Afternoon Tea Around The World

Top Hotels for Afternoon Tea Experiences

BY: JUNE DAGNALL

There is no question that afternoon tea is always in style, and it has certainly evolved significantly over the last two hundred years. Culinary chefs these days express their own creative flair and are continually adding new twists to this indulgent British tradition.

Afternoon tea was introduced in England in 1840 by Anne, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. It is said that the Duchess would become hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at eight o’clock, thus leaving a long period of time between lunch and dinner. The Duchess asked that a tray of tea, bread, and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. This became a habit, and she soon began inviting friends to join her for this ritual.

Tea quickly became a stylish social event, and during the 1880’s upper class and society woman would change into long gowns, gloves, and hats for their afternoon tea which was served in the drawing room between four and five o’clock complete with silver teapots, fine linens, elegant teacups and world renowned teas.

Traditional afternoon tea typically consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserves, as well as an assortment of cakes and pastries.

There are a few tea etiquette rules that still exist today. Eat sandwiches first and with fingers please, not the cutlery. Warm scones should be enjoyed next and proper etiquette advises that these should be broken in two by hand, not with a knife. Please also remember that extending your pinky finger is a “don’t” when enjoying afternoon tea, and please never cradle the cup in your hands!

Claridge’s - London, England

Claridge’s has been serving afternoon tea for 150 years. For a century or more, their Executive Chefs have remained faithful to the classic combination of finger sandwiches, scones served warm, and sweet pastries. Prepared and served fresh each day, the menu faithfully follows the traditional combination of sweet and savory. The ingredients include British specialties such as poached Scottish salmon, and their pastries change to reflect the fruits of the season. Of course, at the heart of the experience is the tea itself. From a rich Oolong to the refreshingly complex Claridge’s Blend, there is a tea that will complement your tea experience perfectly.

Afternoon tea is served from a specially designed stand and on the very finest bone china and silverware, both made to a unique Claridge’s design. Guests enjoy their experience while being immersed in the 1930s art deco design of the Foyer and Reading Room.

The Plaza - New York City, USA

The historic Plaza in New York City has been an iconic destination for afternoon tea for more than 100 years. Magnificently situated in the hotel’s Palm Court, tea guests allude to the fact that they feel as though Central Park has been brought indoors while they enjoy a delightful tea experience under a stained glass dome.

Tea choices include selections such as Chinese green tea, English breakfast, and lavender oolong. Patrons dine on delicate sandwiches, pastries and scones all served on Bernardaud china and custom tableware. There are a variety of tea menus, such as the classic Manhattan Tea, or for special occasions guests can order the indulgent Grand Imperial Tea for two, complete with caviar service. There is a signature tea for children featuring peanut butter and jelly finger sandwiches, cake pops, cotton candy and caffeine-free tea. After Eloise, the children’s book character, lives at the Plaza and in her books often enjoys afternoon tea here.

Fairmont Empress Hotel - Victoria, Canada

Tea at the Empress has been as they say, “hot and steamy since 1908” when the hotel first opened. A grand tradition for over a century, the world renowned Fairmont Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual of afternoon tea to famed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike. Afternoon tea is elegantly served in the timeless Lobby Lounge overlooking the beautiful inner harbor, and provides live classical piano accompaniment. The Empress offers twenty one rare, ethically produced teas showcasing varieties from all major growing areas around the world.

Indulge in delicate sandwiches, freshly baked Empress raisin scone with homemade clotted cream and jam, as well as a decadent dessert tier. Tea at the Empress can also be enjoyed by their tiny Prince and Princesses between the ages of 5 and 12 years old to feel like royalty while partaking in this coveted tradition.

Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel – Paris, France

Located just off the famed Champs-Élysées, one will find the Hôtel de Crillon. This stunning hotel opened in 1909 and is a must do Parisian destination at tea time for both travelers and locals alike.

Afternoon tea at Jardin d’Hiver, which translates to winter garden in French, is a glamorous affair served in a gorgeous room filled with plump couches, plush armchairs and dripping with chandeliers. There is also an outside terrace that is very popular.

