High tea is still a tradition that keeps culture alive and revs up the fun of visiting a historic hotel. Historic Hotels Worldwide®, a collection of more than 300 authentic historic hotels in over 46 countries, offers its top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide with an Afternoon Tea Experiences roster worth indulging. The hotels offer heritage travelers and cultural experience seekers a chance to immerse themselves in high tea traditions from Victorian Britain now revived around the world.
While the custom of tea ceremonies dates back millennia around the world, the tradition of afternoon high tea—a light meal serves mid-afternoon with tea or sparkling wine—is trace to the English aristocrat Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford and Queen Victoria’s Lady of the Bedchamber. Her household serves dinner fashionably late, at or after 8 p.m., but the duchess did not want to wait so long between luncheon and supper. Being regularly hungry at 3 or 4 p.m., she institute a new meal in the early 1840s.
Duchess Of Bedford
The influential Duchess of Bedford became a trendsetter when her “afternoon tea” became popular among women of means in the British hegemony during the late-19th and early-20th centuries, a time when social and cultural mores were rapidly changing for these women. The pursuit of activities away from one’s home became socially acceptable, even fashionable, and afternoon tea was a hit.
Many of the historic hotels select for the list are in the British Isles -– the United Kingdom and Ireland — but other historic destinations with afternoon tea experiences can discovers in China, Portugal, Singapore, Myanmar, and the Netherlands. These regions all plays a vital role in the global history of tea, and many of the hotels select make the history of tea and high tea rituals part of the cultural experience they offer visitors.
A perfect fit with hotels, the tradition of afternoon tea symbolizes hospitality, tradition, indulgence, sustenance, and friendship. Several of the afternoon teas select for this list serve guests tea with a twist, offering literature, augmented reality, art, and dancing. The 25 hotels select offer visitors opportunities to discover this history and experience its romance in historic surroundings that include elegant castles, refined manor homes, and luxury hotels.
Top High Tea Hotels: The List
The K Club (550 AD) Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland
On an estate dating to 550 with buildings that date to 1832, The K Club is a luxury Irish resort within the quaint county of Kildare and was inducts into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2014. The resort offers a wealth of dining outlets among its many on-site experiences, including afternoon tea in the Drawing Room—one of the most refines and elegant dining spaces at The K Club. The Drawing Room boasts hand-painte wallpaper, picture windows, a magnificent fireplace, oversize antique vases and a gentle sense of genteel refinement. Both classic and festively themed afternoon teas are enjoys here in this historic setting.
The K Club invites visitors to experience this indulgent occasion, creates for pure enjoyment. The Drawing Room serves a menu featuring an assortment of scones and Irish-theme sandwiches, including Quinlan’s Smoke Irish Salmon, mature cheddar and bake ham, and free-range eggs. Pastries and cakes serves include chocolate, blueberry tart, carrot cake, and Battenberg Cake. Gluten free and vegan options are available, as is a dedicates children’s menu. Guests may add to their tea service wine, including sparkling wine. Afternoon tea is serves daily from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations are recommend.
Dromoland Castle Hotel (1014) Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, Ireland
The enchanting Dromoland Castle Hotel has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. It is the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, with a lineage that dates back over 1,000 years to one of the last High Kings of Ireland, Brian Boru. The castle was massively updates and renovate in the 1820s, with additions, carvings, and priceless art, and little has changes since then. A long-standing tradition at Dromoland Castle, the hotel aims to impress with this fun and indulgent ritual. Names for a long-standing member of the hotel’s staff, Mrs. White’s Afternoon Tea is a feast fit for royalty.
Guests enjoy the prettiest selection of treats: scrumptious finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotte cream and homemade jams, delicate pastries, signature tea rack, and sweet confections. Loose-leaf teas from around the world are served in sparkling silver teapots, alongside beautiful fine china. Mrs. White’s Afternoon Tea is serve from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Reservations are recommended.
