We were not disappointed .
There were the moorish finger sandwiches ; ham , cheese and fig relish , salmon and cream cheese , and roast chicken with fresh mayonnaise ; and of course the main event , and tell of a good afternoon tea , the scones .
They . Were . Incredible !
Quite probably the best scones I have had the pleasure of devouring . Warm from the oven , just the right level of crumbliness , with a delicate sweetness , they were simply divine . And that ’ s not forgetting the sweet treats ; custard tart , chocolate and banana ganache , carrot cake , and blackcurrant mousse completed the afternoon ’ s delights . Whilst the Champagne option is classic , at DUKES you can also experience a more unique pairing – MarTEAni , where house martinis are infused with signature tea blends for a tastebud tingling nuance !
Fortunately we had an afternoon of sightseeing and walking to rebuild our appetite ready for dinner . But first we simply had to visit the bar …
The iconic DUKES Bar is where London ’ s gentlemen ' s club meets New York speakeasy , with acclaimed martinis served by a white-coated , worldclass bartending team . Quoted by the New York Times as ‘ one of the world ’ s best ’, DUKES Bar
martinis , developed by Alessandro Palazzi , are legendary ( and lethal !). Taking a corner seat in the intimate and internationally renowned bar , a favourite of Ian Fleming , my guest watched in awe as the original 1908 trolley was wheeled tableside for his signature DUKES Vesper ( No . 3 Gin , Potocki vodka , Angostura bitters , Sacred DUKES exclusive Amber Vermouth , orange zest ), was mixed with spirits frozen at -20 º C , shaken not stirred of course , and served to perfection . A true not-to-bemissed experience .
Aperitifs supped and it was time for dinner . Whilst the legendary Great British Restaurant ( GBR ) has been closed throughout the pandemic ( it has to be top of the must-dos on reopening !), the team have worked tirelessly to offer a relaxed , traditional all day dining menu in the Drawing Room .
From the classically British menu , my guest opted for the seasonal soup , whilst I chose the classic caesar salad ; a huge dish of perfectly roasted chicken breast on the bone , boiled egg , crisp leaves , sharp dressing , shaving of grana padano , and charred sourdough slices was an exemplary start .
Whilst tempted by the classic fish and chips and DUKES burger for our main course , we were ultimately swayed , and then delighted by , the perfectly seared rib-eye steaks ; one with divine triple cooked chips , the other crisp , salty , skinny fries with a side of rocket and parmesan ; both promptly devoured .
The calling of the bittersweet dark chocolate brownie with clotted cream led to the compromise to share
dessert , such was the generous portion size of our preceding courses , proving an indulgent way to finish off our relaxed yet refined meal .
And that is how I would sum up our whole experience , relaxed yet refined .
Classic , simple dishes , yet perfectly executed using the best ingredients . A dining space that feels like home , yet is elegantly set . A relaxed and cosy bedroom that is comfortable , yet the epitome of understated luxury . A service that is friendly , yet totally , seamlessly professional .
It ’ s easy to see why a-listers and royalty flock here still , and why DUKES is proud , and rightly justified , of its claim that you will arrive as a guest and leave as an old friend . They and you will come , not just for ultimate privacy and home comforts , but for the uniquely effortless service from a team dedicated to making your experience exceptional .
Oh and of course for those damn fine martinis !
DUKES LONDON 35 St . James ’ s Place London SW1A 1NY www . dukeshotel . com
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Southeastern runs train services into London from Kent and East Sussex , operating some 2,000 trains a day , including the high-speed from Ashford to St Pancras International in just 38 minutes . www . southeasternrailway . co . uk
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