THE MAGICAL ENGLISH TEA ROOM  

     AT ROCCO FORTE’S BROWN’S HOTEL

BY: Robin Roth

Taking tea is one of the grandest, most quintessential English occasions, and there is no finer place at which to experience this delightful tradition than at one of the finest tea rooms in the world. Awarded The Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea 2009, The English Tea Room at Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel serves one of the most famous and fabulous afternoon tea services in London.

After being seated at my cozy tea area, I immediately felt at ease and the hustle and bustle of the London scene melted away. I found myself simply unwinding in the chic and elegant interior. You will know you have entered into a magical, plush, award-winning tea room.

Experiencing Afternoon Tea is like going back in time where the real glitz, luxury, romance, and glamour can truly be enjoyed. However, that feeling is accentuated at Browns with its unique mix of warm traditional décor with original wood paneling, fire places, and Jacobean detailed plaster ceiling blended with a contemporary style of special mod lighting, designer fabrics, and original artworks.

The lovely live piano music is a perfect match for this Traditional English Afternoon Tea service. This service consists of a choice of 17 teas, including my choice, the Brown’s blend. You are served an amazing assortment of succulent yummy finger sandwiches, a variety of delicate and decadent pastries, as well as Brown’s award-winning scones, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Furthermore, you will be given a choice of freshly baked cakes from the trolley (including famous Victoria sponge and their signature macaroons).

I personally enjoyed all of the above, with a glass of chilled Taittinger Champagne and a glass of Rose Taittinger Champagne. I strongly suggest this as it will add an extra kick of tea time happiness.

One of the most special things about Brown’s English Tea Room is that Afternoon Tea is continuously replenished at no additional charge. I am a huge afternoon tea junkie, and this tea service will no doubt impress the most avid, passionate, ardent, and devoted tea connoisseur anywhere from the ambiance and service, to the perfectly crafted tasty foods, teas, and of course, the dishes it is all served on. The service I enjoyed was not only flawless, but impeccable In keeping with the beautiful surroundings; guests are exquisitely and expertly served by classy, friendly waiters on pretty chinaware. The Service in the Brown’s Tea Room is without a doubt, nothing short of a stellar experience! You will never feel rushed. In fact, time is not even considered in this warm and welcoming room.  Now that I am back home, I find when I need to relax, I go here in my mind as my happy place to calm myself from the real world...

Afternoon Tea is served between 3pm and 6pm Monday to Friday and 1pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Full Traditional Afternoon Tea in The English Tea Room will be with Fabien, who will answer any additional questions guests may have, including sharing Brown’s own recipes and sweet treats to take home.

The English Tea Room also serves a selection of lighter dishes, which are offered between 11am and 2.30pm, and from 6pm to 11pm daily.

To make a reservation, or for further information, please call Brown’s Hotel on

020 7493 6020.

The stunning Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel is located on a peaceful 18^th Century street in the heart of Mayfair. The hotel is just minutes from the elegant shops of Bond Street, the art galleries of Cork Street, the vibrant theatres of the West End, and the tranquillity of Green Park .

So, whether you are looking for a grand Hotel experience or simply the best tea room ever while you are in London, I rate the Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel an A+… Bravo

I want to extend A BIG THANK YOU to the lovely Nina Colls who made this review possible.

reservations.browns@roccofortecollection.com

T: +44 (0) 870 460 8040 / F: +44 (0) 161 827 8890

or visit www.roccofortecollection.com

Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London , W1S 4BP

Tel: +44 (0)20 7493 6020 Fax: +44 (0)20 7518 4064

Website: www.roccofortecollection.com