I was recently invited to go along to the Rose Lounge in Sofitel London St James for the launch of their special Chelsea Flower Show inspired afternoon tea. I arrived at Waterloo station earlier than I thought and as it was a beautiful sunny day, I walked across the river to Sofitel London St James. The Sofitel hotel is in a fantastic location and just a stones-throw from Piccadilly Circus, the Strand and Buckingham Palace.
Sofitel London St James is an exquisite neo-classical Grade II listed building completed in 1923. Stunning interiors designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon which marries traditional British decor with French elegance to produce an interior style which is bold and inspiring. The wood and leather paneled wall on one side of the grand lobby with a striking green marble reception desk. There’s still a strong art deco influence at Sofitel London St James and the French influences soften some of the clean lines giving the hotel quite a unique look.
The Sofitel London St James’ afternoon tea is served in The Rose Lounge which is just off the lobby area. As the name suggests, it’s a quintessentially British lounge decorated in rose and cream hues which I’d describe as ‘British boudoir’. It reminds me of my grandmother’s living room and I just want to sink into the sumptuous sofas, relax and enjoy a long afternoon sipping tea and nibbling on yummy food whilst listening to the soft sounds of a harp.
To commemorate the 2015 Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show (19-23 May – ticket details here), Head Chef Vincent Menager has designed a limited edition floral-inspired afternoon tea. Served daily from 12pm to 6pm and running throughout May, guests are invited to enjoy the floral-inspired traditional afternoon tea from £30 per person. With a chic French twist, Le Tea en Rose includes teas by Dammann Freres which is the oldest French teahouse.
Seasonal sandwiches are served alongside some of the nicest scones I’ve ever had (and my grandfather was a pastry chef). The apricot scones were my favourite and a great twist to the traditional variety. Lemon curd was also served to us which I’d never tried on a scone – it was so delicious and the sharpness of the lemon lifted the heavy clotted cream and sweetness of the jam.
The Chelsea Flower Show pastries were a Mimosa mousseline cream, a rose macaroon, raspberry and hibiscus jelly and a poppy mousseline cream. Stunning to look at and equally delicious to taste.
The Rose Lounge is an eclectic mix of styles which works, but not as well as in the rest of the hotel. I think it could get away with being more kitsch then it is currently. The artwork shown below on the right doesn’t work with the rest of the interior style. I loved the pretty pink tableware with the gold trim, but the heavy black teapots and plain white cups and milk jugs just didn’t quite work. Mixing and matching china is so popular at the moment, but you’ve got to carry it all the way through. I could imaging some Cath Kidston Clifton Rose teacups looking right at home here in the Rose Lounge!
I had a chance to wander around the hotel and the interior of each room you go into and every corridor you walk down has been given so much attention. There were so many of these spots that I was swooning over – in particular this stunning brass mirror. The deep purple and black and white marble floor just give this foyer such a luxurious look – and how fabulous is the marble-top console table too?
So the big question is, which pastry would you choose? ; )
Natalia xo
