Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon for a nibble and ended up having a full lunch. The staff were extremely kind and helpful with menu modifications for allergies. They went out of their way to make forthright suggestions about items and the wines by the glass. The winner was the pea and mint soup. The delicate balance between the fresh mint and the creamed peas was remarkably well done. The cafe is beautifully designed, warm and welcoming. It's the sort of place where you could sit and let the hours pass as you look at the cafe windows and the passersby. read more

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We came here for afternoon tea and it was one of my favorite things to do in London! The food and service were both excellent, and honestly you can't beat the price point. We made reservations at 3pm but it seemed like they had several other tables available for walk-in. The server asked if this was our first time for high tea (not sure if this is protocol or if we were dripping with American vibes). Either way, they were great at walking us through everything to make sure we didn't have any questions. The table settings and overall vibe made me feel like we were super fancy! I ordered the Egyptian Chamomile tea and my husband ordered the Earl Gray. The menu had descriptions of the types of teas which can help you pick out what you'd like. I think we both liked my Chamomile better with a tad of sugar which was on the table. We happened to visit during the Chelsea Flower Show time, so they had 2 different types of specialty desserts- we ordered one of each. The sandwiches were all delicious- I loved the salmon and my husband wanted to ask for the Coronation Chicken Salad recipe. The scones were out of this world, and I have a new favorite food called clotted cream. The desserts were so, so good and had a little bit of everything- chocolate, tarts, fruity...you'll find something you like! To be quite frank, we did our due diligence with finding a place to have high tea. There were some that were almost twice as expensive as this place, and I have a hard time believing they would have been twice as good. If you're looking for a simple afternoon tea experience, make sure to add this to your short list. Brasserie Max is elegant, simple, and delicious- highly recommended! read more

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We decided on our trip to London that a proper tea time was a must! After much debate, we settled on Brasserie Max nestled inside the Covent Garden Hotel for the Coronation Afternoon Tea. The restaurant is adorable and the staff was all very nice. They even seated us sooner than our reservation. I enjoyed the selections of savory and sweet options. Some of the cakes were a bit on the dry side but I was too stuffed to eat anything further anyway. My only complaint would be that once we were served, we were mostly ignored. My husband spilt his tea and no one seemed to notice. And I would have liked more hot water, but alas no one checked on us. We finally decided we needed to flag someone down to get the check. I do think this was a good value, especially compared to some other pricey teas in the city. I hope our service was a bit of a one off, and not the norm. read more

Brasserie Max - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

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On our first-ever trip to London, we wanted to make sure that we experienced a few British culinary traditions. We started the week with a Sunday roast, and ended it with an English tea at Brasserie Max. These adventures were wonderful bookends to a hectic but enjoyable time in this remarkable city. It was hard to decide on a location for tea. There were several places that seemed to offer different interpretations of the experience - for example, incorporating different culinary traditions from this very international city. Others seemed to be in more modern settings. We wanted something just a little more "traditional", if there really is such a thing. After much consideration, we settled on Brasserie Max. Though we had been enjoying a lot of al fresco dining during our stay - partially because of Covid concerns but mostly because we loved being in the midst of the bustling energy of the city - it seemed only appropriate that we take our tea in the lovely dining room, which looks like a place where you could film a scene for a Jane Austen movie. The table settings were neatly arranged and the china was printed with funky looking bird or dinosaur figures. The waitstaff was elegantly dressed and exceedingly polite and welcoming. We were seated promptly upon arrival and the server explained how tea would be served. We ordered our tea and after a short while individual teapots were brought to us. There were both traditional teas like Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea, plus several more exotic flavors that could be selected more a modest additional charge. After several minutes of enjoying our first sips of tea, the feast was brought to our table. The food was presented on three tiers. I believe someone told me that there was a particular sequence in which you're supposed to consume them - starting with the savory items in the middle then moving on to the sweet items on top and then finally to the scones of the bottom - but we decided that we didn't need to be so regimented in our approach. We're boorish Americans, after all. Anyways, it was a fine assortment of finger sandwiches, macarons, small cakes, and incredibly fluffy and light scones. It was all beautifully presented and it almost seemed a shame to deconstruct it. Over the course of the next hour we savored each bite of this excellent meal and left feeling completely satisfied. It was a wonderful experience and a perfect ending to our London adventure. read more

