The Stafford London is a real hidden gem, located a few minutes from Green Park in the heart of St James. Housed in an imposing red brick building, it’s got a fascinating history.
This historical building was built as private residences in the 17th century, later becoming a hotel. The Stafford wine cellars were used as a shelter during World War II.
Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea at The Stafford Hotel
The Stafford Hotel has a great Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea, which we recently experienced.
Crossing the threshold of the elegant building, we initially took our seats in the Lyttleton Lounge, where afternoon tea is generally served. However, the Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea is actually served in the American Bar so we swiftly decamped!
The hotel also has a tranquil traffic-free courtyard, great for outdoor dining or drinks. We were sorely tempted to take our afternoon tea there, but it was a little too chilly that day.
The American Bar at The Stafford Hotel
If you haven’t visited the American Bar yet, we really recommend that you do. It’s unique in that customers have contributed to the decor.
The collection started when an American guest gave a carved eagle to Charles Guano, Head Barman for 42 years. It has grown ever since and now the ceiling and walls are covered with baseball caps, club ties and sporting mementoes.
Many of the famous customers gifted a signed photo to Charles, including Dolly Parton, Michael Caine and Paul Newman.
Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea
On the menu, was a tempting selection of savouries, a trio of desserts and a flight of drinks of our choice.
Mr Luxe aka Paul: I was looking forward to something different than the usual afternoon tea and when Suze suggested a Gentleman’s tea I was interested in seeing how this would work out. Instead of a draft beer I started with a pot of Earl Grey with some Sliders to follow.
Suze: I tend to get hungry rather quickly after traditional afternoon teas, so was excited to try one where the main ingredients were savoury. I wimped out of the pint of draft beer, though it sounded appetizing, and started with a pot of green tea.
Paul: My favourite of the first three sliders was the ham & cheese grilled croque monsieur. This came with a bechamel filling, a perfect blend of savoury creaminess and umami. Together with capers, it was a fine start to the gentleman’s tea.
Suze: I loved the presentation on a wooden board, and being a cheese fiend, I was in heaven. It was hard to decide which was best, the succulent Wagyu beef mini-burger, the croque monsieur or the whisky rarebit. I think the latter had a slight edge but it’s a tough call.
Suze: Next up was an appetizing array of savouries – baby spinach quiches, Cumberland pithviers, smoked salmon sandwiches with dill and creme fraiche on brown bread and slow cooked sirloin with horseradish mayonnaise on ciabatta bread. All were excellent, and the quality of the meat was fantastic. By now I was feeling nicely full!
Paul: Proper man-sized smoked salmon sandwiches make a change from traditional dainty style sandwiches which leave you hungry a few hours later. Together with slow cooked sirloin rare beef on ciabatta bread, it kept getting better.
Paul: After the two sections of Sliders and sandwiches a dessert board of alcohol flavoured sweet treats! The Rum brulée had a good kick to it and the red berries cheesecake a mix of biscuit base, creamy red fruit cheesecake and topped with strawberries infused with kirsch. The chocolate fondant was one of the best I’ve tasted and had the proper oozing chocolate when cut.
Suze: We finished the tea with a wonderful trio of desserts Рrum brul̩e, chocolate fondant and red berries cheesecake.
Paul: Next came the Whisky flight for me starting with a Talisker 10 year old Isle of Skye single malt. This had a spicy taste with fresh, tangy peat.
The Springbank 10 Year Old Scotch Whisky is blended from a mixture of bourbon and sherry casks. This had a light colour but was full of flavour with a salty taste.
The Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood single malt scotch had a sweet, warming flavour and had a gentle spice and peatiness. A great finish to a wonderful afternoon and one to come back again.
Suze: I chose the gin and tonic flight, with Mayfair Gin, Berkeley Square Gin and Oxley Gin. The Mayfair Gin was flavoured with lemon, which was wonderfully refreshing, whilst the Oxley Gin was flavoured with a sprig of rosemary.
I think the Berkeley Square Gin with grapefruit was my favourite but I had to keep trying them all as they were so delicious and a brilliant low calorie drink option.
St James is a really special area of London, you may find yourself in conversation with an eccentric stranger and gentlemen still open restaurant doors for ladies! A few minutes from The Stafford, you’ll find St James’s Palace, the official residence of the sovereign and the most senior royal residence in the United Kingdom.
