Yes the rumours are true, I’m officially addicted to afternoon tea. Believe it or not at the ripe old age of 28, I’d not even divulged in the possibility of this British tradition until the beginning of this year – but now I’m making up for those missed chances. The next chapter of my culinary addiction had since led me to Conrad London St. James to sample its Summer in the City afternoon tea in the Emmeline’s Lounge and I can proudly confirm – it’s up there with the best. I’ve no idea why I’ve not visited this sumptuous and sophisticated hotel before because it really is (almost) on my doorstop. They got me from the moment I sat down, with text in the menu from Lovin Spoonful’s ‘Summer in the City‘ track – one of my all time favourite records.
If you’re a fellow afternoon tea addict like myself, then you’ll noticed how this British tradition is changing. While it may be “proper” to take tea between certain hours, us London folk seem to be taking it whenever we want, replacing our lunch or dinner (even both). But isn’t it then classed as high tea depending on when you eat it? Either way I’m enjoying this new-found and reignited love and if I had the time & stomach, I’d fit two helpings in. Afternoon tea at Conrad London St. James is priced at a modest £35pp or £49pp if you want to go down the free-flowing Champagne route – the hotel uses G.H Mumm Champagne. There is also a live harpist playing gracefully in the corner of the room – within the stunning surroundings of the lounge.
Food wise here it was nothing short of extraordinary and while the best afternoon tea experience I’ve had (untill now) has been at The Landmark – Conrad London St. James gives it some healthy competition. The teas and infusion list here is really excellent and the rosebud infusion was the perfect accompaniments to this summer spectacle – full of delicate floral notes and perfumed aromas. A selection of cakes and pastries, created by head pastry chef, Zoe Wager were absolutely stunning. Chocolate mousse mini ice creams were rich and decadent, passion fruit and coconut bounty cake was a dream come true, jelly ‘cocktail’ with orange foam, orange crisp and cherry was fresh and vibrant – but the macaroons were really something special. These weren’t any old macaroon either – but crisp and chewy mojito flavoured ones with a fresh mint infusion.
Keeping within the summer theme, savoury treats were just as inviting. A lovely classic prawn cocktail shot came with the most stunning marie rose sauce and small, but juicy prawns. The barbecued chicken and coleslaw wrap sounded a little comical at first but proved us wrong – it made a nice change to the usual bread and cucumber offerings you normally encounter. A small egg mayonnaise and smoked salmon on toast were a nice couple of bites, though nothing out of the ordinary. But then something spectacular happened – I encountered the best scones I have ever eaten. Plain varieties and coconut & pineapple flavoured, baked to absolute perfection with the outside crumbling to the touch and the centre full of flavour and on the perfect side of fluffy. Homemade jam was dare I say it again, stunning – but the lime (or was it lemon) curd was so good I quite literally ended up dunking my scones into it.
While afternoon tea was said to have been invented, or at least introduced by Anna – The Duchess of Bedford, you’d almost believe if someone told you Conrad London St. James did. Perhaps this afternoon tea isn’t all so classic in its approach, but that’s exactly what I like about it. The room is a sumptuous affair, the food is all delicious and starting at £35pp – its money very well spent.
9/10