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Everything was perfect: our dishes were delicious, Our server very pleasant. The restaurant décor is very elegant and soothing. read more

Brasserie Max - Heirloom tomatoes and basil - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

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We came here for my sister-in-laws 30th birthday treat. There were four of us and we all had the Royal Afternoon Tea. The afternoon tea had a selection of sandwiches such as coronation chicken as well as smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels; these were the best of the bunch. I'm unsure if these are unlimited as we finished ours but weren't offered more. Along with a selection of teas (sometimes at extra cost) there were several dessert/treats such as Pimm's cheesecake, Victoria sponge and homemade scones with clotted cream and preserves (raspberry and strawberry). The scones were great as they were served warm. Overall the experience was ok and my sister-in-law enjoyed it which is the main thing. They were even kind enough to bring out an additional small cake with happy birthday written in chocolate. However, I would say that it wasn't amazing at £40 per person, you'd expect the flavours to be incredible; it was a bit bland. I have been to other afternoon teas at £30pp with better tasting food. Simply because I have been to other afternoon teas at a better value for money, I rate this lower. read more

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My work colleague and I decided to meet at Brasserie Max at her suggestion for dinner. The restaurant is located inside the Covent Garden Hotel and can be found quite easily from a couple of Tube stations. From the moment I walked in to when we left, I was very pleased with the experience, especially the service and quality of food. The restaurant has a very welcoming and comfortable ambience. I was greeted immediately by the friendly hosts upon entering and seated right away. We decided to order cocktails to start off our meal. A staff member came by to apologize for the delay with our beverage order and offered to comp us them. That was completely unnecessary but a very nice gesture on their part. We were so busy catching up that was hadn't even noticed the delay! Their cocktail and bar menu does deserve a peek as their drinks are creative and delicious. The options on the menu provided quite the dilemma for me as there were so many good options! The prices were reasonable given the dishes on offer. I chose the tuna nicoise salad while my colleague chose the curry. The tuna and vegetables were fresh and the portion was substantial enough for dinner. For dessert we ordered the lemon tart and grilled pineapple with our coffees. Both were delicious. I would highly recommend this restaurant for dinner and am eager to try their afternoon tea. The restaurant was a good spot for a business meal but I would recommend it for dining with with friends and family a well. Throughout the evening, service was excellent. read more

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Had a really wonderful afternoon tea experience! The tea and accompanying bites were delicious. Perfect location too. I would say it's more on the expensive side for afternoon tea, but a great spot nonetheless. read more

Quality upscale British fare. Really delicious daily dishes. Loved my pork tenderloin! Near West End shows for quick access pre-theatre. Waiters are super friendly and attentive. Spot that you can get in and out before an evening show which is always appreciated! read more

At Brasserie Max, tucked inside the charmingly understated Covent Garden Hotel, you'll find your Vespers, your Aviations, your Sidecars and Manhattans. But what you will also find, rather unexpectedly, is a crackin' compendium of tiki inspired cocktails to complement those classics. Perusing the list, I found a few drinks to appeal to the varying tastes of my favourite cocktailing companions: Mexican Mure Fresh lime, ginger and blackberries shaken with agave syrup, Casco Viejo Reposado and blackberry liqueur. Strained over crushed ice and topped with ginger beer Bermuda Triangle Zest of orange and lime muddled in a boston and shaken together with Sailor Jerry rum, Makers Mark bourbon, Grand Marnier, spiced berry cordial and orange bitters Fig Caipirinha Muddled fig and lime wedges mixed with orgeat, fig liqueur, peychaud's bitters and Beija Flor cachaca in highball with crushed ice Given it's a dead easy twenty or so minute walk from my flat, I'm planning on spending more time working my way through the list. read more

