If it’s good enough for Dita Von Teese, is it good enough for The Wordrobe? We take St James Hotel & Club’s wellness breakfast for a taste drive
Executive Chef William Drabble, of Michelin-starred Seven Park Place isn’t about fad diets or food crazes. Instead, he believes in eating for wellness rather than depriving your body of delicious food – so much so that he devised an energy-packed smoothie first served to Dita von Teese whilst she stayed at the hotel during a hectic few days.
Now, all guests can try the very same smoothie and more with exciting breakfast menu and entire wellness hotel package. Always on the lookout for new breakfast spots, I pay a visit to St James Hotel and Club on a gorgeously sunny Saturday morning to try it for myself. The venue itself is ideal for a quintessentially British dining spot – think elegant, traditional and fairly cosy.
The cool art work framing the walls provides a sophisticated feel, and staff are friendly without being overbearing. After a short wait, our meal arrives. Arranged on the plate with four divided sections, me and my dining companion waste don’t waste a second before we grab our cutlery to dig in to the aesthetically pleasing tray of nutritious goodies.
The food
I start with the cottage cheese pancakes smoked salmon and avocado. Miniature in size, it’s satisfying from first bite – with the perfect mix of contrasting textures and fresh flavour. Most importantly, it doesn’t scream dull ‘health food’ when you bite into it.
Next, we try the quinoa crumpets with baked banana and coconut yoghurt. The creamy yoghurt lingers on the tongue and it makes for an indulgently rich mouthful – the caramel-like sauce is especially good.
The juice however isn’t quite as impressive, and whilst it boasts a vibrant shade of jungle green, is slightly bland in flavour and could do with an added fruity kick. Finally. we finish with the delicate porridge oats glass. Topped with a scattering of fresh berries and nuts, it’s my favourite of the edible quartet – and is surprisingly filling despite its dainty size.
The verdict
Break away from your usual brunch spots and nip into St James Hotel and Club for a healthy breakfast in elegant surroundings. Revitalisingly tasty, with plenty of pretty and creative touches – it might just be our favourite new way to start the day.
Make it happen
Price: The full wellness breakfast (three dishes and a green smoothie) is priced at £27 per person and wellness dishes also feature on the à la carte menu. The Wellness On The Move package starts from £595 (includes overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, wellness breakfast for two people and 90 minute Connock body treatment for one person)
Where: 7-8 Park Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1LS
Bookings: Phone 020 7316 1600 to make a reservation
