St. James’ Court Unveils new chapter for weddings St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel has unveiled the final stage of a multi-year transformation, introducing newly redesigned event spaces and a refreshed ballroom for weddings, celebrations and private occasions in the heart of Westminster. Set on Buckingham Gate, moments from Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park, the hotel has long been one of London’s most characterful luxury addresses. The latest restoration, led by internationally renowned design practice Conran and Partners, brings a brighter, more contemporary feel to the property while retaining its late 19th-century character. At the heart of the transformation is the first-floor events space, now reimagined as a versatile setting for everything from intimate gatherings and dinners to larger weddings, receptions and celebrations. The hotel’s showpiece ballroom has also been sensitively restored, with a softer, lighter aesthetic designed to enhance its architectural details. A domed trellised ceiling, crystal chandeliers and gold-accented wood-panelled walls create a glamorous backdrop for weddings and gala celebrations, while flexible layouts allow the space to be tailored to each event. Elsewhere, the redesigned entrance and lobby now lead towards 1897 – The Bar, a sophisticated new social hub named after the year the hotel’s prestigious redbrick townhouses were built. Deep green tones, polished finishes and views towards the courtyard give the space a suitably atmospheric setting for pre-dinner drinks and evening celebrations. The latest investment completes a wider programme of improvements across St. James’ Court strengthening the hotel’s offering for couples seeking a luxurious London setting with history, character and exceptional hospitality. Visit stjamescourthotel.co.uk BIRLEY BAKERY’S TARTE TROPÉZIENNE GETS THE WEDDING CAKE TREATMENT A taste of the South of France is making its way into London weddings, as Birley Bakery introduces a spectacular tiered version of its much-loved Tarte Tropézienne. Since opening in Chelsea Green in late 2022, Birley Bakery has become synonymous with the French classic – a light brioche cake scented with orange blossom, filled with diplomat cream and finished with pearl sugar. The bakery has now sold approximately 35,000 individual slices, 6,600 whole Classic Tropéziennes and 5,500 Raspberry Tropéziennes, with sales increasing by 25 per cent year on year. Now, the signature creation has been transformed into an elegant celebration cake, available in configurations of up to five tiers and designed specifically with weddings and large gatherings in mind. Created under the direction of Executive Head of Bakery and Pastry Vincent Zanardi, the Birley Bakery interpretation puts a lighter spin on the traditional Saint-Tropez recipe. The brioche is baked before being generously brushed with orange blossom syrup, then filled with fragrant diplomat cream and finished with pearl sugar. Couples can choose the classic version or add raspberries for an extra fruity twist. The five-tier cake serves up to 46 guests, with tiers ranging from a 14cm cake serving four to a 30cm tier serving 16. Additional slices or cakes can also be added to cater for larger celebrations. With its understated finish and delicate flavour, the Tropézienne offers a refreshing alternative to a traditional decorated wedding cake – particularly for couples looking to bring a relaxed French aesthetic to their reception. Each tiered cake takes around four to five hours to assemble, while short-notice orders can be accommodated with as little as four days’ notice. Birley Bakery’s Tarte Tropézienne is available from its Chelsea bakery, bringing a little slice of Saint-Tropez to London celebrations. Visit birleybakery.com LATEST NEWS 9
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