Nestled on a tree-lined street in the center of New York’s most exclusive and fashionable Upper East Side, the Lowell Hotel welcomes guests with a serene residential atmosphere reminiscent of a private townhouse. This charming boutique hotel is the setting for the country’s most exquisite afternoon tea venue.

Tucked away on the hotel’s second floor, its Pembroke Room is a secluded oasis and peaceful setting that takes guests back in time to an era of grace and civility. The striking decor of this intimate room is accented by plush chairs, heavily draped windows, eye catching artwork, lovely potted orchards, crystal chandeliers and adorned mirrors.

Time is at one’s disposal during afternoon tea as the hours can easily slip away from you. Guests can relax and catch up with one another as the hustle and bustle of the city seems a million miles away.

After completing a Pembroke Room renovation, they created an English Garden Tea and also opened a new Pembroke Terrace with fountain and garden. The Pembroke Room upholds the tradition of proper English Afternoon Tea through the service style, and the beverages and food are served from the Dammann Frères loose leaf tea selection. Depending on the service, a glass of Champagne is available along with finger sandwiches and sweets tier, ending the service with warm scones and clotted cream and jams,

The Pembroke Room offers three tea experiences featuring an assortment Herbal Infusions, Black Teas, Green Teas, Oolong Teas, and Fruit Infusions. A highly recommended tea at the Pembroke is Blue Garden. This “Jardin Bleu” blend of black teas sourced from Ceylon and China is flavored with rhubarb and wild strawberry, and is scattered with cornflower’s petals to lend a fruity note to the infusion.

The Classic Pembroke Tea includes such English Tea Sandwiches as Cucumber and Watercress, Poached Shrimp with Dill Butter, Deviled Organic Egg Salad, Scottish Smoked Salmon and Smoked Turkey with Arugula and Homemade Mayonnaise. A delicate combination of these is presented on the lower layer of a three-tiered stand as guests work their way from the bottom to the top. The middle tier holds Assorted Fruit Tarts, French Pastries and Macaroons, while the top level includes Petit Fours. Warm homemade Scones are served separately with scrumptious Lemon Curd and Devonshire cream, offering both a savory and sweet taste.

The Pembroke Royal Tea features a glass of Rosa Regale Rosé Sparkling, Fonseca Red Port or Sherry Bristol Cream along with a Foie Gras Canapés as an added English Tea Sandwich. The Lowell Imperial Tea includes Champagne and Organic American farm-raised Caviar accompanied with toast points and condiments.

Afternoon tea at the Pembroke, served daily from 3 to 6 p.m., is ideal for special occasions, including a birthday or anniversary celebration. It’s an experience that should be on everyone’s “must do” list when visiting the Big Apple. ■