Has BALANCE discovered ‘Happiness in the City’?
As a London-centric magazine, BALANCE is fundamentally about finding a work-life balance in a city that never stops.
While #balance is something we spend much of our lives chasing, just like happiness or success, #balance looks different to each of us depending on our priorities, preferences and professional lives.
That’s why when St James’s Hotel & Club launched their ‘Happiness In The City’ campaign we were intrigued to discover what version of happiness they were serving up over in West London and whether we could buy a slice of the pie quite as easy as that.
LOCATION
Situated just around the corner from Green Park, you would expect the St James’s Hotel and Club to be, well, noisy.
In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Unlike the rest of London, St James’s Hotel and Club was an oasis of calm, set well away from the noise of cars, sirens, and tourists and yet, within walking distance from Central London.
THE ROOM
Peppered with personal touches that made all the difference, the ‘Happiness in the City’ campaign sees the St James’s Hotel and Club offer complimentary Nespresso, a mindful turndown, sleep-inducing snacks and a The School Of Life starter pack.
While the sleep-inducing snacks were delicious, it was The School of Life starter pack that really stood out. Containing a 100 Questions: Work Edition, a Little Pleasures Pack and a Relationship Reboot Set, my partner and I weren’t stuck for conversation as we worked our way through the questions, discussing our goals, values and the steps we’re both taking to get there.
Sounds deep for a Saturday night, I know, but it was just what was needed to make me put down Instagram and well, think.
Admittedly, I did share on the BALANCE Instagram the next morning one of the questions that caused the biggest stir. And, just as my plus one and I were undecided, our Insta-followers were split 51% – 49% too. The card in question? ‘Is it harder to find a job you can love or a person you can love‘?
DINNER AT SEVEN PARK PLACE BY WILLIAM DRABBLE
After contemplating The School of Life materials we headed to dinner at Seven Park Place by William Drabble, conveniently located within St James’s Hotel & Club.
An intimate restaurant with only 26 covers and 9 tables, it was easy to forget we were in Central London and even easier to lose track of time as the three-course meal stretched to 7, 8, 9 courses of canapés, an amuse bouche, pre-dessert and post-dessert plates.
The star of the show, though? The melt-in-the-mouth scallops and tempura courgette. Without a shadow of a doubt, the finest scallops I have ever tasted.
It wouldn’t be right not to mention at this point, however, the service at Seven Park Place. Warm, welcoming, and friendly, the staff put us at ease the minute we walked through the door. And, although I am not much of a wine connoisseur, our sommelier’s enthusiasm and knowledge alone were enough to impress.
If your looking for ‘Happiness in the City’ but a weekend break at St James’s Hotel and Club is off the cards, dinner at Seven Park Place alone will whet your appetite.
THE WELLNESS BRUNCH
If dinner alone at St James’s Hotel and Club weren’t enough for you, you will be pleased to know they serve up a storm at breakfast too.
I opted for the plant-based platter which included chickpea shakshuka, a vegan omelette with avocado, a bowl of turmeric and quinoa porridge and a fresh carrot, orange and ginger juice. A marked difference to the usual avocado toast you might expect to be served as a vegan.
In fact, the staff at St James’s Hotel and Club went above and beyond when I mentioned that dairy was something I steer clear of and deserve a commendation for their patience.
SPA IN YOUR SUITE
In our post-brunch daze, we headed back to our room and were greeted by Perfect10 Black Label, the mobile beauty service that has teamed up with St James’s Hotel and Club as part of the ‘Happiness In The City’ campaign.
After a late night and a very leisurely brunch, a 45-minute massage from the comfort of our own room was a luxury that we welcomed with open arms. And, not only were Perfect10 professional and prompt but also did wonders for easing that Smonday feeling that creeps up on us all in the city.
OVERALL?
In a city where phones are constantly pinging, sirens blaring and people talking, entering the oasis that is St James’s Hotel and Club was just what our over-stimulated brains needed. ‘Happiness in the City’ we have well and truly found.
