Last Updated on January 7, 2025
Afternoon Tea in Timeless Elegance at St. Ermin’s
4.0 out of 5.0 starsTake one of London’s prettiest hotels, pair it with a quintessentially elegant afternoon tea, and you have the recipe for a truly indulgent treat. St. Ermin’s Hotel, tucked away near St. James’s Park, offers a haven of old-world charm with its grand staircase, art deco touches, and a verdant courtyard. Against this glamorous backdrop, their afternoon tea promises more than just finger sandwiches and scones, it’s a celebration of British tradition with a playful, contemporary twist.
This is no ordinary hotel. Stepping into St. Ermin’s feels like walking onto the set of a 1940s film. Its central staircase, designed by theatre visionary J.P. Briggs, sweeps upward in fairy-tale fashion, surrounded by dazzling wedding-cake white décor, rococo ceilings, and intricate Art Nouveau plasterwork. Overhead, sparkling glass chandeliers cast a soft glow, completing the scene with timeless glamour.
But St. Ermin’s isn’t just a pretty face, it’s steeped in a fascinating espionage history. Once a hub for British Intelligence during World War II, the hotel played a pivotal role in shaping history. In 1940, Winston Churchill convened a clandestine meeting here, rallying an extraordinary group to join him in “Setting Europe Ablaze.” These individuals became founding members of the Special Operations Executive (SOE). The Caxton Bar, meanwhile, became a notorious meeting spot for the Cambridge Five spies, including Guy Burgess, who famously handed over secret papers to his Russian contact within these very walls.
Today, the hotel nods to its covert past with a small lobby museum displaying SOE paraphernalia, and whispers persist of a secret tunnel under the staircase leading directly to the Houses of Parliament. St. Ermin’s is a place where glamour and intrigue walk hand in hand, making it a destination as fascinating as it is beautiful.
This time, though, I wasn’t here for the intrigue, I was here for tea, in the most traditional sense. We made our way to the first-floor tea lounge, overlooking the grand lobby below, where a harpist’s delicate melodies added an air of sophistication. True to the hotel’s style, the tearoom exudes refined elegance. The intricate plasterwork carries through, softened by pastel pink accents and muted grey upholstered chairs, creating a serene and inviting space that feels effortlessly luxurious.
Patrick looked after us wonderfully throughout our visit, and we began with a glass of Vauban Frères Brut Champagne.
Its golden hue and subtle brioche notes set the perfect tone for the afternoon tea to come.
Tea lovers will be thrilled by the extraordinary selection on offer – it wasn’t easy to choose.
With a soft spot for white tea, I opted for the White Peony, known for its tender downy leaves, delicate golden peach infusions, and the subtle aroma of fresh orchids. My companion chose the Green Tea Sencha with goji berry and pomegranate, a refreshing and distinctive blend that stood out for its vibrant, fruity notes.
Then came the star of the show: a beautifully arranged tiered tea tray, laden with savouries and sweets that practically demanded a moment of admiration. The finger sandwiches were a delight, filled with festive combinations like smoked turkey and bacon with sweet maple syrup, soft brie and onion chutney, smoked Wiltshire ham, and a prawn wrap in a classic Marie Rose sauce. My friend, being vegetarian, was served a bespoke selection, just as thoughtfully prepared and equally delicious, proving that no one misses out on the indulgence here.
The sweets, meanwhile, were pure holiday cheer: a mint chocolate macaron with just the right balance of richness and freshness, a silky Baileys mousse topped with tangy cranberry jelly, and a charming mini Christmas cake that felt like the season on a plate.
Along with more steaming hot tea, came my favourite tea treat– a basket of warm and fluffy baked scones with lashing of clotted cream and strawberry jam. The perfect end to a very lovely afternoon. If you’re looking for a touch of timeless charm and elegance in a quintessentially English setting, St. Ermin’s Hotel might be just the place for you.
St. Ermin’s Hotel
2 Caxton St,
St. James’s
London SW1H 0QW
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