Although it’s no longer the principal residence of the monarch, it’s still used for official receptions.
In the area, take time to visit some of the fascinating shops like Berry Brothers and Rudd, the wine merchant and Lock & Co Hatters.
Paul: I recommend this afternoon tea for:
– Celebrating a successful business deal
– Male bonding session
– Gin and tonic or whisky connoisseurs
Suze: I recommend this afternoon tea for:
– Visitors from abroad
– First dates – the bar is a great talking point
– Those who prefer a savoury tea
The Stafford London, 16-18 St. James’s Place, London, SW1A 1NJ
Read next: The Best Types of Tea
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The mini burgers were fantastic, first time I have had those at an afternoon tea!
I’ll tell Mr Luxe that he has your seal of approval, I think he quite enjoyed writing it! What about roping Henry in for some of yours?
You are absolutely right it really is a hidden gem, I love the interior and you both look like you had a wonderful relaxing meal. The mini burgers are sweet Lucy x
The Wagyu beef was delicious, highly recommend the burgers!
The whiskies were really good, and I’m glad you liked the two opinions! Thanks for stopping by
There was a lot of food, so nice to come out of an afternoon tea and not need to eat anything else for the rest of the day!
Thanks Angie, we had fun putting it together!
The quirky bar is quite a surprise in such a discreet hotel!
I can see his point, normal sandwiches can be a little too dainty so sounds like he’d love this!
I’d definitely recommend it, very under the radar!
It certainly has the wow factor, and I loved the food
Think you would love it Melanie!
Loved this style of post, with commentary from Mr Luxe! I love The Stafford as a setting, and wow that food looks amazing. Too good to be reserved just for the gentlemen amongst us I think!
Polly xx
Follow Your Sunshine
That Wagyu beef definitely had me Suze! And how cute that Mr. Luxe also gets to contribute his 2 cents! 🙂 I can imagine this being a great spot to take a friend visiting from the States x
Whilst we were there, a few customers visiting from the States came in and were saying about where they used to sit – people have a real affection for this place
Wow that place looks amazing and the food is so good! Like always nice post, thanks for sharing!
xx
cvetybaby.com
Thanks Cvetina, glad you enjoyed it
This sounds amazing! I usually find finger sandwiches in afternoon tea a bit dull but love the idea of sliders, Croques and the Whisky Rarebit.
It’s great that they have been so innovative and also done something for guys who have been a bit neglected up to now!
I love the look of those sliders, as well as the American Bar! Gentleman or not, this tea appeals to me … 😀
The sliders fit really well with the fact that it’s the American Bar – and the G&T washed them down perfectly!
I am loving the co-commentary from you and Mr. Luxe. So many new concepts in this post, a Gentleman’s tea and gin and tonic flight! I must tell the family, they love the American bar and I am sure would be only too delighted with this new development 🙂
Ash | Liakada Travel
I may well rope in Mr Luxe for more co-commentaries when he can spare the time! I’m seriously considering switching from wine to G&Ts, they’re so refreshing and best of all low in calories
This looks quite a substantial afternoon tea and great value too – the American Bar is beautifully quirky and the perfect venue for a Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea!
It is great value considering that we didn’t need to eat anything else all day!
This might be one afternoon tea that I can actually get my husband to sample!
I’m sure he’d love it, think they are on to a winner
Thanks Katherine, hope you’re having a good break
I’m glad that you liked it, thanks for stopping by
OMG the food looks so tasty!! I’m really hungry now!
http://fashionwalkinbrussels.blogspot.com/
Thanks, making me hungry too seeing the photos again!
Loving these shots- and gorgeous architecture!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thanks Ashley, the architecture is very impressive at The Stafford
I am such a fan of regular afternoon tea–and while I’ve never heard of a gentleman’s one before, I think the idea is brilliant! It seems savory and filling enough not to leave you hungry afterwards!
Exactly, that’s what I loved about it plus it feels guilt free 😉
This is my absolute favourite hotel. I am so happy you enjoyed it- The Stafford truly is a hidden gem!
It certainly is, Domenica and such great service
Never mind the gentlemen Suze, that is my kind of afternoon tea! Love the look of it!
Karen
Same here, I’ve got more of a savoury than sweet tooth!
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