Afternoon Tea with friends is on top my list when it comes to a relaxed day out in London. And a few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to experience a delicious Honey themed afternoon tea at the exquisite tea room of the tastefully decorated and very plush 4-star rated St Ermins Hotel in Westminster, with my favourite fellow food-obsessed bloggers.
The delicious honey comes from their very own rooftop which is home to 350,00 Buckfast Bees. Much like the regal design of St Ermins tea room, the bees get to wander around the royal parks surrounding St. Ermins. Because these friendly bees have access to such a wide variety of blooms in the capital city’s well-maintained and stunning royal parks, it translates into a unique flavour profile for the honey.
The location for St Ermins is unbeatable, located right among some of London’s most popular landmarks, this 4-star hotel boasts an impressive history. The hotel played a vital role during WWII with historic meetings and clandestine exchanges between spies. Even today St. Ermins is an important historical landmark with rumours suggesting a secret underground tunnel running from the grand stairway in the main lobby, all the way up to the houses of parliament!
The reception rooms echo drama and ooze charm thanks to the famous Victorian theatre designer J.P. Briggs.
The limited edition Honey themed afternoon tea buzz-worthy menu is special thanks to the bees who call the hotel their home. I try and eat GF as much as possible now and the GF honey tea that I choose was quite delicious. The large variety of teas on offer will leave you spoilt for choice. I cannot resist a fruity infusion and my berry flavoured tea was very refreshing and a fabulous accompaniment to the sandwiches.
Savoury bites include the classic salmon sandwich and a moreish honey mustard chicken sandwich on brown bread and a delicious portion of glazed pork loin on rye bread smothered with cheddar and a richly flavoured onion chutney.
The star of the sweet offerings was an innovative dessert called the mini beehive – a pretty honey flavoured orange and yoghurt mousse pot
This afternoon tea option comes with unlimited bubbly which Heidi and I, enjoyed while we took lots of photos of tea-cups and edible treats, while Nayna relished a refreshing glass of freshly made orange juice.
While you are savouring your cuppa do gaze at the amazing vintage silverware collection on display.
No afternoon tea is complete without some freshly baked scones slathered with clotted cream and jam. Inevitably our conversation drifted towards the eternal debate – Cream first or Jam?! Which way do you like your scones?
To make this Honey themed afternoon tea even more exciting, you get to adopt a bee, complete with an adoption certificate. You can view the beautiful terrace area where the bees buzz around, safely from behind the glass.
Tempted to visit London’s 1st Bee hotel? Head here to book yourself in for a bee-licious treat and a chance to adopt your very own bee. Psst… You might want to hurry as the unlimited prosecco offers runs out on the 27th of Nov, you wouldn’t want to miss out that now would you? 😉
Curious to explore more options for Afternoon Tea in London? Why not browse through my blog and read about my experiences in various places:
- Boyds Brasserie, Charing Cross
- The Wallace Collection – Afternoon Tea amidst Art, Westminster
- Moroccan Afternoon Tea at Leila, Ealing
- Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The Landmark Hotel, Marylebone
*With thanks to the team at St Ermins for inviting me. All opinions expressed are as always my own. No monetary compensation was provided for a positive review.
It looks gorgeous there and what a great afternoon tea. I will definitely add it to my list.
Thanks Jaq, It really was a great afternoon tea!