Afternoon Tea Experience at The Metropole Bar and Terrace at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole

Afternoon Tea Experience at The Metropole Bar and Terrace at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole

Our afternoon tea at The Metropole Bar & Terrace, inside the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, turned into one of those slow, sunlit afternoons that you wish you could bottle up and keep forever. It’s served every day between 12 and 4pm, and we couldn’t have picked a more perfect time to go — the light was pouring through the tall seaside windows, and the bar was buzzing with that soft weekend hum of people chatting and teacups clinking.

Beautifully set tables with a touch of sophistication — the perfect spot to unwind with tea and treats

Sunlight streaming through the tall windows adds warmth to this chic and inviting space

A bright and elegant setting at The Metropole Bar & Terrace, ready for a relaxing afternoon tea by the sea

The Metropole’s bar area — stylish, modern, and full of character

The Metropole Bar & Terrace is such a beautiful space. The decor feels elegant yet comfortable — deep blue panelling, tan leather chairs, patterned floors, and just the right amount of sparkle from the mirrors and lighting. It has that lovely mix of traditional charm and modern polish, making it equally suited to a special treat or a relaxed family afternoon. The staff were warm and attentive from the moment we walked in, and we were shown to a cosy round table by the window, complete with white china cups, a candelabra centerpiece, and a reserved sign waiting for us.

We started off with juices — my wife and I went for passion fruit juice, which was gorgeous, light and tropical, and instantly set the tone for something refreshing and a little indulgent. Our son chose orange juice and our daughter had pineapple, both served chilled and perfectly presented. It was such a nice touch to begin with before the tea and treats arrived.

The table is set with fresh juices, menus in place, and the family is ready for a delightful afternoon tea experience

There’s a dedicated afternoon tea menu here, along with a special children’s version, and even vegan options — which was perfect for our family. The kids were delighted to have their own colourful “Kids Afternoon Tea” platter with mini chicken and bacon pie, truffle egg mayonnaise on brioche, croque monsieur, red velvet cake, cinnamon doughnuts, and even a strawberry milkshake. Watching their eyes light up as the plates arrived was the sweetest thing — it’s clear that this hotel really understands what makes family dining feel special.

For me, I chose the vegan afternoon tea, and it was genuinely impressive. Everything was fresh, beautifully made, and full of flavour — thoughtful plant-based creations that felt indulgent without being heavy. My wife went for the classic non-vegan tea, complete with freshly made sandwiches, mini cakes, pastries, and the most tempting scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Every bite was delicious, and it was lovely to have a selection that suited all of us perfectly.

The grand arrival — tiered trays filled with sandwiches, scones, and sweet little masterpieces for everyone to enjoy

When it came to tea, I opted for the Organic Relax Tea — a delicate, calming blend with a soft, green aroma that paired beautifully with the food. My wife chose the Organic Vanilla Chai, which came with that sweet, spicy fragrance you can only get from a good chai brewed just right. Both teas came from the Hope & Glory range, and they really did elevate the whole experience.

What made it even more enjoyable was the balance between luxury and ease. The service was genuinely friendly — never rushed, always attentive — and everything was timed beautifully. The staff made sure the kids were comfortable and happy, and there was no sense of formality that sometimes makes children feel out of place at afternoon tea. Instead, it felt relaxed, like a proper family moment where everyone could just enjoy good food together.

We lingered longer than we planned to, chatting and laughing between sips of tea and bites of cake. The room stayed bathed in that golden seaside light, and for a moment, it was easy to forget we were right in the centre of Brighton — it felt calm, indulgent, and full of small, lovely details that made the whole experience memorable.

The Metropole Bar & Terrace manages to offer that rare combination of family friendliness and refined indulgence. Whether you’re after a special afternoon with loved ones, a treat after exploring the seafront, or just a calm, elegant spot to enjoy tea done properly, it’s hard to think of a better choice. We left feeling full, happy, and already planning to come back — because some experiences really are too good to only have once.