Just footsteps from Buckingham Palace, Leicester Square and St James’s Park, in the heart of London’s tailoring district, Sofitel London St James underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment project in 2019, complete with modern, bold interior design and reaffirming Sofitel London St James as the home of luxury French elegance in the capital.
Sofitel London St James is home to Michelin-starred restaurant Wild Honey St James alongside the glamorous St James Bar, The Rose Lounge and award-winning Sofitel SPA.
Late last year, Sofitel London St James and iconic brand Smeg collaborated to rejuvenate the afternoon tea scene with a ground-breaking new experience – Afternoon Tea Avec Smeg – which offers a unique blend of Sofitel’s French and vibrant culture with Smeg’s celebrated designs and Italian heritage.
This new, immersive venture set in the hotel’s Rose Lounge is a first of its kind and promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey. The Rose Lounge is adorned with Smeg’s signature appliances, serving as captivating decor and pivotal in crafting select dishes tableside, to provide an imaginative and theatrical experience.
The menu is curated by pastry chef Lerrick Coelho and explores flavours linking the best French and Italian influences, fusing inspiration from both Sofitel and Smeg’s home nations.
There’s a selection of savouries, including: a cheese chilli panini, which gives a nod to Italy’s Lombard region and is creatively served from a Smeg TSF01 toaster’s sandwich rack; Scottish smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche on beetroot slice; and a truffle egg mayonnaise sandwich on wholewheat bread.
Smeg’s Italian heritage continues to influence the menu with a selection of sweets. Originating from Italy’s capital, Rome, a fig and mascarpone maritozzi is offered, along with a Milanese rum panettone, served with freshly whipped Chantilly cream from Smeg’s iconic SMF03 stand mixer, and affogato with coffee served from Smeg’s barista-quality EGF espresso machine. One of Smeg’s latest FAB28 fridges is also on display, serving sparkling tea, and Champagne for guests who enjoy a glass of fizz.
Served in The Rose Lounge’s iconic teapots, guests will watch as their waiter infuses the restaurant’s signature rose tea tableside using rose, bergamot and hibiscus.
The finale is a specially crafted chocolate course, where guests have the chance to unearth two golden tickets concealed within the sweet. From now until summer 2024, two fortunate finders will win a sumptuous overnight stay at Sofitel London St James and a stand mixer from Smeg to grace their home (T&Cs apply).
Younger guests can enjoy a playful and theatrical experience with smoothies made using Smeg’s PBF01 personal blender, finger sandwiches and a biscuit canvas with edible paint. The Rose Lounge ensures there is no age limit when it comes to enjoying grown-up traditions!
The Afternoon Tea Avec Smeg is available until summer 2024. Nicely priced at £70 per person (£80 with a glass of Champagne) and £40 for children, serving hours are 12 noon to 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
A pleasant afternoon tea in lovely surroundings, especially for loyal followers of the Smeg brand looking to indulge their passion even further.
