Afternoon Tea at St. Ermin’s Hotel, London

London is a city steeped in history and tradition and offers a wide array of special experiences for travelers. Afternoon tea is quintessentially British because it embodies the essence of elegance and tradition that defines British culture. Afternoon Tea at St. Ermin’s Hotel, is a unique experience due to their dedication to sustainability and their rooftop community of over 300,000 St. Ermin Bees that have lived there since 2011.

There are many establishments offering this traditional experience, however let me share why St. Ermin’s Hotel will capture your heart and leave you simply buzzing (pardon the pun) for more!

Afternoon Tea at St. Ermin’s Hotel is an award-winning treat

From the minute you buzz (see what I did there!) onto St Ermin’s property, the elegant ambiance feels intimate and relaxed. It’s quite a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the London streets. Afternoon tea at St. Ermin’s Hotel is served in the Tea Lounge on the first floor, and after you climb the elegant staircase, you are greeted by a traditional lounge complete with original Rococo plasterwork.

The hotels rooftop garden is specifically designed to attract bees with lush greenery and blooming flowers, providing an instant sense of calm and serenity.

Check out the St. Ermin Bees

One element that truly sets St Ermin’s Hotel apart is their dedication to sustainability and their efforts to support local ecosystems. The hotel cultivates its very own rooftop beehives, lovingly tended by skilled apiarists. These busy little bees play a vital role in pollinating the surrounding flora and are essential for the thriving garden.

As you enjoy pastries and scones served with locally sourced honey, it’s a sweet reminder that every bite supports the preservation of these incredible creatures. St Ermin’s Hotel not only contributes to the well-being of the local bee population but also educates guests on the importance of protecting these essential pollinators.

Afternoon Tea at St. Ermin’s Hotel Experience

Afternoon tea at St Ermin’s Hotel is pure elegance. You are pampered with an array of savory finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam, and an impressive selection of pastries and cakes. The pastries and treats are nothing short of spectacular. The hotel’s pastry chef takes immense pride in crafting a selection of delectable treats, blending traditional British recipes with innovative twists.

What makes these pastries truly exceptional is the touch of personalization that they offer. Guests are often surprised with the option to have their initials or a special message piped onto their desserts. This thoughtful gesture transforms an already delightful treat into a unique and unforgettable experience.

At the heart of any afternoon tea experience lies the tea itself, and St. Ermin’s Hotel takes this to an art form. Their tea menu boasts an impressive array of carefully curated blends from classic English Breakfast to exotic floral infusions. Each tea is served with a timer that is specifically timed to brew the tea you have chosen to perfection.

The hotel’s tea sommelier is on-hand to help guide guests through the process, elevating the whole afternoon tea experience. For those seeking an alternative, the option of coffee or hot chocolate to complement the menu is offered. Of course you can include a glass of champagne if you are feeling extra fancy!

As we enjoyed our final cup of tea and chatted about whether to put jam or clotted cream first on scones, we realized that afternoon tea at St. Ermin’s Hotel is more than just a delicious meal. It’s a unique experience, thanks to their dedication to sustainability, attentive waitstaff, and beautiful setting. You can book your own special Afternoon Tea here. 

There are many reasons to visit London with kids and if you only have a short time here is an itinerary for 48 hours in London.

*** This article is sponsored but all opinions are my own***