This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
It’s not often I receive a press release inviting both Rollo and I to a pish-posh afternoon tea event at a top London hotel, and so with the Platinum celebrations about to launch, Rollo and I jumped on the underground.
It’s quite a journey from Epping – the furthest outpost on the Central line where, before boarding the tube, I’d managed to find the last space in an enormous car park with plenty of trees. I had to make sure Rollo had a wee before the long journey into St Ermins Hotel, St James. Rollo attracted so many admiring glances as he sat on the Tube so politely gazing around. As we both trotted up the steps into the hotel foyer, we were met by the Dog Concierge who welcomed us but welcomed Rollo first!
Actually standing on the steps looking outwards the hotel is an absolute riot of colour with beautifully planted borders lining both sides of the little driveway – it’s certainly a glorious welcome into the hotel.
The occasion of the press launch was simply a pre-Platinum Jubilee launch of St Ermin’s latest afternoon tea menu and their mouth-tingling range of exotic cocktails. And just as London has become used to seeing sculptures of elephants and cows dotted around London locations, so corgi sculptures have been randomly located with corgi, Sherry, finding a home in the hotel foyer.
Rollo made a pit stop to give Sherry a lick before we followed the Dog Concierge (and isn’t that a glorious job description) up the stairs to the terrace where all manner of foody goodies were laid out in front of us.
I was made very welcome – but Rollo – my goodness, he couldn’t have had more admiring oohs and aahs if he’d been the Queen herself. Whilst I chose the most exotic-looking cocktail (Apple & Hibiscus Gin – sweet yet subtle they bill it – and they’re quite right) Rollo was offered an overflowing bowl of water, which he accepted quite gracefully. Then they produced a bowl of poached chicken for him, which he devoured very delicately.
The Terrace is beautiful – an idyllic spot to relax and try out all manner of beautifully prepared sandwiches. I couldn’t resist trying a crayfish, chilli, spring onion and coriander – oh so yummy – and don’t tell anyone but I popped one in my handbag – for later.
I could also have sampled – and I did – Coronation Chicken and that perennial favourite smoked salmon, cream cheese and dill. There was also a large selection of vegan treats and I simply couldn’t resist a Pimms jelly with cucumber crème. If the Terrace doesn’t suit, there are plenty of tea tables dotted around upstairs.
St Ermin’s is such a beautiful hotel and if you’re in London and looking for a place for a luxurious and relaxing afternoon tea then Rollo and I can thoroughly recommend it.
It’s my birthday soon, and Rollo says let’s make another visit for our birthday treat.