4 minute read
Time For Tea | Leila Najafi
This spring, celebrate the tradition of high tea at these six luxurious lounges by April 21 might be National Tea Day in the U.K. but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the long-standing British tradition in L.A. Indulge in sweet treats and light bites at posh hotels while sipping on freshly brewed teas from around the world. Take a midday break from adventuring, and check out these six sophisticated spots for tea in the city. Pinkie up!
Palma Lounge at Santa Monica Proper Hotel
If you need need an excuse to lounge at the stunning Kelly Wearstler–designed hotel, the tea menu at Palma provides the perfect one. For $75 a person, you can choose from a selection of teas paired with mini sandwiches, such as Japanese egg salad, smoked albacore, and organic chicken salad. Start your afternoon ritual with a champagne toast or upgrade your experience for an additional $20 per person and enjoy bottomless champagne. Santa Monica Proper Hotel, 700 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, properhotel.com/ santa-monica
The Living Room at Peninsula Beverly Hills
The Peninsula Beverly Hills is home to one of the most iconic hotel lounges in L.A. The elegant salon, aptly named the Living Room, is furnished with plush couches and has a crackling fireplace—the quintessential backdrop for high tea. Savor a selection of delectable pastries and savory treats. Tables are set with dainty china and a harpist plays in the background. Afternoon tea is offered daily at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with an added 4 p.m. seating Thursdays through Sundays. Choose from two menus: Traditional ($125 per person) or Royal ($135 per person), depending on your bubbles of choice. The dress code is smart casual, so dress to impress. 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, peninsula.com/en/beverly-hills
Ocean Terrace Room at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
The pastel-green Bernardaud porcelain china is one of many reasons to love the afternoon tea service at the oceanfront Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. An assortment of delightful finger sandwiches, such as cucumber tea, savory crab roll, and the house-smoked salmon tea sandwich are served in a sun-drenched ocean-facing room, so you can take in scenic views while sipping tea like the Royals. Afternoon Tea service is offered Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. for $95 per person. 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, fairmont.com/santa-monica
The Royce at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena
Every Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Royce at the Langham Huntington hotel provides an elegant, stately setting for guests to experience a proper high tea. You’ll be presented with a lovely tiered tray of decadent petit fours, scones served with Devonshire cream and fruit jam, and finger sandwiches, while you take in views of the Horseshoe Garden and San Marino. Gluten-free and vegan menu options are available for an additional fee. The traditional tea service is $79 for adults and $40 for children under 12. A special Pink Princess Tea service is held on April 27 and 28, when guests can enjoy a 20-minute tableside performance by Pasadena Civic Ballet dancers dressed as princesses. Don’t forget to wear pink! 1401 South Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, langhamhotels.com
The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air
Treat yourself to a luxurious afternoon on the outdoor patio of the Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air. Scrumptious sweets are accompanied by savory epicurean delights, such as Kaluga caviar, and a variety of crustless sandwiches, including organic egg with house-brined pickles, organic Jidori chicken salad, and Japanese cucumber. A selection of 15 loose-leaf teas should please any tea connoisseur. There is a two-guest ($350) or four-guest ($700) minimum. 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, dorchestercollection.com/los-angeles/hotel-bel-air
Lillie’s at the Culver Hotel
The six-story historic building in downtown Culver City provides the perfect place to experience an afternoon delight. Freshbaked goods and mini-bites make for a light weekend lunch. An assortment of crab cakes, fresh scones served with strawberry jam and Chantilly cream, and egg and tarragon tea sandwiches are included for $65 per person; add bubbles to your menu for an additional fee. Tea service is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City, culverhotel.com
