in the restaurant. Highlights include the One Piece Series arranged as a set, Day Dream as the restaurant’s central focal point, and the Timeless Lover series displayed above the banquet seating.

(Photo: courtesy of 181 at Fortnum & Mason)

(Photo: courtesy of 181 at Fortnum & Mason)

(Photo: courtesy of 181 at Fortnum & Mason)

“I am deeply honoured by the trust Fortnum & Mason has placed in me for this partnership,” says Kim Xu. “It is a pleasure to share my vision of Eastern elegance meeting Western craftsmanship, and to weave my creations into this historic yet contemporary space. Together, we embark on a cultural and artistic journey.”

Xu’s work won’t just grace the walls of 181 Fortnum & Mason. His art also adorns the menus throughout the six-month collaboration, paired with a signature cocktail, ‘Yellow’. This delicate blend of osmanthus, Suzhou’s iconic bloom and Xu’s hometown flower, joins Fortnum’s Oolong tea, vodka, spiced pineapple syrup, citrus and yuzu bitters in a drink as evocative as Xu’s paintings.

Two limited-edition gift sets, curated with Xu’s favourite Fortnum’s products, will also be available in-store, featuring Earl Grey tea bags, biscuits, a chocolate selection and sparkling tea. Xu has even lent his artistic touch to Fortnum’s restaurant tea selection box, with packaging inspired by one of his exhibited works.

Reservations for this cultural collaboration are now open at 181 Fortnum & Mason, located within the K11 Musea flagship.