The relaxing ritual of Afternoon Tea began in the UK and is attributed to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford in the early 19th century. With finger sandwiches, delicious scones with clotted cream and jam, and final course of sweets and pastries. The idea was to provide easy-to-manage portions suitable for entertaining in a sitting room or salon. It’s easy to see how the practice caught on – as a way to step out of hectic day into the calm or a means to fortify oneself for an evening of festivities. Either way, it offers an oasis in the course of ones’ day. I believe that Henry James said it best, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”
For me, it is a delicious stress release – a way to take a beat, revive myself and reconnect with what is important, appreciate what I have, appreciate the moment. I have continued to return to this wonderful ritual to celebrate so many of my happy moments or in time of stress release, it’s become a globally delightful practice I thoroughly enjoy. Wanted to share some of these wonderful moments and look forward to enjoying more Afternoon Teas with YOU. FROM BACCARAT TO THE PLAZA: One of the highlights of my birthday month was afternoon tea at the Baccarat hotel salon in New York City. It was, in a word, if only one is allowed to be used – sumptuous. Everything was as delicious as that word sounds and the atmosphere was all that it implies. If tea at the Baccarat feels a bit like a fantasy (It DOES.) Alternately, tea at the Plaza is a religion. The iconic Palm Court has held court for over 100 years. The staff aren’t just attentive – they anticipate – happily meeting your every need. There is something very special about nibbling on sandwiches and savories in such a timeless place.
Celebrating the beginning of this journey with afternoon tea reminded me of so many other brilliant teas I’ve had in my time and Globally from my birthday Tea at the Proust salon Ritz Hotel in Paris to The Ritz in London and Baccarat hotel salon in New York City and to a wonderful ballet themed tea at the Peninsula.
I look forward to continuing to share further variety of afternoon teas with you – With Style and Grace
BACCARAT HOTEL SALON NEW YORK CITY
One of the highlights of my birthday month was afternoon tea at the Baccarat. It was, in a word, if only one is allowed to be used – sumptuous. Everything was as delicious as that word sounds and the atmosphere was all that it implies.
Entering the sparkling Grand Salon completely transports you from the mayhem of midtown. A total delight, the extremely passionate and knowledgeable Tea Sommelier Gabrielle will guide you to something new.
Oh! And the food! Did I mention there’s caviar….? Champagne, of course! The experience: superlative. If tea at the Baccarat feels a bit like a fantasy (it DOES.)
PLAZA HOTEL – PALM COURT – NEW YORK CITY
Given that the Plaza is somewhat of a tourist destination you may not think that food is completely up to snuff, and yet, it is more than. Every delectable morsel from the freshly made scones to the carefully crafted sweets are provided the attention they deserve. There is a reason afternoon tea at the Plaza is so popular and the regal ambiance makes the experience feel even more special.
RITZ HOTEL – PARIS PROUST SALON
This wonderful experience is a taste of luxury in a historic and literary setting with an organization that understands and honors the highest standards of guest service. The hotel is newly renovated and is of course, magnificent. The Grand salon aptly named in memory of French Author Marcel Proust and his famous book “In Search of Lost Time” if you have not read it, it’s a must. (Though fair warning, the book is known officially as the longest novel in the world) which has 1,267,069 words in it; double those in War and Peace. It was immediately recognized to be a masterpiece, ranked by many as the greatest novel of the century, or simply of all time. What makes it so special is that it isn’t just a novel in the straight narrative sense. It is a work that intersperses genius-level descriptions of people and places with a whole philosophy of life.
For me the moment with the tea is pivotal in the novel because it demonstrates everything Proust wants to teach us about appreciating life with greater intensity. He wrote about the dainty French cakes they call Madeleines”. Which are exquisite, definitely indulge and I can highly recommend the Ritz reserve Barons de Rothschild champagne, this experience is magnifique on all counts. A special moment that nods to Proust’s beloved madeleines, which are served alongside other biscuits, and marble cakes.
