The Newest Spot For Afternoon Tea: ‘London Calling' Debuts At Brumus

Forbes

05-05-2025

Enjoy a London landmark-inspired afternoon tea at Brumus.
London's latest must-visit for afternoon tea has arrived at Haymarket Hotel's Brumus Bar and Restaurant, nestled in the heart of the city's vibrant theatre district. Fun fact: Brumus is named after the owner's late beloved dog (a detail that instantly won me over).
Aptly named London Calling Afternoon Tea, the new offering is a playful yet elegant tribute to the capital's rich heritage and iconic landmarks.
'The main inspiration behind this particular tea is, obviously, London!,' Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Mari Volkosh tells me while I bite into a smoked salmon and crème fraîche sandwich. 'We really wanted a tea that celebrates all of our landmarks that our guests, whether from London or from abroad, would recognize.'
Afternoon tea as a tradition dates back to the 1840s, when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, began requesting light refreshments in the late afternoon to bridge the long gap between lunch and dinner. What began as a private ritual soon evolved into a quintessential British pastime, marked by dainty sandwiches, warm scones and flavorful cups of tea.
Brumus' version breathes new life into that tradition, offering an array of inventive sweet and savory bites served with timeless charm.
The savory selection at Brumus' new afternoon tea is a love letter to British classics, elevated with a touch of modern indulgence. One highlight is a perfectly spiced coronation chicken bridge roll. Bolder palates can savor the richness of roast beef with horseradish on fragrant rosemary bread.
Choose from ten traditional and eclectic teas.
Rounding out the offerings are two standout warm options: a golden-crusted steak and London Pride pie bite, and a fried chicken Scotch egg-both comforting nods to the pub fare Britain does best. I washed it all down with a lemon and ginger zest tea to aid my overstuffed belly.
Finish off the experience by indulging in a whimsical and artistic selection of sweet treats that are nearly too cute to eat. My favorite was the cinnamon biscuit covered in white chocolate in the shape of the London Eye. The Trafalgar Square-inspired Victoria sponge was balanced and not overly sweet. Because some traditions needn't be modified, classic scones are served with clotted cream and fruit preserves. Tourists and locals alike will find the experience charming.
Paying homage to London's iconic sights: Dark chocolate & orange Big Ben, Cinnamon & cream cheese ... More London Eye and the Trafalgar Square Victoria Sponge.
The décor (and the desserts) at Brumus are bold, eclectic and unmistakably theatrical, perfectly in step with its West End surroundings. Designed by Kit Kemp, the space blends classic British charm with bold and modern touches: think vibrant jewel-toned upholstery, whimsical dog artwork and sculptural lighting that adds drama without pretension.
The color palette is rich and inviting, with patterned fabrics, statement banquettes and carefully curated details that create a joyfully offbeat atmosphere. It's the kind of place where afternoon tea feels elevated but not stuffy-a stylish retreat with personality to spare.
The experience doesn't end with the final sip of Earl Grey. Guests curious to explore the neighborhoods that inspired their afternoon tea-time treats can embark on a self-guided walking tour, curated in collaboration with Blue Badge Guide Katie Wignall of Look Up London. Each afternoon tea guest receives an illustrated map and a QR code linking to the tour, making it easy to discover iconic sights and hidden gems at their own pace.
The decor at vibrant British brasserie Brumus
Brumus is located inside Haymarket Hotel, at 1 Suffolk Pl, London SW1Y 4HX, United Kingdom. Afternoon tea is served daily from 12 pm-4.45 pm. Pricing begins at £50 per person.
Book a table here.