The Rosebery

My friend and I had a remarkable afternoon tea experience at The Rosebery. The sandwiches were fresh, tasty and seasonal, and to top it off halal! The patisserie was intricate and well balanced, my favourite was the chocolate acorn, as a true chocolate lover. The scones were petite and enjoyable, the only thing I missed was the raspberry jam. But the strawberry suited me just fine. The selection of tea is incredibly extensive, it’s hard to choose which one to really choose! And a wonderful palate cleaner was the earl grey and elderflower sparkling iced tea. To top it off the service is prompt, kind and friendly. A great combination. My only qualm was that my first pot of tea was taken away before I was quite finished! Perhaps a bit too prompt at times 😅 If I could, I would visit every week!!

Here’s the updated review with a description of the luxurious setting added: ⸻ Afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental’s Rosebery restaurant was a wonderful experience. The setting was luxurious and beautiful, with high ceilings, chandeliers, marble tables, and plush velvet seating, creating the perfect atmosphere for an elegant afternoon. The service was exceptional, and my server, Shakil, was attentive and thoughtful throughout. The tea sandwiches were delicious, especially the shrimp sandwich and cream cheese with fig. The chicken salad sandwich was my least favorite, a bit gritty and heavy on the curry. I appreciated being offered more sandwiches, though I declined to save room for what was coming next. The tea selection was extensive, and you can try as many as you’d like, which made the experience even more fun. The scones with clotted cream and jam were perfect, and the desserts were the highlight — beautiful, tempting, and so plentiful that I couldn’t finish them all. The optional champagne tasting was a lovely touch — after all, what’s afternoon tea without champagne? Overall, a memorable and elegant experience I would highly recommend. I would recommend if you cannot get a reservation online that you call the restaurant. When I arrived, I thought it would be completely full, but it was quite empty to my surprise.

Had a really lovely experience at The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental. The space itself is beautiful – elegant but still comfortable enough to relax and enjoy without feeling overly formal. Food was excellent. The chicken tikka stood out as a favorite – tender, flavorful, and not something I usually expect to see done so well at afternoon tea. The vegetable crudités were also great, very fresh and paired with dips that actually had some thought behind them. Tried two teas: the Darjeeling Second Flush and the Assam Second Flush. Both were full of flavor – the Darjeeling was smooth with a light floral note, and the Assam had a bold, malty richness that went perfectly with the savory items. Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Staff explained the teas clearly and checked in just enough to make sure we had what we needed. Overall, it’s a place that delivers on both atmosphere and quality. A great spot if you’re looking for a special afternoon tea in London that feels refined but not pretentious.

TLDR: Terrible service, overpriced, good sandwiches, fancy decorations Edit: While I appreciate the reply, as there has been no response to my email, this review will remain unaltered. I shall preface this review with the fact that I am an American deigning to comment on London high tea. In my defense, however, I have been to several high teas both inside and outside of London. This wasn't a good one. We'll start with their inability to complete a very simple task: greeting us with the champagne they had promised they would greet us with for a rather substantial additional fee. When my dining companion and I entered, there was no champagne! Additionally, it took ten minutes of being at our table, then specifically requesting the champagne, to receive... One of the two glasses we had paid for. It took until the meal was almost finished for the second to be delivered, but that's skipping ahead. Let's move onto the sandwiches. They were pretty good! No real complaints there - definitely a wide range of options, and although I wasn't a fan of them all, a second platter that we could design was also offered. It should be noted that both the first and second round of sandwiches took an egregiously long time to arrive, and the servers seemed incredibly, incredibly rushed. I, as someone who prefers a decaffeinated tea (especially at 17:00! Jeez!) was disappointed by the lack of options in that department, and the terrible service and understaffing once again appeared in the way that I was barely able to get a second pot before the meal had ended. My dining companion, who did enjoy the caffeinated tea, noted that she had wished to try multiple teas, as is rather the point of a high tea, in that you are supposed to be able to try lots and lots of included, fancy teas. She was, however, only able to try two. Here's where they started really messing up. It took half an hour for the next course to arrive, and when it did, it was not the next course as shown by the menu, but rather the one after it. (It was delicious, actually. One of the redeeming points of the evening.) This was yet more baffling as they had already gotten out their fancy tea. Tree. Thing. Which was, as we found later, used to hang the scones. They then proceeded to bring out the scones (the second course) and the dessert (fourth course) at roughly the exact same time. The scones were wonderful, as many things tend to be when drowned in strawberries and clotted cream. The desserts, while ornate, just did not taste all that great. The peppermint was the "hon hon we put an actual leaf into this" kind instead of the "yippee candy cane" kind. That's more a personal preference, though. The flavors of all of the desserts were overly muted. Also, their aesthetic beauty did not lend itself well to actually eating the things without shoving the entire treat in one's mouth. Like a heathen. Which I am, so I did, but it was a tad awkward. It took another twenty minutes to acquire the check (200 pounds flat, then more for taxes...) and I found myself very glad that there was no tipping culture here. The main reason this place is getting two stars instead of one is that it was beautiful. Beautiful. They really do look the high class part, even if the service doesn't match that standard. Additionally, those sandwiches and the "pre-dessert" (whatever that means) were very good, even if the rest of the food and drink was somewhere between average and terrible. (Desserts pictured! I thought the leftmost looked like a duck looking over its shoulder. A very geometric duck.)

