Afternoon Tea at The St. James Tearoom: A Royal Celebration This May
The St. James Tearoom offers a structured, elegant take on Afternoon Tea, combining classic service with a themed dining experience. Their May menu, A Royal Celebration, pays tribute to the British royal family through carefully curated courses and an atmosphere that echoes tradition and refinement.
A Multi-Course Afternoon Tea Experience
Unlike many venues that serve all items at once, The St. James Tearoom presents Afternoon Tea in three distinct courses. This thoughtful pacing gives guests time to enjoy the flavours, presentation, and conversation at a more relaxed pace. Each course is paired with specific loose-leaf teas from their extensive collection, with additional options available throughout the experience.
The first course focuses on savouries, such as cucumber and chive cream cheese on rye, a sausage roll with apricot mustard glaze, and smoked trout crostini. Each bite is precisely prepared, highlighting seasonal and high-quality ingredients.
The second course offers freshly baked scones served with traditional accompaniments like clotted cream, lemon curd, and raspberry jam. These are paired with fruit and nut breads, bringing warmth and familiarity to the table.
The final course is dedicated to sweets, with items like blackberry jam tarts, sticky toffee truffles, and orange blossom petit fours. Presentation is a key feature throughout, with the tiered trays and fine china enhancing the ceremonial feel of the meal.
Perfect for Special Occasions and Thoughtful Gatherings
This Afternoon Tea is particularly suited to adults and older children who appreciate a slower, more intentional dining pace. It’s an ideal option for birthdays, anniversaries, or catching up with friends in a setting that values conversation and hospitality. Guests are encouraged to dress smartly, which aligns with the tearoom’s classic ambience.
Private rooms are available for group bookings, and larger parties are welcome with prior reservation. While not tailored to young children or casual café visitors, it’s an excellent fit for those seeking something considered and well-presented.
Thoughtfully Curated Teas
A key highlight of The St. James Tearoom is its dedication to tea. Each menu is developed around pairings that complement the food, and the staff are trained to guide guests in making selections. Loose-leaf blends are brewed and served with attention to detail, and tea refills are available throughout the visit.
For those who want to recreate the experience at home, the in-house shop sells many of the teas and accessories used in the tearoom.
A Venue Built on Tradition
The setting is designed to create a peaceful, private atmosphere. Seating areas are divided into small nooks or curtained spaces, giving each party a sense of separation and calm. Decor draws on Edwardian influences with dark wood, bookshelves, and subtle lighting, avoiding anything overly themed or commercial.
Visit in May for a Themed Experience
Each month, The St. James Tearoom offers a unique theme, and May’s Royal Celebration adds an extra layer of charm. For those looking to try Afternoon Tea in a more ceremonial format, this venue offers a structured, immersive experience from start to finish.
Address :
Osuna Road NE, Suite D, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87107, USA.
Opening Hours :
Tuesday
11:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Wednesday to Saturday
11:00 AM- 6:30 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Reviews
The St. James Tearoom offers a delightful escape with its themed nooks and impeccable service. Each visit feels like stepping into a different era.
An absolutely great time with wonderful food. The Sherlock Holmes themed meal was a unique touch that our family thoroughly enjoyed.
The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with beautifully decorated nooks that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The service was fantastic. We love the quiet private space to catch up with old friends.
The food is five-star caliber, and the teas are sumptuous, loose-leaf blends, carefully selected to complement the month's menu.
The Palm Court
Celebrate the holiday season with a luxurious Festive Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court, blending British tradition with seasonal flavours in a glamorous Art Deco setting. Enjoy savoury treats like roast turkey & cranberry brioche and egg & truffle sandwiches, alongside warm cranberry scones and Christmas-inspired pastries such as gingerbread choux and mulled wine macarons.
Pair with festive teas or Champagne upgrades. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus available. A magical Christmas afternoon tea experience in Mayfair’s iconic setting.
The Beaumont
Set in The Gatsby’s Room, The Beaumont Hotel’s Afternoon Tea offers classic British elegance with Art Deco charm. Guests enjoy smoked salmon on rye, truffle egg mayonnaise on brioche, and warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade preserves. The patisserie selection includes dark chocolate tart, lemon drizzle sponge, and vanilla & passionfruit macaron.
An expertly sourced tea selection complements the menu, with Champagne options available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus are also offered. A refined and intimate Mayfair experience, perfect for special occasions. Advance booking recommended.
Rhosyn Restaurant, Penally Abbey
Penally Abbey’s Rhosyn Restaurant offers a refined afternoon tea experience with views over the Pembrokeshire coast. Served Wednesday to Sunday, the menu includes finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, pastries, and scones with clotted cream and jam. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with 24 hours’ notice. Priced at £32 per person, bookings are required in advance. Guests dine in a light-filled space overlooking the gardens. Enquiries can be made via phone or the Penally Abbey website.
Grill On The Square
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Grill on the Square in Warrington, served Monday to Saturday for £24.95. Includes sandwiches, pastries, sweet treats, and scones with tea or coffee. Vegetarian options available. Or upgrade to Bottomless Prosecco Saturdays for £35. Perfect for social gatherings or family outings.
Prestonfield House
Set in Edinburgh’s scenic parkland, Prestonfield House offers a luxurious afternoon tea blending Scottish heritage with elegance. Served in opulent dining rooms or on the terrace with garden views, guests enjoy Scottish-inspired delicacies, including smoked salmon on rye, roast beef with horseradish, and warm scones with clotted cream and preserves.
Indulge in raspberry & whisky chocolate tart, cranachan mousse, and heather honey lemon drizzle cake, paired with handpicked teas, Champagne, or premium Scotch whiskies. A refined retreat in Edinburgh, perfect for special occasions. Advance booking recommended.
Jean-Georges at The Connaught
Jean-Georges at The Connaught offers a creative spin on tradition, blending classic British flavours with South East-Asian influences. Enjoy finger sandwiches like tandoori turkey and mint cucumber, followed by warm scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam. Finish with refined cakes, paired with exotic teas or champagne. Set in an art-filled Mayfair dining room, it’s ideal for those after something elegant yet unexpected. Served daily at 2:30pm and 4:30pm. Advance booking is essential.
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