The Stafford London serves up a sumptuous treat
📍St James’s, London
A refined yet welcoming afternoon tea in a hidden corner of St James’s, where tradition meets playful patisserie…
Neighbourhood: Tucked away down a discreet cul-de-sac in historic St James’s, The Stafford feels like a secret whispered between old friends. Just moments from Green Park, yet worlds away from the city’s hum, it’s a quietly glamorous spot where heritage and hospitality have shared a postcode since 1912.
In a nutshell: Afternoon tea at The Stafford is served in The Game Bird, the hotel’s smart yet serene dining room where tradition is respected but not constrained. Led by Executive Chef Jozef Rogulski, the menu gives a nod to British favourites while embracing seasonal flourishes. It is an experience anchored in elegance with subtle innovation layered between the scones and soufflés.
Setting: A room of soft light and softer edges, The Game Bird is all plush, curved chairs, linen-draped tables, and the sort of service that knows when to appear and when to glide quietly away. Framed black-and-white portraits and buttery tones set the scene, while the gentle clink of silverware plays out like background music. It is stylish without ever feeling overly formal. Look out for the Picasso in the reception.
On the menu: The Stafford’s take on afternoon tea is indulgent yet poised. Savouries include dainty finger sandwiches such as Severn & Wye smoked salmon with dill cream cheese or Burford Brown egg brioche with watercress. The scones arrive still steaming, served with Cornish clotted cream and both strawberry preserves.
The patisserie tier is where the artistry truly shines: a velvety walnut and Frangelico chocolate macaron, a delicate tonka bean and strawberry choux with layers of yuzu and chocolate mousse, a playful vanilla and blueberry white mouse, and a tropical mango, passionfruit and coconut tart that tastes like summer on a plate. The tea selection is extensive, with rare blends alongside comforting classics. We sampled the Stafford English Breakfast Blend and the wonderfully smoky St James’s Blend. For those so inclined, a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne elevates the ritual further.
“An experience anchored in elegance with subtle innovation layered between the scones and soufflés”
The tea selection is extensive, with rare blends alongside comforting classics. We sampled the Stafford English Breakfast Blend and the wonderfully smoky St James’s Blend. For those so inclined, a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne elevates the ritual further.
Crowd: An elegant mix of well-heeled locals, hotel guests marking a special occasion, and in-the-know Londoners looking to press pause. The atmosphere is polished but welcoming—ideal for everything from solo indulgence to long-overdue catch-ups.
Family friendly? Absolutely. Children and babies are warmly welcomed, with high chairs available and a thoughtful Children’s Afternoon Tea menu designed just for little guests. Mini finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and playful patisserie like chocolate brownies and Victoria sponge make it a treat for younger palates. It is a lovely way to introduce them to afternoon tea —without losing the sense of occasion.
Neighbourhood note: Ask your waiter about the 17th-century wine cellar beneath the hotel—tours can sometimes be arranged, and it is one of London’s best-kept subterranean secrets. In warmer months, request a table on the tucked-away terrace for an al fresco take on tradition.
Book: from £70 per person for adults and £50 per person for children, thestaffordlondon.com.