One of the lovelier tea experiences I’ve ever had. Beautiful room, amazing service, delicious treats and tea. Thank you so much!

The Rosebery at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge offers one of the most elegant and refined afternoon tea experiences in London. With its high ceilings, pastel green decor, and opulent chandeliers, the setting is both luxurious and serene. The service is exceptional—attentive without being intrusive. Their afternoon tea features an impressive range of rare teas, including the signature Mandarin Blend, alongside beautifully presented finger sandwiches, warm buttery scones, and exquisite pastries that are almost too pretty to eat. Every detail, from the fine china to the pacing of the service, is carefully considered. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious escape from the bustle of the city.

The overall afternoon tea experience was incredible. You could get refills of the sandwiches, teas, and desserts. With each course, you were encouraged to try new teas to ensure you could enjoy the pairings and flavors of each respective item. The savory items were high quality and well balanced in flavor. The desserts were measured in sweetness and provided a variety of textures. The tea selection is unique and brewed to perfection. The depth that every single item on the menu possessed made this an unforgettable anniversary.

Had the pleasure a super lunch , what a great experience, from the sense of arrival a welcome with a smile , guided to your table in such wonderful decor. From the moment of being seated the attention to detail follows all the way through to the end of the lunch service completed by such elegance . Ambience of the room was light balanced colour tones. Super comfortable seating. The food was delicious , presentation of the dishes excellent. Great selection catering for all taste buds. Now I have to mention the chinaware just decadent. I had a pot of earl grey tea to finish accompanied by a delicious cake on the side, nice touch! When visiting Knightsbridge whether it’s for business, leisure , celebrating or just love fine food in a delightful restaurant it’s a must visit. This was a great treat ! Thank you .

Excellent spot for afternoon tea. Ambiance and service are both classy and polished, the sandwiches are tasty and presented properly, and the scones. Oh my. We ate so many scones because they were so good. Tea selection is as impressive as you'd expect, be sure to ask your server for suggestions as we were pretty overwhelmed and felt our first choices were the best, less so for the follow-on choices we made. I will note that I am not someone who frequents afternoon tea so there likely are nuances I've missed, and of course I have not tried most of their competitors. But all said, The Rosebery was an excellent experience.

What a beautiful experience this was! From the stunning decor to the amazing service, everything was perfect. The food was the most delicious I have ever had. I ate a lot and was blissfully full from all the amazing dishes. I am definitely coming back the next time I am in London!

This highest priced afternoon tea in London is grossly overrated and a major rip off. The tea is not steeped at all. They pour barely tinted hot water. It's served without milk or sugar. You have to ask. We asked for three sandwiches, they brought two. They served us sweets before scones, seemingly unfamiliar with how tea is traditionally presented. Twice they placed soiled dishes as our place settings. The music is funereal ("Afterlife"). The service is lackluster and inattentive. We ordered a $75 birthday cake which they forgot and brought out as we were paying the bill. When we presented our bag check, they left half our packages behind. Altogether a bad, very expensive experience. They're just trading on the Mandarin Oriental's reputation. Skip this.

