Editors Review – St James’s Hotel and Club, Mayfair
St. James’s Hotel and Club is a 5 star hidden gem, tucked away in one of London’s most desirable addresses. A short walk from the shops of Mayfair, Piccadilly and the theatres of the West End, the hotel is in an ideal location for exploring the sights of the capital.
St. James’s has 60 luxurious rooms and suites available to guests, ranging from deluxe and executive rooms to the fine splendour of the various private suites and an entire floor taken up by the Penthouse suite.
The staff on arrival were very welcoming and this continued throughout our stay, always being greeted by the door staff, whether coming or going. The courteousness was repeated at reception and ensured a smooth check-in and once the formalities were complete, we were personally shown to our room.
We stayed in a superior room with bespoke furniture including a queen-size bed with Hypnos mattress, desk area and comfy chairs with coffee table. There are also the usual comforts, safe, minibar, large LCD television, SMEG coffee maker and tea facilities. The bathroom is decorated with black and cream tiles and shiny black vanity worktop, with complimentary Penhaligon toiletries, and had a bath with rain-forest shower above it. Despite being in central London, there is very little sound from the outside world in the room, so a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle.
The hotel’s restaurant, Seven Park Place, run by executive chef William Drabble, follows a “Best of British” philosophy when it comes to produce. The menu changes seasonally, but the standard and creative flair never diminish -you can expect a fine culinary dining experience.
Similar to the Restaurant, Seven Park Place Bar and Lounge is a sophisticated establishment, offering a fine range of wines, spirits and cocktails, including limited editions, rarities and vintage varieties. The mixologist made us a couple of evening cocktails, which were divine. “For He is an Englishman”, is one of the bars’ signature cocktails, a sublime mix of gin, elderflower, cucumber, mint, apple and lemon and lime juice, and The Clover Club is a traditional international cocktail, made with gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white. The intense colour and sharpness from the raspberry syrup combined with the egg white to give a smooth tasting refreshing drink.
We would return to the Bar and Lounge for a traditional afternoon tea. To accompany the wide variety of teas on offer, the menu comprised of a selection of fresh sandwiches, including smoked salmon and egg mayonnaise, a very tasty homemade sage and onion sausage roll and the cornerstone of the traditional tea, two types of scone, strawberry jam and fresh clotted cream – the lavender scones were particularly nice. The relaxing ambience of the lounge added to the experience. The sweet selection of cakes consisted of chocolate Bavarois, a tangy lemon cake, light raspberry and rose choux bun and a dark chocolate and cherry parcel. You can get an afternoon tea in most establishments, however, to do it to such a standard is rare and certainly worth a repeat visit.
St James’s Hotel and Club have perfected luxury in every way. From the moment you arrive until the time you leave, you are surrounded with finery and outstanding service.