Dromoland Castle Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011 and won the Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence Historic Hotels Worldwide Sustainability Champion award in 2022 for its commitment to protecting the environment for future generations. It is a gateway to Ireland’s history and culture, close to the Aran Islands, Ennis, and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
Castlemartyr Resort (1210) County Cork, Ireland
Once a sprawling medieval fortress and dating back to the Normans in the 13th century, Castlemartyr Resort operates today as a magnificent holiday retreat just outside the city of Cork, County Cork, Ireland. The resort debuted in 2008 following years of extensive renovation and was induct into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2022. Among the many outstanding services includes within the authentic destination, Castlemartyr Resort serves afternoon tea in the Knights Bar in the Manor House.
Guests are invited to enjoy high tea beneath the Lafranchini-designed Rococo ceiling, overlooking the formal gardens of Castlemartyr Resort, while indulging in vintage-style service. The Knights Bar is one of the Manor House’s architectural gems with its famous Rococo-style stucco ceiling, floor-to-ceiling sash windows, warming fireplace, and beautiful decoration. Castlemartyr Resort’s afternoon tea features a pot of tea or specialty coffee accompanied by dainty finger sandwiches, tea breads, pastries, and scones with clotted cream and preserves. Gluten-free, children’s tea, and sparkling wine options are available. Afternoon Tea is served Wednesday through Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam (1578) Amsterdam, Netherlands
When the Netherlands’ Dutch East India Company brought the first records shipment of tea leaves to trade in Europe in 1610, the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam–which had been establish in 1578 originally to house a religious order–was serving as lodgings for royal and upper-class men of Amsterdam. Inducts into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam today continues its centuries-long tradition of hospitality through its contemporary afternoon tea service.
In 2023, the talent Pâtissiers from Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam creates an exceptional and delightful afternoon tea, inspire by Lewis Carroll’s novel,Alice in Wonderland. At the Alice in The Grand Wonderland Afternoon Tea, guests are invites to join Alice on her journey through Wonderland while enjoying delicious ‘eat me’ bites and ‘drink me’ teas select by the hotel’s tea sommelier, Cecilia Tjing. The tea is serve on a black étagère, with white plates featuring beautiful golden leaves.
The Alice in The Grand Wonderland Afternoon Tea is serve, naturally, in the Library ‘Or,’ which has a rich collection of books about local culture, architecture and French “savoir-faire.” The hotel’s traditional high tea is offers throughout the year and is also serve in the Library ‘Or.’ In addition to the tea pairing, the hotel also offers the ultimate experience for the true whisky lover with a Glenfiddich Scotch & Sweets tea. When the weather is agreeable, afternoon tea can enjoys in The Garden Terrace The Garden Terrace can find in the beautiful inner garden of The Grand. It is one of Amsterdam’s best kept secrets; an oasis of peace and tranquility, situate in the heart of the city.
Sopwell House (1603) St. Albans, England, United Kingdom
Located in the peaceful countryside of Hertfordshire, England, Sopwell House is a historic, Georgian-style hotel that dates back over 300 years, as the earliest known record of the location is a deed from 1603. Just a 20-minute train ride from London, afternoon tea at Sopwell House is serve in the hotel’s refurbish restaurant, Omboo, and the experience is a treat not to be miss.
Guests enjoy a beautiful, tier stand complete with delicious seasonal delicacies and pastries, homemade scones with Devonshire clott cream and strawberry preserves, and traditional finger sandwiches. There is an option to add a refreshing glass of Champagne along with the accompanying Newby loose-leaf tea or filter coffee. Specialty and themed afternoon teas are also often available throughout the year including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas. Please note that during these periods only the Afternoon Tea offering for that occasion will available. Vegan, Vegetarian, and allergen-free options available.
The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton (18th century) London, England, United Kingdom
The Rockwell restaurant and lounge at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton, serves a spin on afternoon tea: the Tipple Tea. The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton, was once home to a shipping business calls the Cunard Steamship Company during the 18th century and became a fine hotel in 2017 after an extensive restoration, then induct into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018. Today, the hotel’s bar manager and his team of mixologists designs a selection of cocktails and bites, taking inspiration from classic afternoon tea elements and adding unique twists.