Intimate, Traditional, and whimsical. The Rosebery in the Mandarin Oriental dares to teeter at the edge of the traditional Afternoon Tea with a modern whimsical flare. From their bronze trees hung delightful pastries and sweets. The tea selection curated from across the globe, followed by savory sandwiches. The service is what one would expect at a 5 star hotel. Top notch! Tea wise I started with a signature earl grey, followed by Hojicha (Roasted and Sweet), and finished with Lychee Rose Noir.

Afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental was definitely the highlight of my recent trip to London. I've visited quite a few Mandarin Oriental hotels and this one is definitely one of the most stunning hotels I've ever been to. Upon entering the Rosebery Lounge, my party of six was greeted by a friendly host who grabbed our coats and shoppings bags and promptly had us seated. We spent about three hours here and our waitress whose name I don't remember was such a delight. She was beyond accommodating and was overall, an enormous help. Everyone enjoyed the different teas that were recommended by her. She was also so patient with my baby brother who kept dropping his cookies and pastries on the floor. He was also gifted a Harrod's teddy bear as a tea companion! So nice! I had the earl grey tea and a couple glasses of rosé. Both paired really well with the pastries and sandwiches that we had. We were here on Thanksgiving and I believe a holiday afternoon tea special was being served that day. The holiday special is actually more expensive than the normal afternoon tea which wasn't an option on that day...I definitely wish that they would've notified me of this because I was really looking forward to the traditional afternoon tea pastries. The finger sandwiches were okay. I think I would've enjoyed them more had I been accustomed to eating western delicacies but because they were sandwiches that I would normally never eat, they didn't stimulate my palate. My family pretty much feels the same way...my sister and cousin even opted to order more of the children's fingers sandwiches (you can never go wrong with banana and Nutella sandwiches hahah). The pastries were adorable and some were quite nice but they're not desserts that I would want to have again. They were all on the sweeter side and had very similar textures. I love sponge cakes and wish I could've had more of those instead. The star of the afternoon were the scones! They are so delicious, I could eat them all day, everyday. I was scared that they were going to be similar to American scones, which are generally very dry but these weren't. It was also my first trying clotted cream and now I am obsessed. Despite the disappointing sandwiches and desserts, would I still come back? Absolutely...just maybe not on a holiday. This was a great first afternoon tea time for me and I would highly recommend the Rosebery Lounge to anyone that's been eyeing this spot! Make sure you save room for the SCONES!!

We came for the coronation afternoon tea. We also upgraded and added some champagne. We started with sandwiches and then made our way to dessert. The sandwiches were so good and you could order another round for free. We didn't because we knew there would be more food to come. They had live music which was amazing. Service was great and our server made sure to check in plenty of times. The only thing that did happen was I asked for a refill pot of tea and it looks like they may have forgotten because some time had passed and I had to ask again about it. I will come back again!

We decided to have high tea at The Rosebery Lounge at The Mandarin hotel in Sloan Square, and it was such a wonderful experience. The smell of the lounge was absolutely transformative, and I wish my own house smelled like that. We were greeted with welcoming tea, and then were given a variety of finger sandwiches to eat, and each one was delicious. We got the opportunity to ask for refills on the sandwiches, and we asked to have them all for a second time since they were all so good! After we finished with the sandwiches, they brought out a tower of plain scones and raisin scones, with clotted cream and three different jams, along with a plate of beautiful pastries. There wasn't' a bad bite in the entire 2 hours we were there. The most relaxing part was that we had the opportunity to try different teas on their menu throughout the course of our meal, and all of the teas came in beautiful little tea pots and were amazing! I can't remember all of them that I had ordered, but I didn't have a single bad one! This was such a wonderful high tea experience at The Rosebery Lounge, and I can't wait to come back!