Was at the restaurant for a pre-holiday high tea with a group of girls. The restaurant is located inside of Covent Garden Hotel which belongs to Firmdale Hotels, a chain that owns many great boutique hotels in London. I have always loved the ambience of Firmdale hotels and this restaurant is no exception. The dining room is comfortable and chic. I opted for the holiday afternoon tea set, which may not have been the best choice. To celebrate the season, I was given a turkey and cranberry sandwich that was dry; some minced pie, which I am not a fan of; and Christmas log cake that was OK. To be fair, it was partly my fault, since I don't tend to like the typical Christmas food. On the positive side, the scones were good and warm. I did have two of those and the caramelized onion and brie sandwich which was a holiday special and was good. If you are really hungry, you can ask for limitless rounds refill of food. However, I hardly touched the sweets cakes on the top tier. I have always loved the idea of tea and will always go to them, but I never quite really enjoy the food other than the English scones with clotted cream, which are divine when done right. Since this is a very popular spot, we were kicked out after 2 hours. If you are looking for good afternoon tea, I won't say this is the best choice, but if you want to rest after hours of shopping in Covent Garden or a place to have a hot tea or a drink to warm up, this is perfect. read more

Brasserie Max - The holiday special tea - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

Went for breakfast one morning while exploring the area. As usual we were on a time schedule for another event. Staff was accommodating, conscious of our time, and food was great. read more

Came here last night for a light supper and dessert - and they were absolutely lovely to us. This is definitely the kind of quiet, sexy, understated place you come to when you want to just focus on your date. The bread to start with was sublime, with just the right amount of crunch in the corners. The farfalle was light on the palate (not enough gorgonzola cheese perhaps) but the rocket and parmesan salad was perfect. We then ordered the mandarin tart, which I'd have preferred more chocolate crumble on, but was delightful all the same. The service was just impeccable, and since the boy and I were dawdling and having such a romantic time, they also brought us coconut marshmallows on the house. Lovely touch! read more

Came here for my very first High Tea ever and it was absolutely lovely. We were just walking by, looked in, and it just seemed so quaint and cozy and English we just had to go in. Screw the rest of the afternoon's plans! There were four of us in our party and between us we shared two towers of scones, cakes, meringues, and cute little cheese sandwiches; it was just the right amount of food. Everything was delicious and fun to share. The tea was quite nice too. Three of us got Earl Gray, and one of us got Green Tea, and we all got these adorable little tea cups and strainers, and there were these cute little sugar cubes too that you had to use tongs to take out of the little sugar jar. It was all so adorable! Prices were very reasonable, service was great, and all in all I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Max's. Will think of my first High Tea fondly. read more

Wonderful. I love popping in here for a drink, or dinner. It's the smallest and least showy of all the London Firmdale hotel restaurants. Though having said that, 8 times out of 10 there has been an A lister tucked away somewhere. I love the dark, plush dining room, and the gleaming bar. There is a private dining room at the back of the main room. They have always been happy to allow us to use it - once when there was just three of us. LIkewise, if they can accommodate you, they are relaxed enough to let you sit at a dinner table and just have a drink. The service is proper, but not intimidatingly so. Also, it never seems overly crowded or noisy, but it's seldom empty. The food is wonderful. Superbly prepared. I have eaten there a dozen times and have never noticed a dip in quality. It really is all good. read more

Gorgeous breakfast place! Very posh, but wonderful eggs florentines. Best ones ive had recently. Good choices of fresh juices as well. A little pricey but price matches the quality/decor. read more

Brasserie Max - Best eggs florentine in the area! - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

Great tea's; recommend the Bourbon Vanilla tea. Solid English Breakfast, or the High Breakfast is a fun way to sample several small dishes. read more

