Afternoon tea at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London

Whether you’re visiting London or live here you must, at least once, experience afternoon tea at five-star JW Marriott Grosvenor House. The experience was Highly Commended at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2018 in recognition of its superior Afternoon Tea service.

History

JW Marriott Grosvenor House occupies an immensely historic space in London. The land on which it stands dates back to 1665. The first building served as a home and was used by the government during the First World War as part of the War effort. The hotel was built on the site in 1927 and upon completion was the first in London to have a bathroom in every room. It was also the first in Europe to have running iced water in every washroom. In the 1930s Queen Elizabeth II would have ice skating lessons in The Great Room. During the Second World War years it served as the largest US officers’ mess. The swinging 60s saw a host of events as diverse as The Beatles to boxing matches take place on the premises. Thereafter, passing through the hands of no less than six owners Marriott International acquired the hotel in 2004.

Step over the threshold of JW Marriott Grosvenor House and you cannot fail to feel the history of what it has always been. It’s around you; in the smile of the doorman, the greeting from the concierge, cloaking you along the walkways and most definitely in the atmosphere of the magnificent Park Room. As with most things regal it neither screams nor shouts. It simply is. That is possibly the reason, as I later found out, that year after year the same families return to JW Marriott Grosvenor House to spend their summers here. Even with 400 rooms, and as clichéd as it may sound, the hotel has a feeling of home.

The Park Room

The Park Room, where afternoon tea is served, is a vast, elegant space that looks out to Hyde Park. As I walked through the grand lobby nothing prepared me for it. Floor to ceiling windows, a soft muted carpet and a larger-than-life display of fresh flowers make for an enchanting greeting. Softest shades of grey chairs accent against leafy green velvet ones all in an immaculate placement. On close inspection the shapes and colours on the carpet resemble fallen leaves on an autumn day. One of my favourite things starched linen, angular clear glass displays and mirrors behind the bar blended together seamlessly. Daylight infuses every corner of the room falling over you as you enter; such magic and I’d not even had a sip of tea yet.

Afternoon tea

There are five afternoon tea options at JW Marriott Grosvenor House. A Classic Tea selection from Newby (£47.50 per person) and Rare & Exclusive Tea selection from Newby (£50.50) per person, There are also three Champagne tea options: Champagne Afternoon tea with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut (£57.50 per person), Champagne Afternoon tea with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé (£59.50 per person) or Afternoon Tea with a glass of Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie (£57.50 per person). As this was a celebration of British elegance I opted for Nytimber Cuvee Chérie.

It is also possible to order cocktails with your afternoon tea. The cocktail menu is inspired by the Park Room’s proximity to Hyde Park. Infusions of natural botanicals and tea themed cocktails paired with gin and Champagne can be enjoyed as extras.

JW Marriott Grosvenor House’s afternoon tea begins with a candy floss-topped shot of orange and yellow vitamins. It’s fun and playful and the most incredible ice-breaker. From here the experience unfolds in a more traditional way.

Savoury

The savoury selection of sandwiches include cucumber with garden mint butter, smoked Oakham chicken with tarragon and crème fraîche, roast Aberdeen Angus beef with creamed horseradish, honey roast Yorkshire ham with Coleman’s English mustard and North Atlantic cold water prawn with classic Marie Rose sauce. Delicate open sandwiches include Foreman’s smoked Scottish salmon with cream cheese and Burford Brown Clarence Court egg with mayonnaise and chives.

Sweet

Plain and raisin buttermilk scones are served with clotted cream and no less than six preserves: strawberry, rose petal, rhubarb and ginger, gooseberry, raspberry and blackcurrant. Rose petal preserve was the standout star for me. It was divine.

The assortment of cakes and pastries included milk chocolate and honeycomb mousse, Kaffir lime and ginger éclair, citrus, raspberry and basil tart, lavender cake and rhubarb apple and custard delice. I had previously had the good fortune of tasting Executive Pastry Chef, Dale DeSimone’s lavender cake at JW Marriott Grosvenor House’s 90th anniversary celebration. It had remained etched in my memory ever since and I was thoroughly looking forward to my second experience of it; as delightful as I’d remembered it.