Beautiful afternoon tea spot with lovely presentation! The sandwiches were some of the best I've had at tea time-- the salmon was my favorite. We loved all the teas, which are blended in-house. My favorite was the apricot! The chefs happily accommodated to my family's allergies. Our server was super helpful and attentive. Overall, this was an amazing experience, and I'm glad we went during the holiday season for the cute foods + decor.

As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." My friend and I were traveling through London and I wanted to take her to have afternoon tea. The first time I went to London, I went to the Orangery at Kensingten Palace to have tea but it was under going renovations at that time. After reading all the great reviews of the Rosebery Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental I decided on taking her here. We walked into this 5 star hotel thinking that we were going to be under dressed but we weren't, it was February and snowing in London. The people there were so nice, everyone from the hostess to our waiter. We had a really nice view of the street outside, there were only a few people there at the time of our seating and it even more pretty because it started to snow. This was one of the pricier afternoon teas and it costed around $65 to $70 USD per person. They have an extensive selection of teas that you can chose from and you can try as much of the teas as your heart desires. I have to say, we were there for about three hours, they don't kick you out. Although, its not mentioned, you can ask for as much of the tea sandwiches as you can eat. The only tea sandwich that I can remember is the egg and black truffle, it's probably because I love black truffle. The tea sandwiches are round and not your typical triangle or rectangle shape. All the tea sandwiches were delicious and different from the ones that I've tried at other places. I'm not a scone person as its usually dense and dry on the inside and this was by no means an exception. The scones came out nice and warm, there were plain scones and scones with raisins.They also had clotted cream and lemon curd to go along with the scones which made it more bearable to eat. As for the tea selection, they have an extensive menu that you can chose from. We loved the teas so much that we ended up purchasing some to take home. I bought the rosebud, its actual small rosebuds but it was expensive, I think that they charged by the weight. The pastries were the only thing that we couldn't ask for more of but it was more then enough for my friend and I. Overall, it was a great experience and I would love to take my mother there as we have had afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental in Las, Vegas. I can say with certainty that there is no comparison with this place.

A fairy tale of a tea room. Absolutely lovely. Delicious gluten free options, wonderful staff, dreamy surroundings. This will forever be on my "Must do in London" list.

One of the best afternoon tea I've ever had ! The lounge itself it's nice and comfy. I like the cosy atmosphere of this place. The menu of this afternoon tea is : Fingers sandwiches like eggs truffle, salmon tartare, crab, cucumber, ham... ( as much as you want) Then some chocolate cake and lemon cake and a selection of small cakes Finally the scones are served with strawberry jam, cream, lemon curd and rose petal jam. The food was really fine, delicious and everything was good. The eggs/truffles sandwiches were amazing ! I had some apricot white tea and oolong, it was really good and full of flavors It's a bit pricy but the place and the food worth it.

Acute gastrointestinal infection right after the afternoon tea, after just a short walk from the venue, which took 18 hrs to get rid of. On the complaint, the promise the management will investigate, and advised to check with NHS what is the matter. After almost one week, made a second complaint, where the so-called food hygiene manager switched on and after a total of 16 days, the results are in: not their fault! Many thanks Rosebery - I see you never again

This was my first time visiting London and I am so happy That my first afternoon tea experience was here. Everything was simply perfect - the tea, sandwiches, pastries, service, decor... everything was so wonderful. We decided to go around noon to avoid the afternoon rush (we didn't have a reservation) and that was the best decision we made. We were seated right away and got started on our afternoon tea shortly after. I started out with the apricot white tea that was recommended by fellow yelpers and it did not disappoint. I also tried the lychee strawberry green tea which was also amazing. If you prefer stronger teas, my boyfriend got the spiced caramel tea and mango black tea and he enjoyed both. The sandwich rolls are adorable and very unique. We got quite a few plates of refills of those! The pastries were also very meticulously made. I personally enjoyed the Dulcey and vanilla dome the most, while my boyfriend's favorite was the plum bakewell. The beauty of those pastries is that if you eat them bit by bit, each bite tastes a bit different. Its hard to explain but I'd suggest not putting the whole pastry in your mouth at once. The way everything was presented was also art in itself. Our pastry tower hung from a 'golden tree branch' stand. The staff was so friendly and helpful. I stepped out for the bathroom and came back to a newly fluffed sofa pillow. They explained every tea and every pastry to us and came often to ask us if we wanted refills. Hands down the most polite and pleasant staff. The decor is also beautiful. The whole lounge just looks like a million dollars and the digital painting of the peacock adds so much flavor to the lounge. I honestly can't rave enough about this place. I loved every moment I spent here.