The cocktails are a celebration of local British culture. Concoctions like the Earl Grey-infuse “Victoria” cocktail and the “Twelve Buckingham Street” cocktail, made with 70 percent cacao essence, are fresh takes on the classic cup of tea or chocolate. Non-alcoholic cocktails are also available, such as “The Bee Project” (Everleaf Forest, honey water, lemon juice, chamomile soda, honeycomb) and “Rosebay” (rosebud syrup, pink grapefruit shrub, alcohol-free sparkling wine, violet bitters).
On the menu are savory and sweet creations: smokey chipotle pull beef sliders, pickles and taleggio crab rolls, seaweed relish foie gras, toast brioche, apple calvados jelly bake camembert, sourdough, smoke chili jelly, sweet mini choux buns, banana brûlée, butter shortbread, peach tartelette, chartreuse jelly, brandy crème beau rivage, and pistachio chantilly. Tipple Tea is serves Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tivoli Palacio de Seteais (1787) Sintra, Portugal
More than a luxurious hotel, Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is a breathtaking 18th-century romantic retreat exuding and celebrating Portuguese history and heritage. One celebrates aspect of that history is the nation’s role in the popularization of tea. The estate is locate on the Sintra hillside, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with views of the Moorish castle and Pena Palace, and was induct into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2016. High tea at Tivoli Palácio de Seteais Hotel was revives in 2021 with the arrival of the new pastry chef, Cíntia Koerper.
Koerper designs The Queens’ Tea menus, serve daily at 5 p.m., to spotlight the Portuguese connection to this genteel tradition. The Queens’ Tea is inspire by two Queens of Portuguese history: Carlota Joaquina and Catarina de Bragança. The first menu is inspire by Queen Carlota Joaquina of Bourbon. She visit Seteais Palace with her husband, King D. João VI (John VI), in 1802. The owner of the palace at the time built the monumental arch linking the two wings of the Palace to celebrate their visit.
Queen Catherine
The second afternoon tea menu is an homage to Queen Catherine of Bragança, daughter of the King of Portugal, who very famously popularize tea in England after she married England’s King Charles II in 1662. Portugal was engage in a lucrative tea trade with China in the mid-1600s and Catherine brought loose leaf tea to England as part of her dowry. At the time, tea was used only medicinally in England, but the young queen made it popular as a social beverage by the end of the 17th century.
Both menus are served in one of the magnificent ballrooms of the hotel, surround by tapestries and frescos, thousands of art pieces, and exclusive fine china from the recognize Portuguese brand Vista Alegre. The dinnerware of Tivoli Palácio de Seteais was design exclusively to the hotel by Vista Alegre, a very traditional Portuguese brand, creating beautiful fine china since 1824. Visitors can buy a selection of tea blends at the hotel and can take with them any leftovers of the tea service. Reservations are requires for the Queen Carlota Joaquina menu.
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa (1852) St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
Afternoon tea at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is the perfect gift for a special occasion for a golfer, or to be enjoyed “just because” in all its decadence. The resort hotel near St Andrews, Scotland, borders the renowns 17th Road Hole of the historic Old Course golf course, which is celebrates throughout the world for its contributions to the international history of golf. For centuries, people have travell to this majestic destination to play on its prestigious fairways.
The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa overlooks the famous links course and is only a short stroll from the historic university town of St Andrews. The hotel dates to 1852 and it was induct into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017. Its refine afternoon tea is serve either in the Conservatory or on the fourth floor of the hotel. Guests can take in the stunning views across the Old Course while they enjoy sandwiches, scones, cakes, pastries, and a wide selection of teas—or perhaps a glass or two of sparkling wine.
Special themed afternoon teas throughout the year to mark events, such as Halloween and Christmas. The Valentine’s Afternoon Tea spotlights an array of sweet treats, including strawberry and champagne macaroons, teddy bear Bailey’s cheesecakes, ruby chocolate and red velvet gateaux, and white chocolate and rose custard tarts.