RITZ HOTEL – LONDON
Indulge in a slice of one of the finest British traditions. From the hotel lobby, the doors are opened for you to enter The Long Gallery at first glimpse, it will immediately hit you just how grand and luxurious this place really is with its glittering chandeliers. Afternoon Tea at The Ritz in London is known worldwide and is something everyone traveling to the UK should experience. Tea at The Ritz is an institution in itself and is served in the spectacular Palm Court, which epitomizes the elegantly comfort of Edwardian high life. It has been awarded the prestigious Tea Guild Awards (Award of Excellence, Top London Afternoon Tea) for many years in a row.
With their deliciously traditional English warm scones, fresh jam and clotted cream. Then cakes and unlimited tea, and more cake. All this while being waited on as if you are royalty. The elegant ambiance is complemented by a musical ensemble from their resident pianist who performs renditions of classical favorites.
RITZ LONDON HOTEL TEA LOUNGE
LONDON AT AQUA SHARD
Afternoon Tea at Aqua shard have more of a contemporary take on afternoon tea, you can enjoy a unique British twist to the traditional afternoon tea, with a creative range of sandwiches.
Location, Location, Location on level 31 Aqua Shard is London’s tallest building designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and the floor to ceiling windows offer the most magnificent views of the city with breathtaking panoramic views of London’s stretching skyline, seeing the stupendous view in daylight and then seeing the lights come on the buildings and boats below as the sun went down was grand.
HARRODS LONDON
Harrods’ Tea Room has a very casual everyday feel compared to a lot of Afternoon Teas in London as witnessed by how everyone is dressed, I suppose that comes with been such a touristy place. afternoon tea comes with endless sandwiches, desserts, and tea, so you can lounge and relax for a while. Hence If you are looking for a stereotypical tea room experience with the posh vibes, I would be hesitant to recommend Harrods’ Tea Room.
WINDSOR BERKSHIRE ENGLAND
The beautiful Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is a Royal Borough of Berkshire, It is home to Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family. Eton College, Legoland Windsor and Ascot Racecourse. It is one of four boroughs entitled to be refixed Royal and is one of six unitary authorities in its county, which has historic and ceremonial status. Sometimes the only cure for sightseeing exhaustion is head to a café for afternoon tea, I can recommend coming to the area and of course having Afternoon tea here did not disappoint in this lovely café in Windsor. It’s the perfect day out, and the perfect way to recharge your batteries.
PENINSULA HOTEL – GOTHAM LOUNGE New York City
I have been going to the Peninsula in NYC for Afternoon Tea for nearly two decades and it’s always a pleasure as the service is fantastic, friendly, and accommodating and their tea selections are exceptional as is their excellent presentation of savories. The perfectly made tea sandwiches are Delicious. Scones are always soft and fluffy on the inside with a crusty thin exterior.
You could say, afternoon tea here is a tradition for all hotels in the Peninsula Hotel Group. My first experience with the chain was at the Peninsula hotel afternoon tea in Hong Kong, which is on a grand scale high tea, when I moved to NYC I came to try it here and the rest is history as they say. While it’s not an uptight environment at the Gotham Lounge, be sure to dress up a little, business casual at least, to fit in with the clientele. From business people, to families with well-behaved young children, tourists and locals like myself.
PENINSULA HOTEL – BEST OF LADUREE FRENCH PASTRY
I am on the mailing list for the peninsula hotel and their special events they have and not only for the Gotham Lounge for tea, I also love to dine at their Clemente restaurant which is superb and I can highly recommend. When I got the email that they were having a limited-edition partnership with Ladurée Paris to bring a French twist to the hotel’s world-famous afternoon tea, well let’s just say I didn’t hesitate and I was there the following day to enjoy this exceptional Afternoon Tea offer as I LOVE Laduree, I have all their books. This was an exceptional Afternoon tea.