Precisely what we wanted for an afternoon tea - traditional elements sans ornate fussiness. Loved our experience at Rosebery Lounge. The space is bright, elegant and modern, with a clean design aesthetic. While the ambiance is luxe, it is not stuffy or pretentious. It was a place where my wife and I could linger comfortably into the afternoon. Staff were gracious throughout our visit, and very attentive. The Traditional Afternoon Tea (£53/person) includes sandwiches, scores, pastries and cake. I appreciated that we were offered the opportunity to have additional quantities of anything we liked, at no additional charge. Everything we tried was divine, but in particular we loved the scones and several of the sandwiches. For a supplement of £10 one can get a single glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs - after one glass, the charge was £19.50 per glass. In terms of tea, the menu includes an array of options, suited to any taste really. No commitment required - feel free to try any which may strike your fancy, with the option to try several different teas over the experience. Rosebery Lounge has truly mastered a modern take on the afternoon tea. It was a memorable part of our trip to London, and we plan to return. Highly recommend! For posterity, the teas we enjoyed: - Director's Reserve Darjeeling Second Flush - Mi Lan Xiang (Dan Cong) - The Staunton Earl Grey

I am visiting London for work. My usual high tea place, the Wolsley, was busy and I secured a reservation at the Rosebery Lounge inside the Madarin Oriental hotel. Sandwiches at the Rosebery Lounge were circular in shape; my favorite was the egg truffle. As for the scorns, the highest score must go to the rose jam. The finally dessert plate was so extensive that I only manage to have a bite each. Service was awesome throughout. There is unlimited refill of tea, sandwiches, cakes and desserts. Looks like I found a new fav high tea spot in Londo!

A classic new French style within the elegant Mandarin Oriental. The finest Mandarin Oriental I have been to is this one on Knightsbridge. I had tea and Beet Hummus. Excellent. I decided upon the lobster bolognese. Another excellent choice. Service was outstanding.

The Rosebery lounge has impeccable service. Our pots were always full and they offered the option many times to try other teas if we so pleased. The ambiance is elegant with some modern touches. We thought the golden branches were nice decoration but lo and behold they are for the sandwiches and pastries! The sandwiches are a bit different here as they are rolled and their unique flavours were a delight. Who doesn't want a slow cooked short rib with horseradish and watercress or Portland crab with pickled carrot and ginger lemon?! The tea options were unique as well specifically for the non-caffeinated variety. Our only knock for this place was the scones were not as flakey and were a bit doughy.

The afternoon tea here is very traditional and well-presented, with really good finger sandwiches. The scone were small and disappointing, however.

I like the Rosebery at the Mandarin Oriental. It would be a perfect five stars if it wasn't for the crowd. I called ahead to ask about the dress code and the lady politely informed me that it was smart casual, no flip flops or shorts. Let me cut to the chase. I arrived, on a hot summer day, wearing khakis and a nice shirt, and I see half the dining room filled with tourists in shorts and sneakers. The MO needs to maintain a level of class and stature and by lowering your standards at the door, then you detract from the brand. Okay now that my rant is over, back to the four stars. It's incredible afternoon tea that they serve here. Reasonable price about £60 per person, which is expected at a place like this. Secret tip to all Americans: afternoon tea is all you can eat at most places! Come hungry and take advantage of it. I love the bite sized, rolled tea sandwiches here. Their tea cakes and sweets were delightful and the scones were warm and amazing. The selection of jams and lemon curd is also a nice touch. I compare this place to the likes of The Goring, with an equally excellent afternoon tea, but the Rosebery feels less refined. I saw a coulee enjoying dim sum at the table near ours. We didn't indulge, but perhaps next time I shall. By the way, the Darjeeling is a miss, but the Earl Grey and Afternoon Blend are fantastic.

