For part of our family's first trip to London this January, I've decided on Browns to experience afternoon tea...it will be my husband, myself, and our fourteen year old son. They do not require jackets and ties (or I'm afraid the guys would rebel!), and we've made our reservations for 4 pm. Here's the question--is the atmosphere welcoming and comfortable for a family? Thanks for any help

Absolutely. In fact you may be offered a choice of where to sit, or if not don't be afraid to look around and speak up. We always like a little space with the really comfortable sofa or loveseat and overstuffed chairs. It's like sitting in Aunt Maude's parlour (if your Aunt Maude was very, very rich that is).

Inquiry about tea? Is it in poor taste to do tea alone. Solo traveler who hates to miss the experience. Sasha

Thanks, Patrick <BR>We are regular-type people (read: not very, very, rich like Auntie Maude), and we want to enjoy ourselves and not feel out of place..looking forward to our trip!<BR>Many thanks to the help I've found here...

Sasha,<BR>By all means, take tea at Browns, or anywhere else, by yourself! It's quite proper. Enjoy.

Sasha, it is perfectly fine to have tea alone. I have done it several times. I'm not going to miss a nice experience just because I'm alone. Definitely go and experience it.

I have had tea alone in London by myself while my aloholic boyfriend was sleeping one off. I HIGHLY VALUED my time alone to relax and reflect. I had so much fun flirting with the handsome waiters at the Connaught.

Totally wonderful! I have also had holiday dinners there and they are fabulous. It is one of those perfect London Victorian experiences that you will love.

Thanks to everyone for your help!! Looking forward to going this January

Sasha, I was alone and made to feel very comfortable, also lunched at "Rules" alone and was treated like royalty.

Tea at Browns is lovely; they even accompodated my husband, who doesn't drink tea: The heretic actually ordered a glass of cold milk, and the waiter didn't bat an eye. They were much more welcoming than the Ritz, by the way. And taking tea alone is fine: One of my best memories of Hong Kong is a solo tea at the Peninsula Hotel: Great people-watching, and I didn't have to share the goodies!

Could anyone give me an idea of how much afternoon tea would cost?

This thread makes me think of that Mrs. Marple episode in which she is given a stay at Brown's by her nephew, and of course, she becomes involved in a mystery. I'm adding your suggestions to my list of places to experience. Thanks and Merry Christmas. J.

Afternoon tea is 23 pounds per person. It is important to make a reservation as it can be very crowded.<BR><BR>For more information, check their website under "Menu @ Brown's" and select the "drawing room" tab<BR><BR>www.brownshotel.com

ANSWER FOR SARA:<BR><BR>Price and description for afternoon tea at Brown's is at the following website:<BR><BR>http://www.brownshotel.com/dining/thedrawingroom.htm

I had a lovely tea at Brown's. My friend and I were running (literally) late in the rain to make our reservation at Brown's. We still had our shopping bags because we didn't have time to put them in the hotel. We were still greeted graciously and seated immediately for tea. If they can treat two wet, panting American tourists with shopping bags kindly then you know it is welcoming and comfortable.

Thanks David and all others!<BR><BR>Have a great holiday, everyone!

ttt