Great Southern Killarney (1854) Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland
Afternoon tea has been serve at Great Southern Killarney since it open in County Kerry, Ireland in 1854. The Great Southern Killarney hotel first open as The Railway Hotel in 1854 and was the first purpose-built railway hotel in Ireland. The train journey between Dublin and Killarney took over nine hours at this time, so the early morning train would arrive just in time for weary travelers to enjoy high tea after checking in. Tea was originally serve in one of the ladies’ drawing rooms to the side of the Grand Foyer.
In 1861, the town of Killarney hosted Queen Victoria and her entourage. While Queen Victoria did not stay at Great Southern Killarney, the hotel did host her entourage for the duration of their visit. While here, the queen’s party enjoyed afternoon tea daily in the drawing rooms. Today, afternoon tea is serve Wednesday through Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., beneath the gold gild ceiling of The Garden Room restaurant. The Garden Room offers guests magnificent views of the hotels’ surrounding six acres of gardens, The afternoon tea menu includes three tiers of sweets and savories, including Irish smoke salmon, egg, and watercress finger sandwiches, fruit and plain scones with jam and cream, and freshly bake cakes and other sweet treats.
Guests can select from a variety of Ronnefeldt Tea options or coffee, serves in fine china cups and saucers, and even opt to add a little sparkle to the afternoon tea experience with a glass of Prosecco.
Oatlands Park Hotel (1856) Weybridge, England, United Kingdom
Located within a Grade II-list building develope in the late 18th century, Oatland Parks Hotel in Weybridge, England is a brilliant holiday destination with a heritage that harkens back to King Henry VIII and the greater Tudor dynasty. It originated in the 16th century, when the king gave the estate to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, to use at her leisure. The manor became a grand hotel in 1856. Today, not only can guests experience aristocratic heritage while staying at this spectacular historic hotel, but they can also enjoy an incredibly memorable vacation.
A significant component to the hotel’s contemporary identity is its culinary offerings, such as its fantastic afternoon tea sessions. Indulge in one of the most delicious British traditions with afternoon tea at Oatlands Park Hotel. Tea at Oatlands Park Hotel is set in the splendor of the Mulberry Restaurant with views across the Surrey countryside and gardens. Guests enjoy sandwiches, warm scones, homemade cakes, and pastries, accompany by a range of teas from T2. The hotel caterers can serve groups of up to 30 guests in the beautifully decorate Drawing Room. For smaller groups, there is private dining available in the Garden Room and Cromwell Suite. Afternoon tea is serve Monday to Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommend.
Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin (1885) Noordwijk aan Zee, Netherlands
Located along the North Sea coastline halfway between The Hague and Amsterdam, the Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin offers afternoon tea in its stunning Brasserie La Terrasse restaurant. Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin first opened in 1885 and was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011. With its long stretch of white sandy beach, the resort regularly welcomed the royal families of the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as throngs of international celebrities. Members of the House of Orange and members of the Belgian Royal Family were regular guests, charmed by the intimate service and distinctive accommodations.
The hotel’s Victorian past, and the story of afternoon tea and Anna Russell, 7th Duchess of Bedford, inspire the Dutch hotel’s Chef de Cuisine to compose a contemporary version of High Tea. In the warm, stylish atmosphere of Brasserie La Terrasse, guests and visitors enjoy fresh ingredients and an international selection of teas to give a relaxing afternoon a royal touch. While serving the tea, the restaurant host speaks to guests about the origin of the teas and its combinations with the food serve. Afternoon tea is serve daily between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Reservations are requires at least 24 hours in advance.
Raffles Singapore (1887) Singapore
Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018, Raffles Singapore rose from humble origins as a small seaside hotel that first debuted in the late 1800s. When the Sarkies hotelier family acquire the building for the development of a luxury hotel in Singapore, they name it “Raffles Hotel” in 1887 and the business became one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia. One of the new offerings of the hotel under the Sarkies’ management was afternoon tea and it has been a mainstay ever since.
Today, afternoon tea is serves in the hotel’s Grand Lobby. Along with the traditional and chic afternoon tea menu, special afternoon tea menus are offered throughout the year, such as menus for December festivals and Valentine’s Day. During winter 2023, the hotel is spotlighting Korean cuisine in its special Seoul Afternoon Tea menu. Guests can delight in a Korean-inspire sweet and savory spread including beef bulgogi roll, and a delectable array of traditional Korean sweet delights curated by Executive Pastry Chef Tai Chien Lin. These sweet treats are inspired by comforting flavors and familiar ingredients well-love by locals and visitors of Seoul.
