Afternoon teas have long been a tradition in hotels across the city of London. There are many types to be had and in the quest to tempt customers through their doors, hotels are upping their game and creating some amazing experiences with exquisite centrepieces and themes. My latest venture saw me at the St James Hotel and sampling their new high tea called ‘It’s All In The Game’. Taking inspiration from your favourite board games, Executive Head Chef, William Drabble, has created stunning pastries to delight and amuse both the taste buds and the eye. Alongside the tea are a selection of the board......
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http://culinaryworldtour.com/2013/09/25/sophistication-st-jamess/
At times all you need is a decent table, in a pleasant restaurant with linen tablecloths, napkins, polished glasses, crockery and cutlery, no queues, smiling service and not a Ryerson in sight. So it was with relish that I leaped at the chance to review William’s bar and bistro at St James’s hotel and club, Mayfair.
The mere prospect of such sophistication had me more eager than a pack of hounds baying at the scent, especially having just finished a fairly gruelling audition for The Taste. Yes, yet another cookery program on tv and you might well ask why. I’m presuming that The Taste is to food as The Voice is to music and at this point I’m beginning to realise why they didn’t select me, but more of that later. William’s was exactly the respite I was looking for. The freezer box of chargrilled skirt steak, samphire and lotus root and marmalade martini black cardamom chocolate cheesecake nonsense I’d lugged around Bloomsbury was politely taken from me by a man in a coat and tails. The bar is sumptuous and has, as you would expect, an extensive cocktail and wine list. Lighting is pleasantly subdued. One’s feet sink so deep into the pile carpet that you must raise your voice in order to be heard. I made a beeline for a mint julep in Donleavy fashion: every tulip is a julep and this mint is meant for me. Chilled pewter sat proudly on glossed glass.
Although the bistro menu offers more basic fare than that of the adjoining restaurant Seven Park Place, which boasts the accolade of being the smallest Michelin starred restaurant in the UK at a capacity of 29 covers, preparation is still overseen by William and is of a high standard. I chose Uig lodge smoked salmon as a starter, an unusual choice of dish for me as it’s hardly adventurous but the quality seemed exceptional, and I figured William would know something I didn’t. He did. It’s fantastically light and delicate though of course a mound of freshly baked brown bread and lashings of butter didn’t exactly stifle the experience.
View pictures and read the full article here http://culinaryworldtour.com/2013/09/25/sophistication-st-jamess/
Experience @stjameshotelandclub culinary journey at Seven Park Place by William Drabble. With best of British produce, every menu is created with attention to detail to serve Fine French cuisine. Sharing my recommendation for your next visit 👇🏻
M E N U G O U R M A N D
Seared Hand Dived Scallops
Broad Beans, Peas and Smoked Cumbrian Bacon
Warm Salad of Native Lobster
Potato, Asparagus and Morels
Optional Extra Course (Supplement £25)
Roasted Quail, Foie Gras Bon Bon Pickled Cherries and Almonds
Baked Fillet of Seabass
Sweet Peppers, Tomato and Black Olive
Rhug Estate Lamb
Artichoke, New Season Garlic and Rosemary
Croustade of Wigmore and Truffle Macerated Grapes
Pickled Walnut Puree, Celery
Optional Extra Course (Supplement £15)
Strawberry and Vanilla Peach, Sauterne
Lemon Verbena
Honestly one of my most favourite Michelin restaurants in London. It is very discrete in a quiet location. The food is executed so well. It is no fuss, just focused on bringing out the best of the ingredients. Continues to be great. Perfect for a special occasion. Also I have so many dietary restrictions that they took it all into consideration. Was brilliant!
I went for a birthday lunch, and even though it was a two-course lunch menu due to time constraints, the appetizer for the 2nd course was beautifully presented and the food was absolutely delightful. The taste was exquisite, and the beautifully decorated plates added to the experience. The perfectly cooked fish just melted in my mouth. The staff was incredibly welcoming and provided us with exceptional service. What surprised me even more was the handwritten birthday card from the restaurant staff, which will undoubtedly be a lifelong memory. It's truly an amazing place. I've been to many Michelin-starred restaurants, but this one stands out without a doubt. I will definitely visit again and highly recommend it to others.
I have been dining for the fist time at this amazing restaurant. I order the set menu with the add of one extra course. The food was very good, amazing ingredients, everything prepared with care and amazing presentation. The front of house team was very caring and I was surprise by the professional work from the young girl that was serving us. Amazing wine cart. I definitely suggest this restaurant.
I don't give 5 stars, but this place deserves every single one. We were sat at the bar, a nice setting and atmosphere, before our meal and had a great cocktail, very smooth and tasty. Once sat at our table we have picked the wine pairing with the 7 course meniu, the food was delicious and perfectly explained as well as the wine pairing that complemented the food. The service was absolutely excellent and without a fault, we have expressed our gratitude for a very well job done, would not believe the staff has only 3 weeks there. All of this over a 3h45min experience in a very nice and cosy environment. Highly recommend, it is worth every penny.
Superb!! The best fine-dining restaurant in London! Each dish is carefully and perfectly cooked. I was astonished by the quality of courgette fritters, how can they fry them so delicately!? Great service and atmosphere as well. Visit here annually and they never disappoint me!
I celebrated my birthday with my mother there on a weekday lunch. We both ordered the set lunch 3 course menu at £ 59. (+ service) Food was delicious! They had ran out of their house champagne so substituted it for another bottle for the same price, which I thought was a great touch and also exquisite! We particularly enjoyed the skate wing dish, the petits fours and the attentive service! Note: if you are looking for a place with ambiance, I’d say this is not the place but if you want to eat good food and have a business or intimate lunch ( during weekday) it is a great go to place. ( maybe it’s more vibrant on weekends / evenings?)
We have been coming here for years, never a dud meal. Last visit was for the tasting menu, I think it was the best meal I have ever eaten, it was magnificent. I would rather one meal here than 3 elsewhere.
Absolutely perfect. The ambience was very smart and comfortable, the service and staff were elegant and attentive, and the food was just outstanding. I particularly liked the foie gras and the banana parfait - the parfait reminded of banana fritters I had as a kid. I really loved this restaurant and I will definitely come back again. Thanks so much!
Wonderful experience in classic modern British style of cooking ! I love the soufflé here ! Also the starters are light and delicate ! The main course are hearty and a lovely glass of red wine will cut through it ! Beautiful experience
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