To mark the occasion, Ladurée Paris had hand-crafted custom raspberry-coconut The Peninsula Page Cap Cake, which was so scrumptious, and there was Signature macarons my favorite was the Ladurée’s Marie Antoinette Macaron, which features flavors of rose petals, citrus, and honey. And all accompany with a selection of 19 teas from all over the world, including a buttery rich Tahitian Vanilla or a full-bodied Pure Egyptian Chamomile.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL – FLORENCE ITALY
You almost have to brace yourself. It’s afternoon tea inside the stunning Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, a centuries-old Tuscan palazzo. A must if you’re in Florence!. enthralled by its beauty: you’d think you were in an authentic Italian palace with its beautiful statues, enormous frescoes, and the molding that decorates the courtyard walls. The majestic chandelier dresses up the huge room.
Fine porcelain and silverware await the guests for our tea, You can truly relax and take a few moments to enjoy the luxurious environment of this jewel of Renaissance architecture. The setting and the hospitality makes this one of the best afternoon tea experiences. Its Excellent. Servers took very good care of us. They were attentive but not intrusive. The afternoon tea was delicious (the macaroons in particular),
CHAMPAGNE AFTERNOON TEA – GOLD 27 LOUNGE BURG AL ARAB – DUBAI
Staying at this amazing hotel was even more enhanced by all their fabulous dining selections and Afternoon Tea at the Sky View Lounge was one of them. On 27 floor and wrapped around by glass which provides incredible views. It’s equal parts romantic, luxurious, and special. the quality of food, beverages, atmosphere and attentive service made the experience magical. Your get to experience the height of sophistication and decadent Afternoon.
It is served in seven courses. With that you receive unlimited coffee, tea, scones, finger sandwiches, pastries, which I unfortunately could not take advantage of, (I was excited to be dinning that evening at the wonderful Al Mahara seafood restaurant). The last course was a lychee and rose sorbet, which was light and refreshing and Lastly touch of class they give you a beautiful signature box of chocolates to take with you.
BELMOND VILLA SAN MICHELE – FLORENCE ITALY
Belmond Villa San Michele is housed in a 15th-century monastery with a façade designed by Michelangelo. It is surrounded by a large, wooded park and lush terraced gardens boasting magnificent views of Florence and the Arno Valley below.
Afternoon Tea is a peaceful and elegant experience while the Renaissance splendor of Florence is a mere 15 minutes away. Their tea selection was wonderful but the cuisine was not up to the standard of such a grand hotel. This was disappointing but given the spectacular views and relaxing atmosphere it was worth the stay.
HONG KONG – THE VERANDA RESTAURANT
This is a unique and lovely experience which can’t be replicated elsewhere because of this special property. The ambience of the restaurant is wonderful, colonial building, high ceilings, wooden ceiling fans, marble floors, wooden doors and windows with brass fixtures. Sophisticated and refined. The Verandah retains the relaxed charm of the original Repulse Bay Hotel. The Verandah offers whispers of a bygone era. Try and get a table by the window for the seaside view while enjoying a luxuriously afternoon tea.
Afternoon Tea at the grand Verandah, which is run by the Peninsula, is a special experience. The large restaurant is dripping with upscale colonial nostalgia, with the grand piano at the entrance, The service is always very attentive, the food consistent and fresh, the ambience amazing with an “Old World Class” feel. I can highly recommend treating yourself to a sumptuous afternoon tea in this charming part of Hong Kong.
THE WHITBY HOTEL LOUNGE New York City
The Whitby Orangery Lounge dining room at the luxury boutique hotel, located in the heart of NYC is wonderful and bright, with airy gorgeous décor, Lots of unique artwork and brilliant color and pattern combinations gives this hotel a unique look. The entire hotel is thoughtfully decorated décor is stately, yet modern with bright and pleasing colors.
The tea room is beautifully appointed and offers a level of quiet intimacy few restaurants offer. Look up so as not to miss the incredible chandeliers. And how clever to decorate the walls with vintage platters!. It’s a great place to stop in if you feel like having afternoon tea on a whim since reservations aren’t required and not always busy it’s quiet and peaceful in the heart of midtown Manhattan. It’s your basic English tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and mini desserts.
