There is something special about a London hotel that feels both deeply rooted in its surroundings and completely different from the city outside. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate is exactly that. Set in one of Westminster’s most prestigious addresses, just moments from Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and St James’s Park, it has all the grandeur you would expect from its location, but with an unmistakable sense of Indian heritage and hospitality running through the experience.

What I loved most is that the heritage here feels genuine. This isn’t a hotel that has added a few decorative nods to its history; the property’s story is woven into its architecture, its design, and the way it feels when you arrive.

Taj 51 occupies three beautiful Victorian townhouses, with a history that reaches back far beyond the hotel itself. The site dates to the 1600s, when it was home to the Emmanuel Almshouses, before becoming an exclusive red-brick enclave for the Victorian political elite in 1897. Wonderful reminders of that past still linger throughout the property, from the Dacre family emblems at the gates to the Shakespearean frieze in the courtyard.

The best luxury hotels give you a sense of where you are, and Taj 51 certainly does. Its Victorian architecture and residential feel give it a wonderful sense of place, while Indian influences and Taj’s renowned approach to hospitality add another layer to the experience. The result is elegant without being stuffy, luxurious without feeling overly formal and, importantly, somewhere with a real personality of its own.

The contrast is particularly appealing. Step outside and you are surrounded by some of London’s most famous landmarks; step inside and you are immersed in a property where British architectural heritage meets Indian tradition and contemporary luxury.

And then, of course, there is Quilon.

A Michelin-starred Indian restaurant within the hotel is a draw in itself, but Quilon feels like much more than a convenient place to have dinner. Specialising in South-West coastal Indian cuisine, the restaurant has been part of Taj 51 since 1999, with Chef Sriram Aylur at the helm. Its cooking draws inspiration from South India’s coastal regions, particularly Kerala, blending traditional flavours and techniques with a more contemporary approach.

For those seeking other dining experiences, the hotel also offers Kona, known for its award-winning afternoon tea, and TH@51, an eclectic all-day restaurant and bar with global influences. Each venue reflects the same attention to quality and hospitality that defines the Taj experience, ensuring there is something for every palate.

We headed down for dinner and, from the moment we arrived, the restaurant had a fantastic energy. It was busy, properly busy, with tables full, dishes constantly making their way out of the kitchen and drinks being delivered around the room. I always think a restaurant tells you a lot about itself when you walk in on an ordinary evening, and Quilon was already buzzing, giving the impression that it is somewhere people really want to be.

We were seated on a booth-style bench and, rather than sitting opposite each other, we both sat on the same side. It sounds like such a small detail, but it made the evening feel wonderfully relaxed. We could sit close together, people-watch and take in everything happening around us while we ate.

And there was plenty to watch. We had a brilliant view of the restaurant, with plates of food and glasses of wine constantly passing by, dishes arriving at neighbouring tables and the room gradually becoming even busier as the evening went on. It gave the whole dinner a lovely sense of theatre. We weren’t just sitting down to eat; we were watching the restaurant come alive around us.

The food was every bit as exciting.

We shared a selection of dishes, which is the best way to experience Quilon. Indian food lends itself so well to sharing, and there was something enjoyable about having a table filled with different colours, aromas, textures, and flavours, and dipping into a little bit of everything.

The seafood was a particular highlight. The seafood moilee, with wild fish, prawn and potato, was delicate but full of flavour, while the baked black cod with tamarind, jaggery and dry fenugreek was a real standout. The combination of the sweet tamarind and jaggery with the gentle spice worked beautifully with the richness of the fish. We also enjoyed the lobster butter pepper, which brought together fresh lobster, butter, pepper and garlic for something altogether more indulgent.

What struck me throughout the meal was how refined the food was without losing what makes Indian cooking so wonderful in the first place. The flavours are confident and layered, but nothing feels unnecessarily complicated. There is a real respect for the ingredients and for the traditions behind the cuisine, while the presentation and execution bring it firmly into a modern London dining experience.

And that balance of heritage and modernity really sums up Taj 51 for me.

The property has a wonderful sense of history, from the Victorian townhouses and historic details to the Indian traditions at the heart of the Taj experience. Yet it never feels as though you are simply looking backwards. Everything feels current, considered and very much part of contemporary London.

For me, dinner at Quilon became one of those evenings where the little details make it memorable. Sitting side-by-side in our booth, watching the restaurant buzz around us, sharing plates and seeing all the different food and drinks being served made it feel incredibly sociable and relaxed. It was luxurious, but never formal or intimidating.

That’s what makes Taj 51 Buckingham Gate so appealing. It offers the grandeur and heritage of one of London’s most historic neighbourhoods, combined with the warmth, culture, and incredible food of India. You can spend the afternoon wandering around Westminster, walk past Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park, and then return to a beautiful Victorian townhouse for an evening of South Indian flavours at one of the city’s most established Indian restaurants.

It is a wonderful meeting point between two cultures, two histories and two very different sides of London, and one that makes for a genuinely memorable stay and dining experience.

Beyond the dining, Taj 51 also features a state-of-the-art gym and the award-winning Jiva Spa. The fitness centre is well-equipped for a full workout, while the spa offers a tranquil escape with treatments inspired by traditional Indian wellness philosophies. Both facilities add an extra layer of relaxation and wellbeing to the overall experience, making it easy to balance indulgence with self-care during your stay.

A: St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, 54 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
W: St James’ Court Hotel
Instagram: @sjctaj

Written by Amber Lauren for Luxuria Lifestyle International