Summer in London has a particular rhythm of its own. As the days grow longer and the capital’s terraces begin to fill, some of the city’s finest hotels transform their hidden courtyards and gardens into destinations in their own right. This season, The Stafford London has partnered with Veuve Clicquot to bring the Champagne house’s distinctive Solaire spirit to the heart of St James’s.



Running until 31 August, the collaboration centres on The American Bar’s secluded courtyard, tucked away behind the hotel’s historic mews. Ordinarily one of London’s best-kept secrets, the space has been reimagined as a golden summer oasis, complete with floral-filled tables, elegant Veuve Clicquot details and a relaxed atmosphere inspired by long afternoons in the French sunshine.

The result feels wonderfully removed from the pace of the city beyond. Hidden just moments from the bustle of St James’s, the courtyard offers a refined setting for leisurely lunches, after-work drinks and unhurried summer evenings. It is the kind of place where an afternoon can easily extend into evening, helped along by chilled Champagne, seasonal food and the sense that there is nowhere else one needs to be.

Open daily for all-day dining, the Veuve Clicquot Courtyard serves a menu of seasonal dishes alongside Champagne, cocktails and refreshing summer drinks. From 4pm until 7pm, guests can also experience Sunset Hour, a daily celebration of golden-hour drinking featuring Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Rosé by the glass.

The Champagne is accompanied by a selection of indulgent seasonal bites, including Lobster and Prawn Rolls and Truffle Fries with Parmesan. It is a simple but luxurious combination, pairing familiar summer flavours with one of the world’s most recognisable Champagne houses.The partnership draws on Veuve Clicquot’s Solaire philosophy, which celebrates optimism, warmth and the pleasure of shared experiences. Against the backdrop of The Stafford’s historic surroundings, that approach feels particularly well suited to the season. The courtyard balances the elegance expected from a five-star St James’s hotel with the easy-going character of outdoor summer dining.

For those who would rather take their Champagne into one of London’s most beautiful green spaces, The Stafford has also launched Le Picnic, a luxurious outdoor dining experience designed to be enjoyed in nearby St James’s Park.



The hotel sits just moments from the park, making it possible to collect one of the specially prepared hampers before finding a quiet spot beneath the trees or beside the lake. Rather than a traditional picnic of sandwiches and snacks, Le Picnic brings the full refinement of The Stafford’s afternoon tea into the open air. Guests can choose between two options. Le Picnic Brut, priced at £185, includes two traditional afternoon teas and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut. Le Picnic Rosé, priced at £225, pairs two afternoon teas with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé.

Both hampers offer a distinctly elegant interpretation of summer dining, transforming a visit to St James’s Park into something more memorable. Afternoon tea already occupies a special place in London life, but enjoyed outdoors with Champagne and views across one of the capital’s most historic Royal Parks, it takes on an entirely different character. The experience also reflects a growing appetite for luxury that feels relaxed rather than overly formal. There is still a strong sense of occasion, from the Champagne to the carefully prepared afternoon tea, but the setting allows guests to enjoy it at their own pace. It is refined without being restrictive and indulgent without losing the simple pleasure of a summer picnic.

Le Picnic hampers must be booked at least four hours in advance and are available for collection every day between 11.30am and 7pm. The experience will run alongside the courtyard takeover until 31 August.

Together, the Veuve Clicquot Courtyard and Le Picnic provide two appealing ways to experience summer in St James’s. One offers the intimacy of a hidden hotel courtyard, while the other invites guests to take their Champagne and afternoon tea into the park.

At a time when London’s best summer terraces are becoming increasingly sought after, The Stafford’s collaboration stands out for its sense of place. The historic hotel, secluded courtyard and proximity to St James’s Park combine to create an experience that feels unmistakably connected to this elegant corner of the capital. Whether stopping by for a glass of Champagne at sunset, settling in for a long lunch or collecting a hamper for an afternoon in the park, The Stafford London offers a suitably sophisticated way to make the most of the season.