Afternoon tea is proving to become the new trend and with several hotels offering afternoon tea, the options are endless. St James’ Hotel have created a fun and enjoyable afternoon tea experience by inviting you along for board games on the side.
We got off the train at London Victoria, a lovely sunny day to be in London. Instead off jumping on the over filled tube we took a 30 minuet walk, past the crowds at Buckingham Palace, through St James’ Park to the grand St James Albany Hotel.
St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London, 54 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
It can be quite daunting going to four/five star hotels for a luxury afternoon. If you’re anything like me, the first thing that may be on your mind is what to wear.
Avoid looking like you’re going for a job interview: The morning before we left to head to St James’ almost every outfit i tried on, made me look like I was heading out for a job interview. I wasn’t trying on outfits that suited my real style. I wanted to look smart but laid back at the same time. I also didn’t want to look over dressed. Which is why I went for a fitted jacket over a plain white Tee.
Heels, flats. Heel, flats. Heel, flats: When ever I am going anywhere. This is always the question I find myself asking. Do I wear heels, or opt for flats? Depending on the situation or what I have planned for the rest of the day, thats how Ill decide. I wanted to feel comfortable, so I chose smart pointed flats from .
Avoid short skirts: Personally, I wouldn’t choose to wear a short/mini skirt for afternoon tea, especially if it is luxury. Think elegant.
Feel comfortable: And most importantly feel comfortable. There is nothing worse than arriving to a new place, something out of your comfort zone, and feeling uncomfortable. Feeling like you wish you had wore something else. If you’re doubting it. Don’t wear it.
We headed inside and sat at a table window, in a quiet part of the St James’ Hotel. We were asked to pick a tea off our choice. Which arrived at the table in a clear silver tea pot, leaving beautifully presented inside of the pot to be shown.
Our three tier afternoon lunch arrived. Including handmade sandwiches, homemade scones and the board game inspired goodness.
A battenburg sponge cake in the shape of a dice next to the Monopoly dark chocolate top hat, filled with blood orange mousse.
A chess board of chocolate and vanilla shortbread alongside a dominos all butter shortbread
And to help bring out the flavours of each tiny cake, we sipped on a delicious floral cocktail; Violet Pearl Bloom which contained; a splash of Belvedere vodka, fragrant jasmine pearl tea, violet infused liquor and fillet blanc.
After a pleasant and relaxed afternoon, our afternoon tier was taken after and we were able to play board games off our choice. From Backgammon, Chess, Monopoly, Scrabble, Dominoes, Ludo and what we chose Snakes and Ladders.
St James’ Albany Hotel offered a very relaxed afternoon tea experience. The staff were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. An experience to remember.
To book your afternoon; click here.
