REVIEWS OF HOTEL EXECUTIVE CLUB LOUNGES, KIDS CLUBS AND MORE.
Nestled in the refined elegance of the Conrad London St James hotel, the Orchard Room unfolds as a canvas of luxury, beckoning families to partake in an afternoon tea experience that transcends the ordinary. Our family of four—a tapestry of varying ages and tastes—found ourselves ensconced within this modern sanctuary, where an exquisite gastronomic ballet awaited us.
Upon entry, the room presented itself as a masterclass in contemporary opulence. Soft lighting accentuated the sumptuous hues of the meticulously placed decor, while the eye was inevitably drawn to the resplendent floral display that seemed to capture the essence of an eternal English spring. Lush armchairs, decked in soothing pinks and blues, offered a promise of comfort as we nestled atop the luxurious pink carpet that stretched beneath the array of inviting tables.
As a harmonious serenade of gentle music graced our ears, we were greeted with the attentive care of the Orchard Room’s staff. Their warmth set the stage for the afternoon’s centrepiece—INFINItea—an unlimited experience that reimagines the art of afternoon tea. Here, indulgence knows no bounds, from an array of delicate scones and intricately layered pastries to endless savoury delights, all complemented by the effervescent charm of Champagne Bollinger for those inclined towards a bubbly treat.
The tea selection was an anthology of the world’s finest leaves, with a compendium that ranged from the robust and full-bodied blends of black teas to the subtle and fragrant nuances of white and green teas. Oolong teas sat proudly beside soothing herbal infusions, each with a story to tell. Not to be overshadowed, the coffee offerings promised a journey from the lively kick of espresso to the mellow comfort of a flat white.
As we sipped on our chosen brews—the robust, citrus-kissed Rooibos and the velvety Lemon Verbena herbal tea—our children declared their hot chocolates to be unparalleled, a testament to the Orchard Room's commitment to quality across all ages and preferences.
But it was the parade of finger sandwiches that heralded the commencement of our culinary odyssey. A quintet of British-inspired creations graced our table: the crisp freshness of apple, cucumber, and mint with a tangy cream cheese; the earthy decadence of truffle and egg bound by a velvety celery mayonnaise; the creamy melt of Tunworth cheese juxtaposed against the sweetness of fig jam; the rich, savoury depth of Lake District roast beef with the zesty bite of horseradish; and the tender succulence of Sutton Hoo chicken, enlivened with sage and a dollop of yoghurt mustard.
The sweet chapter of our afternoon unfolded with an ensemble of pastries that were nothing short of edible art. A Bramley apple cake whispered stories of Devonshire orchards; a devil’s own dark chocolate sponge cake led a dance with beetroot and cherry mousse; a dandelion honey and cobnut délice spoke of meadows and woodlands; and a rhubarb custard tart sang of springtime harvests.
For myself, an array of vegan options were offered with the same flourish, ensuring that dietary preferences were not just accommodated but celebrated with creativity and flair. The staff, attentive to our every need, curated custom sandwiches to delight our discerning young ones, ensuring that each bite was met with smiles and eager anticipation for the next.
Our culinary voyage continued as we dove into the world of scones—each variety more enticing than the last. From the classic comfort of Jersey butter scones to the inventive charm of dark chocolate stracciatella and blueberry lemon scones, every morsel was an invitation to indulge further. As a vegan, I was presented with my own selection of scones, proving that inclusivity was at the heart of the Orchard Room's ethos.
As the clock marked the passage of two indulgent hours, we found ourselves in a sweet dilemma—sated, yet reluctant to part from this bastion of indulgence. The INFINItea experience had woven its magic, leaving us in a state of contented repose, our palates painted with the broad strokes of exquisite flavours and our hearts warmed by the impeccable service.
For those seeking more than just a meal, but a memory to be treasured, an afternoon at the Orchard Room is an essential London experience. As our family can attest, it is an adventure in gastronomy and luxury that children and adults alike will remember fondly.
The Conrad London St James' Orchard Room is more than just a venue for afternoon tea—it's a tapestry of experiences, woven with threads of culinary mastery, impeccable service, and an ambiance that whispers of both comfort and elegance. It is an oasis in the bustle of the city, a place where every detail contributes to an afternoon of indulgence and delight. It's a journey worth taking, a chapter worth adding to the story of your travels. Whether for a special occasion or simply to treat oneself to the finer things in life, the Orchard Room at Conrad London St James is a destination that promises—and delivers—a perfect afternoon tea experience. It is definitely a must for the ultimate family afternoon tea experience in London.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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