We mistimed our tea at Browns because it coincided with St Giles’ Fair which was a good and bad thing.

Good because we were shown to a table in the window which was ideal for people-watching. Bad because but we couldn’t escape the boom boom of the fair.

Taking the children, it proved to be a perfect introduction to formal afternoon tea for them, although they didn’t get to enjoy the champagne of course.

Instead a jug of iced water was offered and welcomed after a busy day in the sun.

Three of us chose Brown’s own Afternoon Blend and one chose Rooibos. Four teapots and strainers duly arrived, the children enjoying being mother and pouring the tea.

Two display stands then arrived, and as we were getting exceedingly tight for space, it was a bit of a cafuffle to get the table in order, but with a bit of re-jigging we succeeded.

The sandwiches – three each, cucumber, egg and cress, smoked salmon and cream cheese – all served on white bread were perfectly nice.

The egg mayo with big chunks of yolk was the favourite.

The scones were delicious. We had one big scone each, served warm. All were bursting with fruit and accompanied by a dish of very tasty strawberry jam and clotted cream.

However, the three cakes on the top tier were a bit disappointing.

The Victoria sponge wasn’t cut from a lovingly made round cake but more like a loaf tin shape. The little salted caramel profiterole on the other hand was really nice, especially the velvety smooth chocolate part and the meringue with lemon curd cream disappeared pretty quickly.

The strawberry garnish on all four let the side down though, being long past their best.

Tables were filling up around us with an array of people so there was a good buzz, people chatting and all very easy going.

Tea at Brown’s is exceptionally good value for money. Afternoon Tea was £15 for two. The Champagne Afternoon Tea costs £25 for two and the Gin and Tonic version was £23.

We didn’t have a tablecloth, pretty flowers or a fancy display, but we were well fed and well looked after.

I wouldn’t go there for a special occasion but it’s certainly worth popping in after a day’s shopping or to meet friends for a cheeky glass of fizz after school.

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