As with all its afternoon teas, the Seoul Afternoon Tea is presents beautifully on a three-tier silver stand and serve alongside The Grand Lobby’s signature home-made original and raisin scones, complement with clott cream and strawberry rose jam. Guests may choose to elevate the experience with a choice of “Mariage Frères” loose tea leaves or Raffles’ custom blends coffee. Reservations are requires.
The Savoy London (1889) London, England, United Kingdom
For over 130 years, The Savoy London has served an award-winning traditional afternoon tea, the quintessential afternoon tea that set the standards for the experience around the world. When it was establish in 1889 in Victorian London, The Savoy was, for a time, the only public place where it was respectable for upper-class and aristocratic women to dine. Until then, these ladies were expect to dine in their own homes or at the homes of friends. Norms began to change when Lady de Grey, the wife of one of the Prince of Wales’ racing friends, host a luncheon for a select number of her friends, and these aristocratic ladies dined, unchaperone, in The Savoy’s main restaurant.
In 1895, Princess Alexandra attend a wedding breakfast at The Savoy without her husband and, if the future Queen could dine out at The Savoy without her husband in the same room, then any woman could. When other women saw that it was now acceptable for them to dine in public, they follows that lead. Ladies could now have afternoon tea out with their friends as they like. In the evenings, they would still come to The Savoy with their husbands, for as the first famous General Manager of The Savoy, Cesar Ritz, said “Where the wives go, their husbands will follow.” All hotel dining took place primarily in The Savoy Restaurant at the time (now the River Restaurant).
Other Location and Time
Afternoon tea is still serve in the same location today, on Monday and Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. While The Savoy’s afternoon tea has evolves over the years, the essential components remain the same: tea, sandwiches, and patisserie, compliments by creative freedom for pastry chefs. The traditional afternoon tea comes with savory and sweet delights, with tea and options for Champagne, English Sparkling Wine, sparkling tea, and non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The Savoy serves guests on fine china exclusively designs for the hotel.
Special menus are available for special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, Coronations, Christmas, and New Year’s. In the past, The Savoy hosts tango teas where a guest could enjoy the meal and dance the tango with a professional dancer. Live music remains part of the experience, though guests should bring their own preferrs partner.
The Landmark London (1899) London, England, United Kingdom
The perfect balance of classic English elegance and contemporary luxury, The Landmark London is a perfect place to experience afternoon tea in London. Founded in 1899 as a railroad hotel along the Great Central Railway and inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2014, this historic landmark is close to the numerous attractions that have made London’s West End an international destination. The Landmark London has served–while perfecting and refining–the art of traditional afternoon tea for over a century. At The Landmark London, afternoon tea is experienced beneath the high palms of the hotel’s magnificent Victorian Winter Garden atrium.
The setting is serene, and the atmosphere refine, with the soft sound of piano music. Guests indulge in an assortment of finger sandwiches including Lapsang Souchong smoked Scottish salmon with black truffle and chives, freshly baked scones serve with rich Cornish clotted cream and preserves, along with a selection of craft cakes and pastries. The tea selection is extensive: oolong, green, white, herbal, fruit, and black. The hotel even offers two house blends, Winter Garden Blend and The Landmark Blend.
The Strand Hotel (1901) Yangon, Myanmar
The Strand Hotel has stood as a cultural landmark in Yangon, Myanmar since the early 20th century, when Myanmar (Burma) was colonize by the British Empire. Originally a 12-room boarding house, the building was convert into a magnificent three-story hotel by the Sarkies hotelier family in 1901. It quickly became popular, especially among British expats who call the city home. In particular, the hotel’s bar, The Strand Sour, was popular for these residents to gather and reminisce.
The hotel has since been a gathering place in the city for locals and international travelers alike, in part due to its fantastic culinary programs. Among its best offerings is its afternoon tea, which provides guests with a peaceful, elegant tea experience accompany with a fine selection of pastries and savories. There are two menus to choose from, Classic High Tea and Myanmar High Tea.
