Best Afternoon Tea in Mayfair, London

Afternoon Tea is a classic British tradition and a brilliant way to catch up with friends over some tea and treats. St. James’s Hotel & Club offers a historical Afternoon Tea which is designed by the talented Executive Chef William Drabble who also looks after our Michelin Star Restaurant Seven Park Place as well as William’s Bar & Bistro. Afternoon Tea at St. James’s Hotel & Club includes luxurious sweet treats, sandwiches and tea or even champagne on request. Make your reservation for afternoon tea at our 5 Star Hotel in Mayfair, London today.

Afternoon Tea

St. James’s Hotel & Club offers a historical Afternoon Tea, designed by Executive Chef William Drabble of in-house Michelin Star Restaurant Seven Park Place. Guests will be transported to Victorian times and taste classic cakes of that period, keeping its originality but with slight modern-day twist.

Afternoon Tea originated in 1840 when Anna Russell, the Duchess of Bedford and great friend of Queen Victoria, complained of a ‘sinking feeling’ and started inviting friends to join her at Woburn Abbey for cakes and tea in the mid-afternoon. The ritual of Afternoon Tea quickly became established in upper class households and it wasn’t long before Queen Victoria became an advocate of the concept.

St. James’s Hotel and Club is keen to capture these traditions and Drabble has created a selection of sweet treats and sandwiches based on authentic recipes and favourites of Queen Victoria. He was inspired by recipes by the Head Chef at St. James’s Club in the early 1800s, Charles Elmé Francatelli, who then went on to be Chief Cook for Queen Victoria in 1840 and later became the General Manager of St. James’s Club.

The tea features highlights from Victorian times including  custard tart and a classic Victoria Sponge Cake, whilst other dishes include Cheshire cheese scones, made with the oldest recorded British cheese, plain scones with jam and clotted cream as well as an array of traditional savoury sandwiches, washed down with a cup of an exclusive fine loose tea blend from The East India Company - created especially for the hotel – or for those in the mood for something fizzy, St. James’s Hotel and Club’s finest Champagne.

Afternoon Tea costs £35.00 per person (including VAT) and is served daily from 3.00pm to 5.30pm in the chic William's Bar & Bistro.

For more information please call +44 (0) 20 7316 1600 or email restaurant@stjameshotelandclub.com.