Old school class and new school sophistication combine at The English Tea Room at Browns.

The Venue
Located in Brown’s Hotel, London’s oldest hotel, the English Tea Room is a combination of traditional gentility and modern style. The whole hotel has been redesigned and refurbished by Olga Polizzi, sister of Rocco Forte, and the decor is as upmarket as you’d expect. Old (heavy, wood-panelled walls) meets new (quirky and trendy light fixtures) with success. Low, cushy sofas and seats are scattered around the room, and a pianist rounds off the picture.

The Atmosphere
The afternoon tea is unlimited, and as a result the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed and unhurried. Service is friendly and fast, whether it’s to fill up your cup or to offer more sandwiches and cakes. Strangely, though, most people don’t seem to be touching their food or their tea, just catching up with friends and soaking up the atmosphere.

The Food
Unlimited sandwiches, scones, pastries and slices of cake are available, and although they are quite pricey, you can basically eat the afternoon away so it’s a pretty good deal. Sandwiches aren’t of the cucumber and cress type, but more solid combinations like smoked salmon and butter and ham and cheese. The scones – with raisins and without – are lovely, soft and not too crumbly. Pastries include a sugary-sweet eclair, a tart piled high with fresh fruit and a shot glass of mascarpone cheese and raspberries.

The Drink
No surprise here – tea is the order of the day, with 17 different types on the menu. Choose from traditional black teas like Brown’s Afternoon Blend and Cornish Grown Tea, or fruity blends like Granny’s Garden, a lovely tea that smells of rhubarb and tastes just like the name sounds – fruity, old fashioned and with a hint of vanilla. Other choices include peppermint, sweet camomile, Darjeeling, Special Earl Grey and English Breakfast, and Champagne and Rose Champagne teas are also available.

The Last Word
The English Tea Room at Brown’s Hotel serves up a traditional afternoon tea experience that’s not to be missed. A must-try for Londoners and tourists alike.

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