Harden's survey result
Summary
For an “exquisite afternoon tea” in the archetypal English mould, the “relaxing” wood-panelled lounge of this elegant but unflashy Mayfair hotel is “just lovely” and perennially ranks alongside more famous names like the Ritz down the road in the eyes of its fanclub. The hotel dates from 1837 and counts Queen Victoria and Agatha Christie as former patrons.
Summary
“Even better than The Ritz…”, “on a par with Fortnum’s…” – for many aficionados of London’s top afternoon tea experiences, this wood-panelled drawing room within creaky old Brown’s Hotel is the top dog. Built in 1837 (and with famous patrons including Queen Victoria and Agatha Christie) – it helps that it’s “a lovely, traditional space”: “delightful and just more intimate” than its main rivals. “Nothing is too much trouble (even to please a picky sub-teenager!)” and “the sandwiches and tea are just as good as elsewhere”.
Summary
The “quiet and stylish” wooden-panelled Drawing Room has changed little since this Mayfair hotel was built in 1837, and makes a “lovely setting” for afternoon teas that have been enjoyed by Queen Victoria and Agatha Christie, among a roll-call of the great and the good of the past two centuries. Despite the pedigree, fans feel it’s “not as stilted and pompous as some famous places”, and offers a “much better and friendlier tea, with delicious homemade-style cakes and scones”.
Summary
“Lots of space and lovely surroundings” help recommend this classic British hotel’s plush lounge to its many fans. Though not as famous as the nearby Ritz Palm Court, fans have long acclaimed it for what they claim is “the best afternoon tea in London!”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Brown's Hotel, The Drawing Room?
Albemarle St, London, W1S 4BP
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Albemarle St, London, W1S 4BP
Opening hours
| Monday | 8 am‑8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am‑8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am‑8 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am‑8 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am‑8 pm |
Best Afternoon tea restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Mayfair
Afternoon tea restaurant in Mayfair
Afternoon tea restaurant in Mayfair
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Middle Eastern restaurant in Mayfair
Fish & seafood restaurant in Mayfair
Indian restaurant in Mayfair
