Afternoon tea at Brown’s Hotel, part of the Rocco Forte Collection, was a favorite of Queen Victoria, and remains one of London’s most popular tea experiences, which made it the obvious choice when I was deciding where to take tea on my recent visit to the city.

My friend and I were seated at a quaint table for two near the piano player, who was exceptional. It was summertime, so there wasn’t a fire lit in the fireplace, but I imagine this being the perfect place for a spot of tea on a cold winter afternoon.

Our server was efficient and friendly, and greeted us with a chilled bottle of Champagne, offering us a glass to accompany our tea. We both opted for some bubbly, part of the Champagne Afternoon Tea option. Adding a glass of the “R” de Ruinart Champagne adds £10 (about $13). Traditional Afternoon Tea is £55 (about 72).

We each chose our tea from a selection of 17 options. I chose a black tea, and my friend an Earl Grey. A small cup of an iced tea infusion was served to start. The first course consisted of several tea sandwiches, including coronation chicken, egg salad and smoked salmon. My favorite part of the tea — the warmed scones, homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream — came next, along with a selection of decadent desserts, with macarons, cheesecake and tarts among the options. A gluten-free menu is also available.

As we prepared to leave, our server presented us each with the gift of a beautifully packaged slice of cake — an extremely generous and unexpected sweet finish to take with us.

The English Tea Room

Brown’s Hotel
Albemarle Street
Mayfair, London W1S 4BP
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 7483 6020