Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel: Timeless Tradition in Mayfair
Step into a world of refinement at Brown’s Hotel, a true Mayfair institution where the quintessentially British ritual of afternoon tea is celebrated with understated elegance. Located in the heart of London and part of the Rocco Forte Hotels collection, Brown’s offers an afternoon tea experience in The Drawing Room that is as historic as it is luxurious.
The Drawing Room: A Setting Steeped in Heritage
Afternoon Tea at Brown’s is served in The Drawing Room, a space that blends heritage with charm. With wood-panelled walls, original artworks, and plush furnishings, the room offers a tranquil escape from the city. The ambience is warm and welcoming, accompanied by live piano music that elevates the sense of calm and occasion.
The Drawing Room has been the backdrop for many historic moments. Indeed, it’s where Queen Victoria herself enjoyed tea. Today, the same tradition continues, honouring its legacy while offering an impeccable modern service.
A Thoughtfully Curated Afternoon Tea Menu
The menu pays tribute to the best of British patisserie, with a focus on seasonality, innovation, and precision. Curated by the hotel’s Executive Pastry Chef, each item on the afternoon tea menu is crafted by hand using the finest ingredients.
The standard menu includes:
A rotating selection of delicate finger sandwiches made with freshly baked breads and traditional fillings.
Warm scones, both plain and fruit, served with homemade strawberry jam and thick Cornish clotted cream.
A show-stopping selection of pastries, which change regularly to reflect the season and chef’s inspirations. These may include delicacies such as lemon verbena tartlets or raspberry éclairs.
To accompany the food, Brown’s offers an extensive tea menu curated by their in-house tea sommelier. With over 25 teas to choose from including single-estate blends, herbal infusions, and classic favourites. There’s something for every palate.
Types of Afternoon Tea Available
Brown’s offers a range of experiences to suit the occasion:
Traditional Afternoon Tea: The classic format with all the trimmings, best enjoyed in the serene surroundings of The Drawing Room.
Champagne Afternoon Tea: Guests can add a glass of fine Champagne for a celebratory touch.
Children’s Afternoon Tea: A specially designed mini-menu for younger guests, perfect for family outings or birthdays.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus are available with advance notice.
Ideal for All Occasions
Whether you’re marking a milestone, catching up with friends, or simply seeking a refined afternoon in Mayfair, Brown’s afternoon tea suits a wide range of guests:
Couples looking for a romantic experience
Families celebrating a special moment
Solo visitors in search of peaceful indulgence
Tourists exploring British culture in iconic surroundings
Practical Details
Afternoon Tea at Brown’s is served daily from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Reservations are strongly advised due to its popularity. Bookings can be made directly via the hotel’s website or by calling the reservations team.
Address :
33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP, United Kingdom
Opening Hours :
Everyday
12pm to 5.30pm
Reviews
Absolutely unmatched afternoon tea—cosy ambiance, delectable sandwiches, scones, pastries, bubbly, and wonderfully friendly staff.
A flawless first London tea—exquisite teas, divine pastries, and staff guiding even tea ‘newbies’ with warm professionalism.
Impeccable service in The Drawing Room—live piano, classic-meets-modern décor, and a rich variety of menu options in a refined atmosphere.
Traditional elegance with contemporary flair—wood-panelled setting, top-class tea library, serene yet vibrant, just the right balance.
Timeless, historic charm meets generous portions—succulent sandwiches, endless dessert trolleys, and impeccable attention to detail.
Teacups and Cupcakes
Teacups & Cupcakes in Cathays, Cardiff, offers a cosy setting for traditional afternoon tea, featuring handmade sandwiches, scones, Welsh cakes, and mini cupcakes, served with Dorset Tea or coffee. Run by local baker Claire, the teashop is ideal for birthdays, showers, or casual catchups. Vegan and dietary needs can be accommodated with notice. Afternoon tea is available for dine-in or takeaway, with booking recommended. Find them at 146 Crwys Road, open Tuesday to Saturday.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Located in historic Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa’s Afternoon Tea blends Georgian elegance with modern indulgence. Served in Montagu’s Mews or the secluded gardens, guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, and seasonal pastries like raspberry & pistachio tart and chocolate mousse.
A curated tea selection, including the Royal Crescent Blend, pairs perfectly with the menu. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting at £45 per person, with Champagne and children’s options available. Advance reservations recommended.
The Cupcake Co
The Cupcake Co. in Berrima offers a charming High Tea featuring finger sandwiches, quiche, cupcakes, petit sweets, and freshly baked scones with jam and cream. Served on elegant Cristina Re crockery, it includes your choice of loose-leaf tea or barista coffee. Ideal for celebrations or relaxed afternoons, it’s available daily except Tuesdays, with 90-minute seatings. Dietary needs can be accommodated with notice. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 0422 616 706.
Abbey Hotel Bath
Nestled in the heart of historic Bath, The Abbey Hotel’s Kitchen & Bar offers a refined afternoon tea blending British tradition with a contemporary twist. Guests enjoy savoury sandwiches, including smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche and Coronation chicken, alongside freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves.
The patisserie selection features raspberry & pistachio tartlets and rich chocolate opera cake, complemented by a curated loose-leaf tea menu. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. A perfect setting for a stylish and indulgent afternoon. Advance booking recommended.
Ruxley Manor
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Ruxley Manor’s Mulberry Tree Café, where seasonal menus are served in cosy private pods all year round. Priced at £29.99 for adults and £16.99 for children, each tea includes savoury sandwiches, sweet bakes, warm scones with clotted cream, and a hot drink. With menus tailored to spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each visit brings something new. The heated or cooled pods seat up to six, making this a relaxed, charming experience for families, friends, and special occasions. Booking is essential.
Salon Proust, Ritz Paris
Salon Proust at the Ritz Paris offers a refined French Afternoon Tea, served daily from 2:00 to 5:30 PM. Guests enjoy a sweet-only menu of madeleines, tarts, and cakes, paired with rare teas or Champagne. Set in a literary-inspired salon with a fireplace and vintage books, the experience is priced from €65. Smart attire is required. Reservations are recommended via the Ritz Paris website. A classic patisserie celebration in one of Paris’s most iconic settings.
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