GETAWAYS
St James’s HOTEL AND CLUB, LONDON
EXQUISITE ATTENTION TO DETAIL, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND MICHELIN STARRED
DINING; PROUDLY SITUATED YET DISCRETELY POSITIONED IN LONDON - WELCOME
TO THE ST JAMES'S HOTEL AND CLUB. BY SAMANTHA G
Arriving at the sweeping steps of the St James’s
Hotel, one of the Small Leading Hotels of the
World, a stone’s throw from Green Park and the
bright lights of Mayfair, you can’t help but gaze
in wonder at the uniquely British and glorious
elegance of the townhouse that awaits you.
Restored to glory in 2006 by the Althoff Hotel
group, St James’s has undergone a fabulous
transformation holding true to its mission of
providing the pinnacle of architecture and design,
service and culinary delight; whilst maintaining
key evidence of its past and a unique feel
reminiscent of its former guise as one of London’s
most prestigious gentlemen’s clubs. Interrupted
only by the dulcet East End welcoming tones of
our waiting concierge, we made our way to our
deluxe suite.
The 60 rooms and suites are breathtaking, and
demonstrate the attention to detail that was
evident throughout our stay. Silk and cashmere
wallpaper, black lacquer furniture, handmade
Murano glass chandeliers and black polished
natural stone combine to offer sumptuous
surroundings set off with artwork from the owner’s
private collection and a host of Penhaligon and
Etro goodies to provide a true haven of solitude
from the city below.
It was almost too difficult to drag ourselves away
from the Jacuzzi bathtub, the balcony offering
rooftop views and the comfort of the Hypnos
mattress, but no stay here would be complete
without the culinary delight of having dinner
provided by William Drabble.
Seven Park Place opened a year after the
refurbishment under the direction of William
Drabble, and gained its Michelin star within a
year (and has retained it every year since). The
combination of refined modern French cuisine
with the best seasonal British produce delivers
impeccable results.
My guest and I began our evening with a cheeky
cocktail from the ‘classic with a twist’ menu and
the flavours of the vodka, rose and lychee martini
started the evening with a burst of delicate flavour
that continued throughout our courses.
Aside from the Menu Gormand tasting menu,
Seven Park Place also offers a range of two- and
three-course dinner options and it was from here
that my guest and I chose the fillet of red mullet
with garlic purée, red wine reduction, croustade
of goats cheese, confit tomato and basil and the
poached native lobster tail with green curry spices.
Beautifully crafted and delicious, we couldn’t wait
to taste our main courses that followed.
My assiette of Lune Valley lamb with broad beans
and basil was served perfectly pink, the loin was
served with a melt in the mouth confit and rich
jus; whilst my guest’s grilled fillet of sea bass
with artichokes, tomato, olive and aubergine
purée offered richness and texture that enhanced
the delicate fish. Dessert was not only perfectly
executed, but lovingly created. The peach with
lemon verbena, white chocolate and yogurt
cream, roasted hazelnuts and lemon sorbet; and
the passion fruit and mango cream, raspberries,
elderflower jelly and crystallised mint that I opted
for offered a great combination of fruit flavours
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