St. James’s Hotel and Club – Afternoon Tea
If you think of Paris offering luxury couture for Ladies, London is absolutely about bespoke ateliers for Gentlemen. Of all London’s chic areas I think St. James has the largest concentration of Royal Warrants and traditional English establishments offering style and excellence to guests.
St. James’s Hotel and Club
7-8 Park Place, St. James’s London, SW1A 1LS
+44 20 7316 1600
As you turn the corner from Green Park and walk down St. James Street you are in St. James, which houses some wonderful buildings and areas of urban peace. Particularly in summer, a perfect part of London where you can escape to a time that is a little slower, calmer and definitely more civilised.
The St. James Hotel and Club is home to 60 bedrooms and suites, many with spacious terraces, the restaurant, bar and beautifully designed, intimate events spaces. Dating from 1857, this luxury Victorian hotel and private members’ club lies in a grand townhouse on a quiet cul-de-sac.
With the flowers from Hayford and Rhodes as part of The Chelsea Flower Show in full bloom I went off to meet an old friend of mine. Founded in 1924, Hayford & Rhodes have gone on to become one of London’s finest florists with an extensive catalogue of clients including Kensington Palace, Harrods, Sketch and St Paul’s Cathedral.
I think there are generally four areas that make up an experience: ambiance, the service, the aesthetics and then the taste. Often I think the ambiance is the one that really makes the biggest difference. The feeling when you walk in the hotel is so calming. I was met by polite, calm and charming staff and that was my feeling throughout the afternoon. From this respect I really did feel it offered something a little different and a perfect place to meet a friend and enjoy some privacy.
I was brought up with the concept of afternoon tea, with a mother that would have certainly been a fan of the television programme Bake-Off. I always enjoy seeing patisserie with some imagination, and was not disappointed by our board game inspired creations. Personally I prefer my afternoon tea presentation in more of a classic white porcelain and linen cloth.
Before I left I poked my head into the Seven Park Place By William Drabble restaurant in the hotel. Certainly looks intimate and stylish which concurs with my overall feeling. They are influenced by classic French cuisine but using the very best British produce.
It was lovely to reacquaint myself with central London’s hidden luxury hotels. I adore personally being in spaces where one can unwind and be looked after in an air of civility. A perfect choice.