A love letter to historic London

Ever wondered what gives St James’s its golden touch? We asked some of the most prominent members of our community to share their love for the area. History, culture and dining swiftly combined to create an ode to the place we call home.

A note from… Ramael Scully

Chef Ramael Scully, owner of Scully restaurant, knows all there is to know about the rich cuisine on offer in the neighbourhood, so who better to recommend some top spots?

He told us how he loves to explore St James’s dining options for himself when he gets free time: “If I feel like Indonesian food, I go down to Toba. If I feel like a good British brasserie, you've got options of Sael and Fallow”. Ramael also loves to grab a bite at Fowl on Norris Street, a chicken shop with added “cool”.

A note from… Emma Willis

Emma Willis’ namesake shop on Jermyn Street has been known for its bespoke shirts since it opened in 1999, so she’s certainly picked up a recommendation or two after 27 years in St James’s.

Emma’s love for the area peaks with its historic outdoor spaces and “beautiful parks”, something she particularly recommends enjoying with your Valentine. We completely agree, and if you’re planning a wander around an area steeped in antiquity, St James’s Square is a great place to start, with stopping points at Marlborough House and Lancaster House to witness Britain’s royal heritage.

A note from… Tom at Paxton & Whitfield

When we asked Tom at cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield for his favourite spots in St James’s, he enthused about the hot food market that runs daily from Monday to Friday at St James’s Church, saying “I’d recommend going and checking it out and getting something lovely for lunch.”

Vendors from London’s small hospitality businesses come to serve street food from across the globe, alternating often to bring a wide variety of global cuisines. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral, St James’s Church shows how modern ideas can sit comfortably within a location marked by centuries of history.

A note from… Javier at Iconic Images

Our final port of call was Javier from Iconic Images gallery in Waterloo Place, who loves the versatility of St James's after dark when it comes to entertaining someone special: “There's plenty of spaces around here, including nightclubs, bars and restaurants”. 

His particular favourite spot is another of the neighbourhood’s famed restaurants: “Every time I go to a meeting, I take them to an Italian restaurant opposite our gallery, and that's called San Carlo”. 

A note from… you?

We’ve asked our community, and now we’re asking you - what about St James’s makes your heart sing? Nothing makes us happier than sharing the love with you, and we would love to hear your top spots, hidden gems, favourite eats or weekend activities in the place we call home.

Meet us on Instagram over at @StJamesLondon and leave your own love letter in the comments in celebration of Valentine’s Day.