Continuing my series on favourite tearooms in the UK, I turn to a hotel steeped in history. According to Wikipedia, it has hosted many notable figures over the years.
Located in Mayfair, in the heart of London, Brown’s Hotel provided the setting for a truly exquisite afternoon tea experience during our last visit to the UK. My husband surprised me with the treat—and it did not disappoint.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and shown to our table. A beautifully curated tea list was presented, and I chose a Cornwall tea, while my husband selected a Darjeeling Second Flush.
One of the first things that struck me was the elegance of the tea presentation. The tea sommelier placed each teapot on the table with the spouts aligned perfectly in the same direction—a small detail, perhaps, but truly impressive.
The service throughout was impeccable. The sommeliers checked in discreetly, asking whether we preferred our tea poured immediately or steeped a little longer.
As they say, the devil is in the details. Although I personally don’t use sweetener, I couldn’t help but notice the thoughtful presentation. A single sweetener packet was elegantly displayed in its own holder, rather than the usual overfilled bowl—a subtle yet refined touch.
Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel
Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without the classic three-tier stand. The bottom tier featured delicate finger sandwiches, followed by warm scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. The top tier offered an enticing selection of pastries.
Just when I thought I couldn’t manage another bite, the cake trolley appeared—irresistible! The carrot cake and Victoria sponge immediately caught our attention.
After finishing my Cornish tea—which I found particularly enjoyable with milk—I moved on to an Organic Bohea Lapsang. Said to be produced by the same family for over 400 years, it offered a wonderfully smoky aroma with a more subtle, refined taste on the palate.
Tea-licious indeed.
In summary: impeccable service, exquisite food, and a beautifully elegant setting—enhanced by the gentle music of a pianist in the background. A truly unforgettable afternoon tea experience.
See more articles by our tea expert May King Tsang!
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