British Fair Returns for Its 59th Edition
Scones, tea, pub culture, antiques and British makers return to Hankyu Umeda for the 59th British Fair — an Osaka tradition that began in 1970.
For nearly six decades, Osaka has had a curious autumn tradition: Britain comes to Umeda.
Hankyu Umeda’s British Fair returns October 7–19 for its 59th edition, transforming the department store’s ninth floor with British food, tea, pub culture, antiques and makers. Around 130 shops and brands take part in 2026, joined by approximately 40 guests traveling from the UK.
This year, some of the most interesting attractions are places to settle in rather than simply shop. A dedicated British Pub & Bar is designed to evoke a neighborhood pub, with British ales, cider, Scotch whisky, cocktails and pub food including shepherd’s pie. Staff from The Nutshell, the famously tiny pub in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, are coming to Osaka to pour recommended ales, adding something genuinely British to Hankyu’s interpretation of the pub experience.
Across the fair, visitors can sit down for a Royal Yacht Britannia Tea Room experience, with cream tea built around scones, jam, clotted cream and a special blend commemorating the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth. The royal theme continues through The Britain the Queen Loved, while Angela Kelly, the late Queen’s longtime personal assistant and senior dresser, appears for free talks.
Food is a destination in its own right. British producers and hotel kitchens bring everything from scones and traditional sweets to savory pies and pub dishes, with some guests traveling to Osaka to prepare or present their specialties. The second half adds an Afternoon Tea Market, while the wider fair extends into ceramics, antiques, fashion and British country life. In other words, you can make an afternoon of it: have tea, find something substantial to eat, stop at the pub and wander through the rest.
But what makes the British Fair particularly interesting isn’t any single scone, pint or teacup. It’s that Osaka has been doing this since 1970.
The first British Fair opened at Hankyu on September 29, 1970 — just 16 days after Expo ’70 closed. Sponsored by the British government, the 13-day event combined British traditional culture and royal jewelry with a major merchandise exhibition.
The merchandise has changed considerably over 56 years, but the basic idea hasn’t. Hankyu wanted customers not simply to buy British products, but to encounter something of the culture and lifestyle surrounding them. Fifty-nine editions later, Britain still comes to Umeda every autumn — and Osaka still turns up to meet it.
A British Pub in Umeda — Settle into a pub-inspired space for British ales, cider, whisky and shepherd’s pie.
Tea Aboard Britannia — Enjoy cream tea inspired by the Royal Yacht Britannia and Queen Elizabeth II’s centenary.
Flavors from Britain — Try scones, sweets, savory pies and specialties from visiting British producers and makers.
Meet the People Behind It — Around 40 guests travel from the UK for talks, demonstrations, tastings and appearances.
An Osaka Tradition Since 1970 — Discover a British Fair born just 16 days after Expo ’70 closed and now celebrating its 59th edition.
Photos: Hanshin Umeda British Fair official Website
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THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
Venue: Hankyu Umeda Main Store — 9F Event Halls & Gallery
Address: 8-7 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka
Trains:
JR → Osaka Station
Hankyu / Hanshin → Osaka-Umeda Station
Subways:
Osaka Metro Midosuji Line → Umeda Station
Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line → Higashi-Umeda Station
Hankyu Umeda is directly connected to the Osaka-Umeda station district. Once inside the department store, head to the 9th-floor event spaces.
SCHEDULE
First Half: October 7–12
October 13: Closed for complete changeover
Second Half: October 14–19
Regular store hours are generally 10:00–20:00, although individual event spaces and programs may have different hours and final-day closing times.
The two halves feature different content. The first includes The Britain the Queen Loved, while the second introduces the Afternoon Tea Market and changing vendors and programs. Check the official schedule before visiting if there is something specific you want to experience.
ADMISSION
Admission: Free
No ticket is required to enter and explore the British Fair. Food, drinks and merchandise are individually priced, while some tastings, workshops and special programs require separate fees or advance reservations.
Popular food and limited offerings may sell out, particularly later in the day.
THE EXPERIENCE
The British Fair combines food, drink, visiting makers and themed environments, making it easy to turn a visit into an afternoon in Umeda.
- British Pub & Bar — Step into a space inspired by a British neighborhood pub for ales, cider, Scotch whisky, cocktails and pub food including shepherd’s pie.
- Royal Yacht Britannia Tea Room — Sit down for cream tea with scones, jam, clotted cream and a special Queen Elizabeth II centenary tea blend.
- British Food — Try scones, sweets, savory pies and specialties from British producers and visiting guests.
- Guests from Britain — Around 40 visitors from the UK join the fair for talks, tastings, demonstrations and appearances.
- British Makers & Finds — Explore ceramics, antiques, fashion, household goods and traditional craftsmanship throughout the fair.
With around 130 participating shops and brands, there is considerably more here than most visitors will cover in a quick pass. The pub and tea room make useful anchors for building a visit around the experiences that interest you most.
INFO & TIPS
COME HUNGRY
This is as much a food experience as a shopping fair. Scones, pies, sweets, tea and British pub food are spread throughout the event, with some items available only in limited quantities.
CHOOSE YOUR HALF
The fair changes significantly midway through its run. October 7–12 includes The Britain the Queen Loved, while the second half, October 14–19, introduces the Afternoon Tea Market and a changing lineup of vendors and programs.
CLOSED OCTOBER 13
The entire British Fair closes for one day while Hankyu resets the ninth floor for the second half.
GO EARLY FOR FAVORITES
Popular scones, baked goods and limited specialties can sell out. Earlier in the day is safest if you have a particular food or maker in mind.
PLAN AROUND SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Some talks, tastings and workshops require advance reservations or have limited capacity. Check the current program before visiting.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
https://website.hankyu-dept.co.jp/honten/h/britishfair/
CONTACT
Hankyu Umeda Main Store
TEL: 06-6361-1381
