Exploring the Conrad Candy Shop Afternoon Tea at Conrad London St. James

I’ve confessed to my Champagne addiction many times, but rarely have I admitted to my afternoon tea addiction. Something about this British tradition always has a way of getting me all tingly inside. The cakes, the sandwiches, the fluffy scones and fragrant teas. It’s nearly always terrific value too. Rarely over £60 per person and lasts for most of the afternoon – a bargain if you ask me. One of the best places for afternoon tea has always been at Conrad London St. James and with its latest launch of the Conrad Candy Shop Afternoon Tea – it’s somehow managed to get even better still.

An army of door staff are always very welcoming here and staff immediately greet you on arrival in the lobby. I love the huge metal sculpture too, depicting a heated debate of villains, cartoon characters, super heroes even dinosaurs lurking around the back side. I’m not entirely sure of the idea behind this sculpture, but that’s exactly why I love it. A focal point which always gets us talking and you always notice a different character each time, it’s as if it keeps changing.

More exiting still was the tea offering itself. A beautiful spread in a beautiful room. The perfectly air-conditioned room means it’s crisp air carries the lingering smell of fresh rose bud tea around the room. White starched linen is draped across all the tables, the menus are printed to the highest quality and the free-flowing Mumm Champagne is the perfect accompaniment.

The only and correct way to start an afternoon tea here at Conrad London St. James is with the savoury delights. An array of delicious sandwiches and indulgent snacks. The pesto chicken & tomato cones were a dream, candied beetroot & goats cheese tarts were sweet and mouth-salivating, while the huge chicken parfait brioche added an instant hit of calories around the waist line – though worth every single one of them. Sandwiches were as fresh as could be with fillings such as smoked salmon, lemon dill & creme fraiche, moist rare roast beef & wholegrain mustard mayonnaise and my personal favourite – ripe avocado with roasted red peppers, herb butter & garden cress.

The scones here are some of the best in London too – easily making it into my top 5 from across the city. Each scone snaps in the middle from just the slight nudge of your fingers and the centre so unbelievably fluffy and buttery. Two flavours are offered, one filled with candied pineapple and the other with brown sugar and spice – it was like eating Christmas. The accompaniment of Devonshire clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd were pure heaven – if only they sold that curd in jars.

The real spectacle still is the selection of cakes and pastries. Head Pastry Chef, Zoe Wager has created a stunning selection of mouth-watering treats which are crafted together with such precious and creative flare. Zoe is real asset to the London dining scene and at home in such a lovely hotel. This Candy Shop Afternoon Tea draws inspiration from childhood memories, serving up things such as strawberry & cream panna cotta with a bubblegum macaron, lemon sherbet meringue pie, an outstanding chocolate & peppermint cheesecake and vibrant blue raspberry mousse & orange pate de fruit which no doubt took hours to craft.

I’ve eaten my fair share of afternoon teas in my time, but Conrad London St. James still sits firmly in my top 3 favourites. The whole place oozes class, the Champagne is always perfectly chilled and the food is picture perfect – not to mention the live harpist playing throughout. If you’re looking for a special treat or to simply spoil a loved one then I couldn’t recommend Conrad London St James any higher. It’s utter perfection.

I was invited to review