7th Duchess of Bedford

Afternoon tea is a rather civilised affair all round. Yet the relaxed and composed setting of the Park Room, the impeccable service and the wonderful tea and food makes this experience outstanding. No wonder it’s named after Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, who succumbed to pangs of hunger in the late afternoon by ordering tea, bread and cakes in her bedroom. I too followed in the Duchess’ footsteps and was willingly seduced by magnificent tea, bread and lavender cake.

Afternoon tea is served between 12.30pm and 6pm everyday. There is also a children’s afternoon tea at the cost of £25 per child. Booking is essential. For more information visit: www.parkroom.co.uk

JW Marriott Grosvenor House celebrates 90

Glitterati, celebrities and 650 guests gathered in Park Lane on 30th April to celebrate something very special. On a warm summer evening the grande dame of Mayfair, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, celebrated 90 years. Since its establishment, in 1929, JW Marriott Grosvenor House has been a place of intrigue in the capital. As a former residence of the Dukes of Westminster it’s where the longest reigning British monarch spent summer days as a child. The official dinner and after party for the BAFTAs have taken place here for 68 years. The Royal Caledonian and The Russian Debutante Balls are also both hosted here. So it’s no stranger to entertaining on a grand scale.

The celebration in April also marked the completion of a four year renovation of Grosvenor House. I stepped over the threshold of the Park Street entrance and stood astounded at the grandness of it all. The hotel’s forecourt had transformed into an ethereal summer dream that had been inspired by Hyde Park. A yellow rose frame complete with park bench and picnic basket was the backdrop. Well-heeled guests mingled freely as Champagne, of all shades of the setting sun, flowed freely. Between clinking of crystal flutes staff in starched white uniforms weaved in and out of the crowd. They carried silver platters of delights from the hotel’s four restaurants hand-picked by Executive Chef Paul Bates.

Inside, was an open house and guests glided from one room to the next. The splendid Park Room is now a palatial nod to the most famous park it overlooks; Hyde Park. The colours are muted, the carpet echoes fallen leaves in autumn and seasonal flowers dominate the eye line. It led to the lively and atmospheric JW Steakhouse which was rollicking good fun with doors wide open and live music. Prime USDA cuts and tasting options accompanied by drinks from its Bourbon Bar were served to a delighted crowd. Corrigan’s Mayfair’s oysters, Dickie’s Black Velvet cocktails and Ruya London’s Anatolian bites were sure fire crowd-pleasers. Sweet dessert plates of orange, basil and Dorset raspberry tart and lavender cake were sublime. Nyetimber Classic Cuvee and the hotel’s unique signature Yellow Rose Tea accompanied the refined menu.

Elmhurst Ballet School entertained with a thrilling pop-up and String Infusion and Super Spokes played timeless classical music. The evening culminated with a performance by the London Community Gospel Choir which I missed but had brought the house down.

General Manager Stuart Bowery added, “Throughout the 90 years of its legacy, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London has played a role, whether large or small, in the history of this beloved city. This year, following significant transformations, our iconic hotel begins an exciting new chapter. We look forward to welcoming our guests as we head into the next decade feeling inspired and fulfilled.“

We certainly wish JW Marriott another enduring 90 years on Park Lane.

For more information on JW Marriott Grosvenor House visit: www.marriott.co.uk/grosvenor-house-london/

 

The quiet grace of Sussex ends Champagne’s reign

South Place Hotel

Sparkling Winemaker of the Year

Cherie Spriggs, Chief winemaker at Nyetimber, won the coveted accolade of Sparkling Winemaker of the Year this month. It’s the first time the highly-regarded International Wine Challenge has awarded this honour to a winemaker outside of Champagne. Big deal? Of course it is. It’s David and Goliath except there’ll be no throwing of stones. This is a story of the quiet grace of Sussex ending Champagne’s reign.

Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell and Anne of Cleves

The 1000 year old Nyetimber estate is first named in the Domesday Book of 1086. Henry VIII, no less, obtained it through the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536. It was passed on to his minister Thomas Cromwell and then on to the King’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, as part of the annulment settlement of their unconsummated marriage.

