It might be grand, but there’s nothing stuffy about St Ermins, where mini James Bonds can tuck into mocktails and scrumptious afternoon teas. 

SIR Winston Churchill, James Bond, MI5, Cold War spies – and all sitting on the doorstep of New Scotland Yard. It’s fair to say the St Ermin’s Hotel has some rich espionage history.

And, while it’s not that long ago that secret agents regularly used the hotel as a meeting point, children can be mini secret agents of their own at the stylish central London venue.

The Budding Bonds package adds a thrill to the stay, allowing juniors to play spy games galore as they investigate the hotel and immediate surrounding area for clues after collecting their top secret briefing pack.

All for their eyes only, it’s a fitting way for the youngsters to enjoy their stay, and staff at the hotel are only too happy to help – plenty of extra clues are given to the mini agents, but enough is kept back to keep them hunting for the answers themselves.

And, the added bonus on completing the tasks, is the reward: a special non-alcoholic, shaken-notstirred cocktail in the Caxton Bar. (At the same time, it would be rude not to try one of the many adult and alcoholic versions available).

Everything about the hotel has that bit extra: there’s a style factor throughout. From the natural courtyard you pull up to, to the spectacular entrance and reception area to the comfort of the beds, you won’t be left wanting at St Ermin’s.

After a relaxing under three-hour rail journey with East Coast, accompanied by a hearty breakfast and drinks (all provided with the first class tickets), a taxi for less than £20 will take you from King’s Cross to the hotel, just 15 minutes away.

Gone are the days of a dark and dingy station on arrival in the capital, King’s Cross – complete with a special Platform 9¾ for Harry Potter fans – is more like an airport departure lounge following its massive revamp. You can see the sights along the way, as the black cab goes alongside the River Thames, London Eye, and around Westminster.

After checking in, and allowing the kids to start off their spy pack, we took afternoon tea in the library.

There were clues aplenty in the library for the spies to investigate, while their special InfiniTea and beyond junior afternoon tea was demolished – after all James Bond needs to keep his strength up.

Red, blue and green sandwiches followed by exciting Spiderman and Batman cakes as well as Kryptonite jelly, all washed down with superhero cocktails, gave them all they needed for the busy afternoon ahead.

For the adults, afternoon tea is more refined and you can choose from a menu of different classic teas and a delightful selection of classic fare with a modern twist.

The home-made selection mini scones with natural honey – the hotel keeps its own bees so there’s always a fresh and plentiful supply to accompany afternoon tea and breakfasts – were a treat, but the pick of the bunch had to be the chocolate and praline Paris brest. Talk about a taste explosion...

Fresh and filled, we headed for the sights. A fiveminute stroll down Buckingham Gate and the Palace awaits. And, on the Sunday morning, with the crowds gathering, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Changing the Guard, quite a sight and sound as visitors took the chance to see a slice of Royal Pageantry.

Go one way to Buckingham Palace – the hotel is on the doorstep of St James’ Park tube station – or head the other way to Westminster Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and all that.

For the Budding Bonds it was a simple and easy chance to see the sights first-hand, only normally spotted on TV, and close enough to our spy HQ not to tire them out too much.

In the evening, there was time for a couple of relaxing drinks in the Caxton Bar. Full of visitors enjoying meals at the Caxton Grill, the relaxed atmosphere helped put a busy day to bed.

The family rooms boast two queen beds, two bathrooms and a day bed. A nice touch on return was to find chocolate bees had landed on our plump pillows.

Life back in our achy feet, the next day we enjoyed a hefty continental breakfast, lashings of fresh honey (again) on croissants, fresh bread and toast, with fresh fruit. There’s also the full English option for those wanting a real hearty start.

Immaculate, refurbished and lavish to the last, there’s little wonder the hotel is ranked in the top 25 in the capital on Trip Advisor. If wannabe James Bonds had their say, it would be golden in their eye.

Travel facts

East Coast trains offer a regular service to London. Standard advance returns, booked online at eastcoast.co.uk, from North-East stations start from £29, with first class from £44. Times and fares also on 08457-225225 or from staffed stations and rail agents.

The Budding Bond package at St Ermin’s is £330 per night, when a family of four can stay in a deluxe room with two double beds on a bed and breakfast basis. Visit sterminshotel.co.uk or book by calling 0207-222788. Afternoon tea for adults is £29 per person, with the InfiniTea version at £12 per child.