As you already know from my recent Burger and Prosecco Afternoon Tea post, I’m on the hunt for the most fun afternoon teas in London! I’m so fed up with the same old boring ones, and well, I’ve found another goodun for you all. The ‘Candy’ afternoon tea at Emeline’s Lounge inside Conrad St James, is so freaking delicious. And perfect for any of you who, like me, have a very sweet tooth.
I took my Dad with me as a treat – he’s a bit of an afternoon tea lover but doesn’t get to have it very often. We’d spent the morning playing tourist in our own city with my mum and brother exploring St Paul’s Cathedral (and saw the most incredible views over London from the top of the dome!), and got the tube over to St James’ for our afternoon of tea, champagne, and yummy candy!
The Conrad is located in the St James’ area just round the corner from Victoria. I’d never been to The Conrad before, so was looking forward to seeing what it was like. It felt very much like a contemporary business hotel – very slick and chic. The lounge where the afternoon tea is usually held was closed temporarily as they had just laid down a new carpet and given it a refresh, so we were seated in the bar area just outside the Emeline Lounge.
This area was quite dark, and it felt a little strange to have afternoon tea there. As we were there on a Monday it was super quiet, with just one small group near us, which I don’t think helped with the atmosphere.
Luckily our waiter, Ian, was absolutely brilliant and made us feel right at home. Tea-wise I went for a fantastic fresh lemon and ginger, while Dad tried the Vanilla. Champagne-wise it was Mumm, one of my favourites!
Soon the food arrived, and we tucked in to the pesto chicken & tomato cones, candied beetroot & goats cheese tart, and chicken parfait brioche. Out of this selection my fave was definitely the chicken parfait brioche, while Dad loved the pesto chicken & tomato cones!
Next up was sandwiches. From this selection I adored the avocado, roasted red peppers, herb butter & garden cress sandwich on tomato bread, and Dad really enjoyed the rare roast beef & wholegrain mustard mayonnaise. I don’t eat salmon, and Dad wasn’t so keen on the creme fraiche that was in the salmon sandwich.
The scones were super small, which was perfect for me as I’m really not a huge scone fan, and I really loved the lemon curd. Although I enjoyed the interesting ‘Candied Pineapple’ and ‘Sugar and Spice’ flavours, Dad wasn’t keen on either and really just wanted a plain scone, so it was a shame they didn’t include a plain ole scone or two for those who may not be keen on super sweet flavoured ones.
Finally it was time for the desserts! Dad and I both really loved how they were all super light, and weren’t so sickly sweet that they made you feel ill. I can’t stand afternoon teas that make you feel ‘blergh’ afterwards, so it was so nice to leave feeling comfortably full rather than sickly full. All of the desserts were delicious, but my fave was hands down the peppermint and chocolate cheesecake! Others we had included; Strawberry & cream panna cotta with bubblegum macaron, lemon sherbert meringue pie, and a blue raspberry mousse & orange pate de fruit.
I was amazed at how innovative and unique the little treats were, and yep, the macaron actually tasted of bubblegum! It was amazing!
After our afternoon tea we were allowed to have a peek into the Emeline Lounge where the tea is usually held. It was so lovely, with bright fresh colours and the perfect amount of natural lighting.
Overall Dad and I were super impressed with the quality of the food and the flavours in each part, however for £39 for the non-champagne tea, we do think they should offer extra sandwiches like a lot of the other luxury hotel afternoon teas do as you only get three each (sometimes it’s nice just to have a couple of extra sandwiches), and plain scones alongside the sweet ‘candy’ ones. If you’re after a more fun afternoon tea I’d definitely recommend the Conrad Candy Shop one at the Conrad St James!
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*Our afternoon tea was complimentary, but as always views are my own.
Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of Content Marketing at Amazon by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.
I'm going next week, I'm taking my nephew. Very excited after reading your post.
Those desserts look so cute! I love afternoon tea!
OMG this looks like my dream afternoon tea! All the pastels!!!
Isn't it gorgeous!? I loved it so much! x
Eek have the best time! I bet your nephew will love it!! x
This looks so nice and divine! I love the look of those chicken pesto cones! So so preeeetty!
All I could hear while reading this was "I'll take you to the Candy Shop…da da da dada"!
BRB gonna go out and buy some sweets. x
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This looks so freaking fun! In NYC, we don't really have afternoon teas…although there are some shops that do it as a sort of fun ~kitschy thing. I really need to go to one, if only for the reason that they're so damn picturesque!
michenn
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I've been to the Emmeline lounge a few times for afternoon tea, it's great when they have the harpist playing
Bubblegum flavoured macarons? OMG, that sounds like it was meant for me x
Oooft this looks BEAUT! I could do with that frosty glass of champagne right now. What a lovely afternoon with yous pops! Immy x
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It was so lovely!! x
They were AMAZING! x
Ahh I'd love to go back and experience the Emmeline lounge properly! x
Aw, you need to come to London haha! x