When you travel to London, whether on business or for leisure, you want to know that you’re in good hands, that you can enjoy a delicious dinner, a good night’s sleep and a tasty breakfast at your hotel. St James’ Hotel and Club offers just this – a suitable haven in the heart of London and with it being a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace – you know you’re in good company.
I visited the hotel and club and was surprised at how close it is to busy streets and yet how nicely tucked away and private it is and, more importantly, quiet!
The Victorian town-house sits on the edge of St James’s Park but it is hard to miss with the exterior being painted in a distinctive red and cream. The internal walls are host to more than 400 paintings, pictures and sculptures known as ‘The Rosenstein Collection’ (dated 1920 – 1950).
I was fortunate to stay in the delightful Terrace Suite, consisting of a sizeable lounge and bedroom containing a large bed and walk in double wardrobe. The black and white chic bathroom holds two sinks and offers the privacy of a separate toilet and enclosed walk in shower and there is a terrace surrounding the entire suite, which leads on to a private terrace with outdoor furniture on which to relax. The suite is one of ten that the hotel offers and one of three ‘Signature’ suites, meaning that the latter three offer extra space, private terraces and panoramic views of the locale.
There are 60 bedrooms in total all designed in neutral colours with mustard and burgundy shades, gold accents and black lacquered furniture. The luxurious style runs throughout the hotel and although the décor may not be to everyone’s tastes, the hotel certainly holds its own distinctive style.
Upon entering my suite I was wowed straight away, the rooms accommodate the hotel’s style gracefully and my home for the evening exuded comfort, opulence and style. Handcrafted Murano glass chandeliers hang from above and the walls are adorned with silk wallpapers.
The hotel is host to the Michelin starred and 4 AA Rosette, Seven Park Place. Headed up by William Drabble expect to find simple but glorious dishes on the menu such as poached lobster tail with cauliflower purée and a lobster butter sauce; roast Anjou pigeon with sweetcorn, girolles, crispy bacon and madeira; and desserts such as apricots stuffed with pistachios and baked, served with pistachio ice cream.
The menu is influenced by classic French cuisine and is packed with British seasonal ingredients, and is well worth a visit. If Michelin starred dining is not your thing (really?!) then you can also enjoy a simple yet delicious meal ideal for pre or post theatre dining, afternoon tea, a cocktail and breakfast in the informal yet stylish, William’s Bar and Bistro.
I was very pleased with the level of service I received and every employee is more than helpful and happy to assist in any way that they can, they are a credit to the hotel.
Breakfast failed to disappoint – service throughout is impeccable, a selection of pastries sit on a three tier stand, full continental and a wide selection of cooked breakfast options are available from a classic full English to French toast with crispy bacon and maple syrup (highly recommended!)
The St James’s Club has been running since 1857 and has an interesting history, I half expected to spot a celebrity at breakfast with honorary club committee members including Sir Michael Caine, Sir Roger Moore and Liza Minelli.
In a nutshell
Luxurious suite oozing opulence and style. French toast with bacon and maple syrup was the best I’ve eaten. Michelin starred dining? Yes please!
Getting there
I find travelling by train a lot of fun, and also the low-stress option, especially as I’m based in Devon for most of the year. Operator First Great Western offer a regular service into Paddington from my local station (Totnes).
stjameshotelandclub.com/
Reservations: +44 20 7316 1600
