Lady at Afternoon Tea at the Mandarin Oriental

The only thing better than afternoon tea in London is afternoon tea in London’s newest tearoom. The Rosebery just opened in the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge, and I’ve been invited to discover what it’s all about.

Walking into the room, which benefits from plenty of natural light thanks to the large windows in the front, the first thing I notice is The Rosebery’s bright, airy ambiance.

Its white walls and mirrored panels provide a nice contrast from the heaviness of the dark marble lobby, and the colorful artwork and overstuffed green chairs make me feel as if I’m outside in a garden.

Sitting down, I start to notice the finer details. Created by a range of all-star designers, the room and everything in it has been carefully tailored just for The Rosebery, from the interior by G&A Designs to the staff uniforms by Charlotte Taylor.

The result is a harmonious space that wins me over with its precision and care.

The afternoon tea offering has also been thought through to an impressive extent.

The tea menu features three unique teas blended especially for the Mandarin Oriental by The East India Company, as well as a range of black, green, oolong, and herbal infusions.

There are also premium teas for connoisseurs and those with adventurous palates and deep pockets.

Beyond tea, the champagne is a refreshing Ruinart Blanc de Blancs served in beautiful etched glassware designed for The Rosebery by John Jenkins. It’s the perfect way to start a leisurely afternoon of indulgence.

And that’s to say nothing of the food. Before the traditional afternoon tea fare arrives, I’m treated to a mango pre-dessert, and when the tiered tray of sandwiches and sweets materializes, it hangs from its own beautiful metal tree.

It’s a unique way to serve tea, and makes the garden-like ambiance seem almost magical.

The sandwiches are shaped in circles as opposed to the usual rectangles, and they’re filled with everything from Portland-crab-and-crayfish fondue to Wiltshire cured ham and heritage tomatoes.

The scones also come with an impressive variety of accompaniments, from the traditional strawberry jam and clotted cream to rose jelly and lemon curd.

The sweets are picture-pretty and offer a wide range of flavors, from a pink strawberry macaron with raspberries and yuzu cream to a decadent green-tea eclair.

They come on Rosebery China Collection dishes designed for the tearoom by William Edwards, all of which feature birds and butterflies in a further nod to nature.

Just when I think it’s all over, another plate arrives with slices of banana and Dundee cakes. And that’s to say nothing of the chocolate truffles that follow.

By the time I leave The Rosebery and exit the Mandarin Oriental, I’ve enjoyed one of the most extensive afternoon teas in one of London’s prettiest tearooms.

The whole thing has lasted over two hours, and is just the kind of leisurely experience I love when going for afternoon tea.

Add to that the care and attention to detail, and it just might be my new favorite place for tea in London.