Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel

After an extremely busy day of travel, garden hopping, and museum viewing it was now time to treat ourselves to traditional afternoon tea. Upon entering Brown’s Hotel guest are greeted in the foyer and while taking off your coat there are huge vases of flowers to enjoy. As we were led into the Drawing Room you can’t help notice the wood paneled walls and an elaborately tiled ceiling. Our table by the fireplace was most welcoming…. especially after comng in from the cold.

Considered to be the oldest hotel in the city, it was founded in 1837 by James Brown former valet of British poet Lord Byron. The historical significance is most interesting; especially to learn that Rudyard Kipling penned many of his novels here and that it was the inspiration for Agatha Christie’s ‘At Bertram’s Hotel”.

Our server or sommelier enlightened us on the various teas that went well with the finger sandwiches and the seasonal pastries. We started our service by clearing our palate with a glass of champagne. Next the tea was served, then the sandwiches along with warm scones, pastries, clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam.

Afternoon tea is truly a wonderfully civilzed way to unwind.

Travel stylishly,
Kathleen

Destination: London

We popped into London this weekend with a full itinerary in hand. There was so much to see and do upon landing, starting with riding the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow to the hotel. Taking the train gave us time to view this multi-faceted metropolis, as we traversed into the city.

After checking into the hotel, we hit the gardens; Kensington Garden, the Green Park and Hyde Park before heading to our first exhibit at the Serpentine Gallery to see Barbara Kruger’s work. Next it was time to wander the Burlington Arcade to shop boutiques, jewelry stores and a few of the luxury shops.

To end the day, we took afternoon tea in The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel on Albemarle Street. The establishment has a fascinating history and has hosted many distinguished guests since it opened in 1832.

Kathleen