In conjunction with the recent International Dog Day, Charlotte and I had the pleasure of staying at the iconic Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Located in the St. James’s district of Westminster, one of the most prestigious and historical areas in London, 3-5 Great Scotland Yard has a fascinating history which stretches back to medieval times, serving as a residence for Scottish royalty when they visited King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I at neighbouring Whitehall Palace: hence the name Great Scotland Yard. In 1829, Great Scotland Yard was then selected by Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel as the headquarters of the newly founded Metropolitan Police force, where the famous Plaistow Marshes (1864) and Jack the Ripper (1888) crimes were investigated and Scotland Yard made famous by novelists including Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, best known for his creation of the Sherlock Holmes tales.
In 1910, the current Grade II listed Edwardian building, with its grand red brick and stone façade, was constructed on the site and served as the British Army Recruitment Office and Royal Military Police headquarters, before it became the site of the Ministry of Defence Library until 2004.
The five-star luxury hotel which is part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection now continues to form its own chapter in the building’s ongoing story, the design featuring grand interiors and playful elements that pay homage to Scotland Yard’s history.
The Room
We stayed in the Sherlock Suite, their premium suite inspired by Sherlock Holmes which allows guests to immerse in Britain’s most famous fictional super sleuth. The suite featured a bedroom fitted with a sumptuous four poster king sized bed and a separate living area with a dining table, lounge chairs, a marble fireplace, Nespresso® machine with coffee and tea facilities, as well as an inclusive mini bar which is usually replenished daily. The bathroom was equally as luxurious, with marble flooring and walls, dual sinks, bathtub, walk in shower with Jo Loves amenities, and a TOTO® toilet, which I must admit is often one of the highlights for me. The suite had a calming neutral theme throughout the space, with plenty of natural light flooding through the windows during the day.
Charlotte was provided with a dogbed and dogbowl, although she did end up joining me on the bed for a cuddle, which I don’t blame her for – she’s becoming more human than dog as time goes by.
The Food
We tried their afternoon tea at The Parlour, a quiet oasis which draws on tales of Britain’s Victorian explorers. In collaboration with Floris London, their current summer afternoon tea is inspired by Floris London’s “Bergamotto di Positano” fragrance, a refreshing blend of bergamot entwined with mandarin and balmy marine notes, orange blossom, vanilla and amber which encapsulates the signature aromas of the Amalfi Coast. The top notes of the fragrance have been seamlessly blended into the menu with the introduction of typical coastal ingredients and a re-interpretation of signature popular dishes of the Amalfitan culinary tradition, adapted to the setting of an afternoon tea.
We enjoyed savouries such as courgette and mint frittata, and Stracciatella, smoked salmon and caviar bruschetta, followed by warm scones served with Cornish clotted cream and orange jam. The selection of sweet treats included a Almond & Cocoa “Torta Caprese”, Capri’s iconic cake, Amalfi Lemon Delight “Delizia al Limone”, and the traditional babà with orange blossom and peach cream. Our afternoon tea was paired with a Pomello Spritz cocktail, a refreshing grapefruit and elderflower aperitif
Charlotte was treated to their multi-sensory Dog Afternoon Tea, curated by canine nutrition experts, Talula Eats, who formulates doggie delicacies using only the freshest organic and locally sourced ingredients. Available every Sunday, the Dog Afternoon Tea consists of three tiers; including finely decorated china bowls filled with fresh organic meat and vegetables, a slice of Talula’s ‘homemade doggie cake’, bone-shaped dogestive biscuits and a ‘pupcake’.
Breakfast the next morning was served in The Yard which consisted of a continental buffet spread and choice of one hot dish from the breakfast menu, along with teas, coffees, and selection of fresh juices. Charlotte was also allowed to accompany me during the breakfast service.
A word of thanks to Great Scotland Yard for hosting us to celebrate this very special weekend – we look forward to returning soon.
View rooms at Great Scotland Yard here.
- My experience at Great Scotland Yard Hotel was complimentary – all views and photos are my own. Please request for permission before reposting any content.
