St. Ermin’s Bottomless Crémant Afternoon Tea

It was almost two years ago that I last enjoyed afternoon tea at the elegant four-star deluxe St. Ermin’s Hotel in Westminster, close to St James’s Park, which is a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. That was in December when they were showcasing their traditional Festive Afternoon Tea.

It was a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season and round off a day Christmas shopping in London, surrounded by beautiful Christmas decorations in an inviting, warm atmosphere.

Jumping to August almost two years on, and the current signature tea offering is a Bottomless Crémant Afternoon Tea for £62 per person, which is served in the hotel’s ornate Tea Lounge on the first floor, with its original Rococo plasterwork and very much in keeping with the stylish crockery and small teapots that keep the tea fresher for longer.

This quintessential British tradition has become more popular over the years with many London hotels offering their own themed or more classical afternoon tea. But what makes the St. Ermin’s afternoon tea stand out is that it is created with a selection of sweet and savoury treats inspired by seasonal ingredients from the hotel’s rooftop kitchen garden.

All the hotel’s tea options are served with freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jam, accompanied with a wide range of award-winning teas to choose from The Tea Makers of London.

Tea Makers of London are a family-owned business that specialises in single origin, fully traceable, estate-grown teas. And the St. Ermin’s tea trolley is a great way to explore and try some teas you may not have ever had before, such as the Authentic Masala Chai or Sencha Gojiberry and Pomegranate. Or perhaps you might like to try the Organic Dragon Well or Vanilla Organic Rooibos. Of course, there are some more familiar teas such as the First Flush Darjeeling and Supreme Earl Grey as well as a special St. Ermin’s Blend, designed exclusively for the hotel.

So, what does the Bottomless Crémant Tea offer? Well, for a start, you can enjoy a delicious selection of savouries, such as Prawn Cocktail on a mini brioche roll, some Hot Smoked Scottish Salmon with lemon crème fraiche and cucumber, a slice of delicious Heritage Beef and horseradish crème and watercress, as well as Spring Chicken with garlic and morel mayonnaise and a St Ewe’s Egg with truffle and asparagus.

You’ll then be ready for some tasty sweets that include a Passionfruit Tartlet with coffee meringue, a rather indulgent Black Forest Cake, a Lime and Basil Posset, a Strawberry and Champagne Mousse and yet more chocolate in the shape of a Chocolate and Praline Mousse.

And finally, my favourite part of any afternoon tea – the freshly made warm plain and fruit scones accompanied by rich clotted cream and homemade jam – and of course not forgetting the refreshing free-flowing Crémant sparkling wine which makes the tea exceedingly good value.

As well as this classic Afternoon Tea, the hotel also offers plant-based, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian afternoon tea options and a children’s tea which is available on request during the school holidays and every weekend.

The last word, however, needs to go to the friendly and knowledgeable staff who clearly enjoy engaging with guests and sharing their knowledge of teas and give exemplary service. So, if you are looking for something a little bit different and special when visiting London, then may I recommend a visit to the St. Ermin’s. You won’t be disappointed.

The Details

St. Ermin’s Hotel, Caxton Street, London, SW1H 0QW, England.

Tel: +44 (0)207 222 7888

Website: www.sterminshotel.co.uk

Email: tealounge@sterminshotel.co.uk

The hotel is located in a quiet courtyard set back from the road and only 100 metres from St James’s Park Underground Station on the District and Circle lines. Afternoon Tea is served Monday to Wednesday from midday to 5:30pm and from Thursday to Sunday from midday to 6:00pm.

Type of Afternoon Tea: Traditional Afternoon Tea

Price Band: The Bottomless Crémant Afternoon Tea costs £62 per person.

Insider Tip: For a more intimate afternoon tea experience, choose to sit on the balcony just outside the Tea Lounge overlooking the downstairs lobby, as it offers a bit more privacy.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10

Author Bio:

Simon Burrell is a UK-based travel and motoring journalist and editor, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.

Photographs courtesy of the St. Ermin’s Hotel