As the weather warms here in Brooklyn, there is no better way to enjoy the beauty of the season than by indulging in the delightful and timeless experience of afternoon tea.
Spring in Brooklyn is a time of renewal and growth. The budding flowers and blooming trees paint the city in a breathtaking palette of colors, reminiscent of old-world cities like London and Paris. As the weather warms here in Brooklyn, there is no better way to enjoy the beauty of the season than by indulging in the delightful and timeless experience of afternoon tea.
The English afternoon tea is a beloved tradition that has its roots in the early 19th century. During this time, Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, would ask for a light meal in the late afternoon to stave off hunger until dinner. This practice quickly caught on and became a staple of English society, a sophisticated and elegant way to spend an afternoon with friends and loved ones.
Brooklyn High Low tea room, located in the charming neighborhood of Prospect Heights, along Vanderbilt Ave, is sure to delight any tea lover. They offer a carefully curated, and high quality tea ceremony experience well worth the reservation.
Recently, my wife and I, along with two friends, visited Brooklyn High Low Tea Room and had the opportunity to indulge in their Grand Vanderbilt tea service for four. From start to finish, we were impressed with the level of service and attention to detail.
Upon entering their establishment, we were greeted by a friendly and professional hostess, and invited to sit in this intimate space among four other dining parties. The tea room embraces a charming parlor-style interior, featuring an eclectic collection of tables and french salon chairs, and boasting a beautiful assortment of china and silverware showcasing tea ceremony aesthetics from all over the world.
The menu options at Brooklyn High Low offer something for everyone. The Classic tea service is a 75-minute experience that includes a bottomless pot of the house black tea with your choice of milk, sugar, lemon, or honey, as well as a triple-plate tea tier filled with finger sandwiches, scones, and a plate of sweets.
The Grand Vanderbilt tea service (our choice) offers guests a bottomless pot of one of 25 different teas. It is the perfect accompaniment to the triple plate tea tier which included:
Freshly baked scones, strawberry jam, lemon curd and clotted cream, a crumpet with herb butter, and eight flavors of tea sandwiches.
We particularly loved the cucumber and Dill tea sandwiches. Another interesting and perhaps unexpected standout was the Branston Pickle & Cheddar finger sandwich, which one of our guests remarked, filled him with nostalgia as its sweet and tangy flavor profile reminded him of an elevated Mcdonalds Single with cheese. Trust us, we really do mean that as a compliment. On a plate full of decadent and traditional standards, the Branston pickle and cheese finger sandwich was a simple yet remarkable addition.
We tasted and compared eachothers teas, but for me the standout tea was the Vanilla Black, which had a subtle sweetness that married perfectly with the deep notes of Madagascar vanilla. The sugar bowl, filled with gummy butterflies and candied orange wedges, added a playful touch to the elegant setting.
The confections served during the afternoon tea were a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Each treat was a work of art, carefully crafted to delight the senses. A highlight of the sweets were the chocolate-covered strawberries, which were plump, juicy, and coated in a rich, dark chocolate. The delicate macarons were all a beautiful orange color, and were flavored with cinnamon spice and pumpkin. The cherry custard tarts were bite-sized, with flaky crusts and a sweet, creamy filling. The chocolate mousse was served in delicate tea cups, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkles, and a whimsical wafer butterfly.
The Tea Room’s knowledgeable staff were always on hand to help guide us through the experience, offering recommendations and information about both the tea’s and the assorted culinary treats set before us. The attentiveness and professionalism of the staff was noteworthy, and it really added to the sense of esteem that Brooklyn High Low intends to cultivate towards its guests.
Our tea room experience perfectly mirrored the peaceful and elegant essence of the season, offering a moment of serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The ritual of tea-drinking, with its attention to detail, paired with the beauty of spring, made for an uplifting and even slightly magical experience.
With its refined atmosphere, expertly crafted menu, and attentive staff, Brooklyn High Low delivers a one-of-a-kind and authentically sophisticated afternoon tea. It is a true escape from the busy world outside. So why not treat yourselves to a little luxury. Whether you’re a seasoned tea drinker or a curious beginner, this intimate Tea Room is sure to delight and it is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring in Brooklyn.
A Note: Brooklyn High Low has opened a second location! The new tea room is located at 69 7th Avenue in Park Slope.
Andrew Napolitano
Andrew Napolitano is a Park Slope resident, and an enthusiastic home cook, with a passion for exploring and championing Brooklyn's world class gastronomy.