Brasserie Max - English Breakfast - Modern European Near Me - London, XGL

Flew in from the US on a family vacation. A colleague of my husband recommended this place. This was our first formal Afternoon Tea. While we enjoyed it, we were not overtly impressed. The family favorite were the scones (but not much else) and the Mythical Creatures Tea. For 150£ (for 4 people) we expected more. Furthermore, I was a bit disappointed to find out they do not sell the loose leaf Mythical Creatures Tea (their own product) in the restaurant/hotel. I was told I could buy it online. I looked and found out that the tea (75g) sells for 15£. Okay... not too bad, but to ship it to the US is an additional 25£. Why wouldn't they sell it at the hotel? Not quite what we expected especially after it coming highly recommended. read more

We were walking in the neighborhood on our way to another lunch spot that had an hr wait time and noticed this lovely restaurant with afternoon tea. I got the Covent garden tea set and he had the gentleman's tea set. His tea set came with fried cod and chips with the most amazing tartar sauces. I enjoyed my finger sandwiches, and the desserts were all delightful, especially the chocolate opera cake. We also got a side of brussel sprouts and I'm completely inspired with the chestnuts and pancetta - sooo good. I would have to try to make this at home. My earl grey tea was great! Service was great and attentive. Don't overlook this place when you're looking for a spot for afternoon tea in London! read more

This was a lovely lunch in a nice part of town. The food was well prepared and the service was fine. I like the quiet ambiance in the restaurant, even during a busy lunchtime. And the staff were just the right level of attentive. Neither smothering us nor neglecting us. We had a business lunch here that was very productive because the atmosphere let us hear each other and focus on what we were discussing. read more

SO AMAZING. I WOULD FLY BACK TO LONDON JUST FOR THIS PLACE ! It was so spectacular, the decor` , the vibe, the food, the tea, the ambiance everything was amazing ! My boyfriend and I thought this was one of our highlights while visiting london for the first time ! read more

This is my favorite bar and restaurant in London! I miss it dearly when I'm away and am always greeted with warmth and an excellent martini when I get back. If you're in London, get yourself to Covent Garden Hotel and get into their Brasserie Max lounge, it's great for cocktails, breakfast, brunch, and afternoon tea. Excellent wines and company make this a little slice of City Heaven. If you're staying in the hotel, don't bother looking for anywhere else nearby to hang out at. The hotel also has a private screening room that's pretty sweet if you get a chance to check it out. Make sure you check out Forbidden Planet around the corner if you love comics, toys, collectibles etc. read more

An upscale option for vegans: impeccable service, white linens, nineteenth-century country ambience. We had the vegan English breakfast option: spinach, mushrooms, beans, potatoes; had to order the toast separately. Breakfast came with ill-considered battered tofu. Chef: consider swapping this for some form of tempeh! Avocado toast minus the feta cheese was respectable. Nice tea selection and non dairy milk options included almond, rice, and soy. Summary: a pleasant brunch option for vegans in this area. read more

Lovely outside street seating when the sun shines. Food was tasty but portions disappointingly small.

Good place to eat, very relaxing and the food is really nice. Staff are very friendly. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

An absolute delight! Elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. Friendly staff. Food preparation was creative, fresh and delicious. I had the pea fritters paired with poached egg and chipotle sauce. Best breakfast experience in London! read more

In the heart of Covent Garden, the focal point of the quaint Monmouth Street, the Max bar at the Covent Garden hotel is elegant, intimate and buzzy. Recline, soak up the British charm and feel right at home. read more

Went here for a spontaneous dinner while walking through the neighborhood with a rumbling stomach. The food just wasn't that great. I ordered a tofu curry dish that turned out to be just two fried sticks of tofu in a bowl of coconut sauce... Not great. Another person in my group ordered risotto and enjoyed it, but another was disappointment when his tuna nicoise showed up as just a hunk of tuna on some raw veggies. read more

Went to the champagne Winemaker event at Brasserie Max. They held the event in a private room, not the actual restaurant but the event was really done well. Fantastic setting, good quality chamopagnes and the same with the food pairings.Highly reccomend any of these wine events at the hotel. Firmdale hotels in general really offer another level of entertainment, not just food and hotel but the private cinemas and bowling amongst other facilities. read more