Though it’s been 12 years since I moved to London, I’ll always be a tourist in this city. Last night as a wonderful Christmas treat I had myself a little spontaneous stay-cation.
The Sofitel London St James is one of the most well located luxury hotels in London, with most of our capital’s major landmarks within walking distance and on-the-doorstep public transport links should you need to venture further than foot.
I knew I wanted to be ‘in the thick of things’ for my festive folly and for me, there was no better place stay at this time of year than The Sofitel London St James. With the famous Regent, Bond and Oxford street all minutes away, I set up the afternoon to focus on my Christmas shopping and then enjoyed a sunset stroll to Buckingham Palace and across the millennium bridge.Â
The hotel’s entrance is historically dramatic with pillared windows and a top hat welcome, it’s the kind of building you picture when thinking about a quintessential London Hotel and the classic interiors match the glamour of the external architecture.
We stayed in a one of the Luxury Rooms which was sizable for a central city stay with trendy art pieces and deep rich fabrics. There’s an understated elegance and a nod to the 1920’s with the abstract wallpaper and checkered bathroom tiles. The bed is huge and as plush as they come with a mounted TV directly in front. The general layout allows for that perfect ‘away from home’ comfort. In the bathroom Hermes toiletries and fluffy white towels remind you of that famed Sofitel extravagance and you need only leave the room for five minutes should you wish for it to be made-up on your return. Â
Along with our bed and breakfast stay (noted we took that invite rather literally by having breakfast IN the bed ;)) we also dined in the wonderful on-site restaurant, Wild Honey.
Dressed up in my Christmas sparkles and mandatory Choos, simply nipping downstairs for a fine dining experience was quite the treat!
Through our room experience I had expected the restaurant to also be wonderful but my expectations were exceeded when it came to Wild Honey. The decor and the food were both very much to my liking! In-keeping with the Art Deco design of the rooms, the restaurant also featured stylishly chic furniture and incredibly impressive light fixtures and chandeliers. The entire room is a stand alone piece of art.
We were seated in one of the velvet booths and greeted with an assertive warmth from our waiter who immediately offered for us to try the Wild Honey Signature cocktail. The aperitif contains a special vermouth that is strictly unique to the St James Bar, it was fabulously smooth and packed quite the palette cleansing punch before our meal 😉
I opted for the vegetarian options of burrata to start and roasted aubergine for my main and whilst I thoroughly enjoyed both, the burrata will be the dish I’ll sing the praises of for the foreseeable future, it was divine! Hands down the best burrata dish I’ve ever had and the main pull for me to return to Sofitel London soemtime soon!
The restaurant is casual but with the service and decor it alludes the same sophistication of the main hotel building and bar. I would recommend Wild Honey for a great dining experience even if you weren’t staying at the hotel.
We were, however, beyond lucky enough to retire straight back to our room!
Sabrina x