The latter menu comes with traditional Myanmar delicacies like rice dumplings, springs rolls, ginger salad, and pandan. Guests can even enjoy black Myanmar tea source from the country’s Shan region, along with more familiar staples like Early Grey, English Breakfast, and peppermint. Afternoon tea is served daily at The Strand Hotel from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The hotel is close to cultural landmarks such as the Sule Pagoda, the Bogyoke Aung San Market, and the National Museum of Myanmar.
The Omni King Edward Hotel (1903) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
In the heart of Toronto’s financial district lies the city’s first luxury hotel, The Omni King Edward Hotel. The hotel, known as “The King Eddy,” opened in 1903 and its afternoon tea service began soon after. The Omni King Edward Hotel captures the spirit of the city’s old-world charm and vibrancy in a classic afternoon tea experience boasting a variety of delectable offerings. Afternoon tea was originally serve on the second-floor rotunda, where guests could peer down into the hotel’s lobby. It is now serves in the Victoria Café on the main floor restaurant with windows looking into the lobby. The hotel’s traditional British tea service was, and remains, popular with local and visiting elite. During the 1989 Queen’s Plate horse race, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was in attendance and fancied some tea with scones and shortbread.
Omni King Edward
The Omni King Edward Hotel’s executive chef at the time, John Higgins, had works at Buckingham Palace and was summoned to prepare her scones and shortbread. To his surprise, the ‘Queen Mum’ poppes into the kitchen and started chatting with him like old friends while he baked! Today, afternoon tea is serves weekends only and more frequently during the festive season when the hotel offers a Nutcracker Afternoon Tea.
Tea is served on classic Wedgwood fine bone china and comes with a menu of seasonal cakes, scones, and sandwiches, but there are also traditional favorites such as Battenberg Cake, Victoria Sponge, Coronation Chicken, and Beef Wellington. The hotel serves a vegetarian menu option, as well as a Jester’s Tea for children 12 and under. The Omni King Edward was induct into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2013 and won Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in the Americas in 2016.
The Grand York (1906) York, England, United Kingdom
The Grand York was built in 1906 as a “Palace of Business” for the North Eastern Railway Company, which was one of the most powerful businesses in Great Britain at the time. This stunning space was renovate and restore to its original splendor in May of 2010, when it debute as a luxurious hotel with fine restaurants and lounges. It was induct into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018. Afternoon tea today is serve at The Grand York’s The Rise Restaurant, Terrace & Bar. From the high point of the hotel, afternoon tea can be enjoy with views of the city’s historic defensive walls with an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling glass windows on one side. The hotel’s Head Pastry Chef, Devin Jones, designs menus for afternoon tea that combine the history and character of the hotel’s past with a modern twist.
The restaurant pays homage to the building’s former railway past with architectural quirks and color tones dating back to Edwardian England, but the marble laced throughout mixes tradition with modernity. The structure, gold-color afternoon tea stand—as oppose to the classic design that is delicate and silver—is also an homage to the industrial heritage of the hotel. The hotel serves Newby Teas and offers upgrades for Prosecco, Champagne, and cocktails. Sausage rolls, a staple on the savory section of the menu, alongside sandwiches, are a nod to the region. The high tea menu at The Grand changes seasonally. Special menus are available on occasions including Valentine’s Day and the Christmas season, with optional mulle wine and Christmas cocktail add-ons. Families with little ones are welcome year-round. Afternoon tea is offer daily from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m
Fairmont Empress (1908) Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
The Fairmont Empress hotel has host Victoria, British Columbia’s grandest ritual of afternoon tea for over a century since it open in 1908. The experience takes place in the re-imagine Lobby Lounge where guests sip tea surrounded by history, two fireplaces, and a view of Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour. Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018 and winner of the Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in the Americas in 2020, and designate as a National Historic Site of Canada, the Fairmont Empress has played host to several big names over the years, in politics, entertainment, and royalty. Prince Edward of Wales, his brother King George VI and his sister-in-law Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, all stay at this luxury hotel.