High tea is a signature of London and is a nice respite from a day of shopping at Harrods and other nearby shops in the Hyde Park neighborhood. When that happens, make your way over to the Mandarin Oriental and stop by the Rosebery Lounge for just that. Its service, teas, and most importantly, the experience, is quite exceptional. Right on the first level of the hotel, the tea room is perched right off the hustle and bustle of Knightsbridge. The ornate room takes you to a bygone era with modern contemporary touches. Its quite victorian-esque for the tourist in you. Its quite quiet, and the crackle of the fireplace is a lovely touch. Don't be to raucous, simply enjoy the tea! The menu is quite extensive geographically and the quality tea selection can be a bit intimidating. Ask your server for recommendations based on tastes you enjoy and you won't be disappointed. I took their recommendation and was very impressed. Sandwiches are quite nice and complement the teas without overwhelming you. The cakes and petit fours were the one soft spot and while nice, weren't quite there compared to the sandwiches. Service is exemplary and true to the Mandarin Oriental experience. They are very knowledgeable and helpful, while bringing your selections in a well-timed orchestration so that you are able to properly enjoy it all. Was it the greatest tea experience? No, but it definitely was a very good one and if you happen to be in the neighborhood, well worth the price.

Lovely Mother's Day tea at the Rosebery in the Mandarin Oriental. Delightful and attentive service and a tea sommelier who could see into our tea-soul. The unlimited sandwiches, scones and tea did not "leave" us wanting more. Delicious pastries, lemon curd, rose petal and fruit jam with fresh warm scones and clotted cream. Heaven. We made reservations and even on a busy holiday were quickly accommodated. Located inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Other reviewers didn't like the casual dress but maybe because it was Mother's Day in England, we saw more appropriate dress. There are a lot of choices for tea and we found this to be a very nice experience.

As a Fortnum & Mason devotee, I was a little hesitant to try a new place for afternoon tea. When I first looked at the menu, the finger sandwiches were so different from the traditional ones that I went in with very low expectations. Turns out, the sandwiches were absolutely delicious! The flavors were subtle and light, in particular the salmon and tuna. The egg sandwich was heavy on the truffle which I don't care for, but the great thing is you can pick just the sandwiches you want. The desserts and tea were great as well - definitely recommend the assam with rose petals! Service was wonderful as well so will definitely be going back next time (as long as I can afford it - definitely pricey)!

Located near Harvey Nichols & Harrods, this is a good option to come for afternoon tea after shopping. The tea room is nicely decorated & there happened to be a live performance (singer) while we were there. The food was tasty but they are SO slow at fulfilling orders! And it was difficult to get the attention of the waitstaff. We ended up staying there an hour longer than we planned because of how long it took to get our tea & food, and it even took a long time to pay our bill. If only their service was better (so bad compared to all the other places we've had tea), it would have made the experience much better.

Amazing! I came here after a horrible day spent stuck on transportation and feeling like I wasted a precious vacation day in London. This place saved the day!! Last seating is at 730pm for tea service - we showed up at 720pm, and they were happy to seat us, despite our slightly disheveled appearance. I can't thank them enough for that, since we weren't prepared and dressed as nice as we would have liked. We did the beer pairing, which was totally worth it. Beers were unique, and truly paired with the sandwiches, scones, and sweets. The service was just AMAZING, and the food matches, so I can't recommend this place enough. Especially if you have smaller kids (mine is almost 5) -- the sweets are Willy Wonka-like in their imaginative display. It melted me to see my kid in awe of each item, from the little sandwiches to the gold-flaked chocolate on a stick in a little glass of chocolate crunch balls. I travel a lot, and I firmly place this in the top 20 experiences in my life. Truly, I am so grateful for my visit there today. Thanks Rosebery! Outstanding!!!!

Lovely afternoon tea service. Uerem guided us through unlimited tea sandwiches, cake and pastries. We very much enjoyed the Alsace wine pairing. Generous pours and paired nicely with the treats. Don't shy away from the sweeter wines, they were not honey sweet and really matched well. Lovey afternoon.