This January award winning hotel Sofitel St James have teamed up with brand new cold-brewed sparkling tea brand Saicho to create a delectable alcohol free afternoon tea offering, for those who are giving up alcohol for Dry January but still want to enjoy an elegant glass of bubbly.

Guests can indulge in the most decadent of all British traditions and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea, moments away from the recognised landmarks of Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus in the intimate and elegant Rose Lounge of Sofitel St James Hotel. Certified Tea Sommelier Hamdi has chosen some of the finest teas from around the world, including Saicho’s sparkling teas to be enjoyed alongside freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches and delicate pastries. Examples from the menu include:

Scottish smoked salmon, cucumber with salmon caviar 

Pastrami, herb mustard and pickles on rye bread 

Clarence court egg mayonnaise and watercress 

Quinoa and chia seed wrap, hummus, mint & parsley 

Pistachio Paris Brest Raspberry and lime tart 

Coconut and passion fruit mousse 

Cannelé Traditional scones, clotted cream, seasonal fruit jam.

Cold-brewed for twenty-four hours to extract the most delicate and complex flavours from the tea leaves, Saicho teas are then finely balanced with a hint of sweetness and a dash of acidity. As a finishing touch, sparkling the tea enhances the flavour and creates an effervescent drink that can be enjoyed as a non-alcoholic alternative to Champagne or Prosecco. Created by husband and wife team, Charlie and Natalie Winkworth-Smith, Saicho was born out of a personal desire to create a non-alcoholic drink that could pair well with food.  As a solution, Charlie and Natalie turned to tea with its rich history and a wide variety of flavours, from floral to fruity, nutty to smoky, influenced by its terroir and processing methods. After two years of testing hundreds of different teas from around the globe, they chose their first three teas; Jasmine, Darjeeling and Hojicha.

With subtle, sophisticated and complex flavours in each glass, Saicho Teas are the perfect option for those who choose not to drink but would like to enjoy an elegant glass of bubbly to go with their Afternoon Tea. The Saicho Afternoon Tea is served daily from 12pm to 6pm and is priced at £45.

For more information, or to book, visit https://sofitelstjames.com/the-rose-lounge.html