Adding a vintage twist to its French flair, The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James has unveiled a new afternoon tea menu – Le Tea en Rose – which includes a selection of rare vintage teas from the Yunnan Province in China exclusive to the hotel and not available anywhere else in the UK.

The elegant yet cosy atmosphere of The Rose Lounge creates a relaxing haven to escape the bustle of central London - perfect for a pre-theatre afternoon or for hotel guests following a visit to the Royal Academy around the corner.

Rare vintage Puerh teas - named after the city of Puerh in Yunnan, China - are aged for up to 50 years in humidity and temperature controlled conditions to produce teas that have a  typically earthy and mature, smooth flavour.

The menu features exceptional vintage Puerh teas like a 1950s Raw Puerh tea or a 1980s Xia Guan Iron Cake priced between £20 and £50 per pot. Both teas are exceptionally complex with deep flavours of rounded, matured wood and citrus, yet with a soft, silky finish.

The 1950s vintage Rae Puerh tea, supplied by Jing Teas, forms part of the decadent tea ritual hosted by The Rose Lounge’s expertly trained attendants who can guide guests through the varied selection and flavours of teas.


The Le Tea en Rose menu includes a selection of more than 20 teas including Oolong teas such as Tie Guan Yin - a complex and masterful tea with an intense, pure, deep and mineral flavour. This tea is gently peachy with a perfumed honeysuckle finish.

Other teas, provided by Jing Tea importers include the Organic Silver Needle white tea, which offers the delicate flavours of cucumber and melon; a vanilla scented black tea, and Jasmine Pearl - a green tea deeply infused with jasmine.

To compliment the new teas, The Rose Lounge’s afternoon tea set menu has been themed to compliment the ambience and styling of the lounge itself. Le Tea en Rose starts off with a lychee and rose-infused Champagne cocktail, which is followed by a selection of seasonal finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with rose and raspberry preserves, and finished off with a tray of decadent French pastries with the hotel’s signature rose macaroons. The atmosphere is set with relaxing music from a harpist who plays every afternoon in the lounge.