Tea service brings out the sweet desserts supplied by head pastry chef Matthieu Carlin. The surprising menu also has some original inclusions, such as a lobster roll and puffed brioches as an alternative choice to scones. Sip on a hot drink and munch on savory finger sandwiches, three pastries, homemade scones or homemade brioche, and jam and clotted cream.

Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe – South Africa

Elegant and refined can best describe the High Tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Traditional afternoon silver tea service can be enjoyed every day on an outdoor terrace with stunning views of the Victoria Falls Bridge. You can hear the thundering of the falls while you sip on your tea and nibble on decadent pastries, scones and sandwiches. One of the oldest hotels in Africa, enjoying tea on Stanley's Terrace comes with all of the traditional accoutrement, as guests are transported back in time thanks to the elegant, historic location. Built by the British in 1904, this expansive Edwardian hotel features dazzling manicured lawns and gardens, and stands right next to the Falls.

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia

The elegant Tea Lounge in the Majestic Wing of the hotel is open to the breezes off the lawn fronting the hotel. The old-fashioned grid ceilings feature classic cutglass lighting with antique brass fittings. Cozy arrays of comfortable arm chairs with subdued lighting from table lamps provide the perfect setting for English Afternoon Tea with a Malaysian twist.

Indulge in a high tea set that’s fit for royalty with the Colonial Cafe’s Majestic Afternoon Tea, featuring a classic spread of scones with clotted cream and jams, finger sandwiches, cakes and delicious savories served piping hot. Your own individual tea pot is put on a warmer so servers don’t have to constantly add hot water.

Gunners Barracks Tea Room – Sydney, Australia

Built in 1873 from locally quarried sandstone, the Gunners Barracks which has now been beautifully restored, was formerly an officers’ mess, forming part of the fortifications at Georges Heights built for the defense of Sydney.

Tables are covered with damask table cloths and set with pretty “Country Roses” Royal Albert bone china, and high tea was presented on an elegant plated tiered stand. Relish freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves followed by finely cut sandwiches, savory pastries and delectable petit cakes all create daily by our highly skilled team of chef’s. To compliment is Asia’s largest selection of Ronnefeldt teas, a total of 41 specialty teas for you to choose from.

Grand Hyatt – Hong Kong - China

The popular afternoon tea served in Tiffin Restaurant, features three tiers filled with savory and sweet delicacies with a distinctly French flavor. This is complemented by the live dessert stations and ice-cream counter.

Echoing Tiffin’s namesake and heritage, the takeaway version of the afternoon tea set consists of three compartments meticulously stacked together to resemble the famous “tiffin” boxes from the British Raj era. The box is adorned with Tiffin’s signature tableware pattern for you to recreate an elegant tea time at home.

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai - India

With an established tradition of afternoon tea dating back to the early 20th century, the landmark Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is a historic city institution. Tea is served in the Sea Lounge, with art deco furnishings and old colonial charm from 1903 when the hotel was first built. This iconic room is aptly named, as guests can catch great views of the ships on the harbor before they set sail on the Arabian Sea. In the evenings, guests can enjoy live music. The tea service is offered buffet style, with local Indian favorites along with a nod to the classic British favorites.

The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts – London, England

Stepping inside the Tea Lounge at The Biltmore Mayfair, guests will find a classic London afternoon tea experience beckoning to them. Located in London's luxurious Grosvenor Square, surrounded by parks and gardens, tea at The Biltmore Mayfair is a definitely sumptuous experience.

The afternoon tea menu highlights fresh classic UK produce featuring English cucumber, black truffle, and heritage tomato sandwiches, scones with Cornish clotted cream, fresh Kent strawberries, and chocolate mousse with Scottish raspberry jelly.

Whether you keep things simple with just a cup of tea from the trolley and a scone, or add a glass of Champagne to the full afternoon tea service, this English tradition is a must-do for anyone hoping for a classic teatime experience.