The end of Champagne’s reign

Very few places in the world, outside Champagne, have the treasured conditions required for producing fine sparkling wine. Eric Heerema, present day owner and chief executive of Nyetimber,  recognised them in his estate and was convinced that English sparkling wine had a future. With the unparalleled expertise of Chief winemaker, Cherie Spriggs, the first batch of the holy trinity of grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, were planted in the chalky soils of West Sussex.

Today the vineyard produces four sparkling wines; Classic Cuvee, Demi-Sec, Rosé Multi-Vintage and Blanc de Blancs. With the refined elegance of its expertise, passion and pioneering approach Nytimber has gently won over the connoisseurs. Its sparkling wines continue to be awarded for their elegance and refinement and its undisputed supremacy sealed with the accolade bestowed upon Cherie Spriggs. 25 years in the making of a 1000 year old estate.

Nyetimber Terrace

It’s fitting then that Michelin-starred Angler Restaurant at South Place Hotel will celebrate the ascendancy of English sparkling wine. The roof terrace at the hotel has been transformed in to a celebration of English summer. From now until 16th September it will serve a special menu of Nyetimber sparkling wines exquisitely paired with light bites by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Gary Foulkes. It’s a stylish combination which adds more than a sparkle to London’s rooftops. Rabbit and chorizo rice balls, crispy Cornish squid and Giaraffa Sicilian olives can be ordered with Classic Cuvee, Demi-Sec MV, Rosé MV or Blanc de Blancs 2010. It’s a dignified, noble celebration of a product of England; the likes of which have never before been seen in the history of winemaking. A shattered glass ceiling has never looked so good.

 

South Place Hotel is located at 3 South Place London EC2M 2AF. For more information visit: www.southplacehotel.com

 

 

 

South Place Hotel celebrates Nyetimber

South Place Hotel

Sparkling Winemaker of the Year

Cherie Spriggs, Chief winemaker at Nyetimber, won the coveted accolade of Sparkling Winemaker of the Year this month. It’s the first time the highly-regarded International Wine Challenge has awarded this honour to a winemaker outside of the Champagne region in France. Big deal? It is in so much as its a wonderful acknowledgement of English wines and expertise. South Place Hotel has chosen to celebrate this honour on its roof terrace where you can enjoy Nyetimber whilst overlooking London.

Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell and Anne of Cleves

The 1000 year old Nyetimber estate is first named in the Domesday Book of 1086. Henry VIII, no less, obtained it through the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536. It was passed on to his minister Thomas Cromwell and then on to the King’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, as part of the annulment settlement of their unconsummated marriage.

The end of a reign

Very few places in the world, outside Champagne, have the treasured conditions required for producing fine sparkling wine. Eric Heerema, present day owner and chief executive of Nyetimber,  recognised them in his estate and was convinced that English sparkling wine had a future. With the expertise of Chief Winemaker, Cherie Spriggs, the first batch of the holy trinity of grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, were planted in the chalky soils of West Sussex.

Today the vineyard produces four sparkling wines: Classic Cuvee, Demi-Sec, Rosé Multi-Vintage and Blanc de Blancs. With its expertise, passion and pioneering approach Nyetimber has gently won over the connoisseurs. Its wines continue to be awarded and its supremacy was sealed with the accolade bestowed upon Cherie Spriggs; 25 years in the making of a 1000 year old estate.

Nyetimber Terrace

It’s fitting then that Michelin-starred Angler Restaurant at South Place Hotel will celebrate the ascendancy of English sparkling wine. The roof terrace at the hotel has been transformed in to a celebration of summer. From now until 16th September it will serve a special menu of Nyetimber sparkling wines exquisitely paired with light bites by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Gary Foulkes. It’s a stylish combination which adds more than a sparkle to London’s rooftops.

Rabbit and chorizo rice balls, crispy Cornish squid and Giaraffa Sicilian olives can be ordered with Classic Cuvee, Demi-Sec MV, Rosé MV or Blanc de Blancs 2010. It’s a dignified, noble celebration of a product of England; the likes of which have never before been seen in the history of winemaking. A shattered glass ceiling has never looked so good.

South Place Hotel is located at 3 South Place London EC2M 2AF. For more information visit: www.southplacehotel.com