The Sofitel in St James immediately evokes happy memories of Paris, it is a very sophisticated and stylish hotel. Although part of a huge chain, this branch has its own character and atmosphere, with immaculate tasteful decor and an understated sense of luxury.
To celebrate the current On-Set Off-Set Cinema Photography exhibition in association with Polka Galerie, a group of bloggers were invited to indulge for the afternoon and appreciate the photographs.
Arriving at 2pm we were directed through the opulent reception to the spacious SO spa where we chatted away and tried fruity cocktails. In turn we were treated to gorgeous mini manicures at the spa choosing our shades from the selection of lovely rich OPI colours. I chose a summery shade of coral.
The "pretty in pink" tearoom is an idyllic setting, with a musician playing gently on a harp and the iconic portrait photographs watching down from the walls. It was a glorious place to spend the afternoon sipping tea! Appropriately named the Rose Lounge, it is themed with girly features, and has an 'Alice in Wonderland' vibe. At the Sofitel 'Tea en Rose' is served daily between 2.30 and 5.30pm offering a selection of French inspired treats: finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a variety of unique tea choices. For further luxury there are Parisiennes Pastries and Rose and Litchi Champagne cocktails on offer. I thought the scones were particularly good, arriving warm straight from the oven. I also loved my whole rose bud tea, light and sweet-edged, perfumed subtly with rose.
We were so preoccupied with the delicious food, I didn't spend as long as I would have liked perusing the striking photos on display. Celebrating cinema in Europe, these photographs by Stefano De Luigi, Derek Hudson, Alain Loison and Emanuele Scorcelletti capture famous faces from Woody Allen to Johnny Depp, Jane Birkin to Penelope Cruz; moments caught on camera of the young and beautiful.
The Cinema exhibition finishes at the Sofitel St James at the end of May but I would highly recommend visiting either the So Spa or Rose Tea Room for a very memorable afternoon at this sensational hotel.
Visit the Sofitel website here for more information. More information on the photo exhibition here.
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