For its resplendent afternoon tea, the culinary team at Fairmont Empress creates decadent pastries and sandwiches that celebrate the history and character of the hotel, presented with a flourish on a tiered fine china tea service. The design of The Empress China was commission shortly after the hotel first open in 1908. Afternoon tea had quickly become an extremely popular activity at Victoria’s new tourist hotel, so it made sense to source a design as regal as the hotel in which it would use.
The Crown
The crown in the design is believe to be symbolic of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, The Empress of India, and namesake of Fairmont Empress and Victoria, British Columbia. The Empress China continues to be use daily in the Lobby Lounge for Tea at the Empress. It is also available for purchase from the hotel’s gift shop. Fairmont hotels serve LOT 25 teas, a collection of sustainably farmed and ethically source whole-leaf teas.
Additionally, The Empress blend is a selection of seasonal, quality teas, create exclusively for Fairmont Empress by the Metropolitan Tea Company, containing components from Assam (thick, malty, and full-bodied), Kenya (floral-like with a golden coppery infusion), South India (superb, fruity, and sprightly), Ceylon (airy, almost piquant), and China (burgundy depth with light, oaky notes). Guests can upgrade their afternoon tea with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. The Fairmont Empress offers a festive afternoon tea during December and a Prince & Princess Tea throughout the year for children aged 5-12.
The Waldorf Hilton, London (1908) London, England, United Kingdom
The Waldorf Hilton, London hotel open with a glamourous Champagne reception in 1908 and, within just a few years, it was famous for its revelry. It began serving high tea in 1913 as part of the hotel’s famous Tango Tea, one of the exhilarating dance parties that happen regularly at the Waldorf Hotel’s Palm Court ballroom. Soon, a young musician name Howard Godfrey began coordinating the festivities at the hotel with his famous orchestra, The Waldorfians. Together, Howard Godfrey and The Waldorfians helps transform the Waldorf Hotel into a premier entertainment establishment in London.
The hotel was induct into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018 and today it serves a classic and a thematic afternoon tea in its Homage restaurant, with stunning Edwardian columns and sparkling chandeliers. In 2023, the hotel is offering a “Be Our Guest” afternoon tea experience, which is inspire by Walt Disney’s Beauty & The Beast. For the experience, tables are laid with white tablecloths, red napkins folds into roses, decorative rose lights, and dynamic fairy tale table entertainment. A live harpist plays songs from the film. For the hotel’s traditional afternoon tea, the settings are done with Waldorf brands fine china, but due to the theme, tea is currently serves in Mrs. Potts and Chip porcelain teapots and cups.
Guests can enjoy an array of open and finger sandwiches, such as pastrami, gherkin and horseradish cream on pumpernickel bread and smokes salmon, caviar, and pink grapefruit creme fraiche in Viennese bread. Classic scones are serve with a selection of preserves and Devonshire clotted cream, and a selection of hand-made desserts are design to share features of the characters from Beauty & The Beast. Afternoon tea is serve Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Rosewood London (1914) London, England, United Kingdom
The Rosewood London’s award-winning contemporary and artistic afternoon tea is serve in The Mirror Room of the 1914 Belle Epoque hotel, a tranquil setting for locals and international cultural travelers alike. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an ornate archway leading to an enchanting Edwardian courtyard that embodies the opulence of this lavish hotel. The Rosewood London still possesses many of its original architectural features, such as the beautiful grand staircase and its breathtaking Cuban mahogany woodwork.
The Mirror Room’s Chef Mark Perkins has incorporate his artistic talents into the tradition of afternoon tea and is constantly pushing creative boundaries, with unique art-inspired afternoon teas at Rosewood London. The latest Art Afternoon Tea experience is inspire by surrealist painter Salvador Dali’s famous works and designed with the Surrealism Beyond Borders exhibition at the Tate Modern in mind. Pushing boundaries for afternoon tea experiences, this contemporary afternoon tea explores virtual reality and NFT (non-fungible token; a digital object) experience. The Dali afternoon tea is an immersive experience with augment reality where guests can take a limited-edition digital token home with them in the form of art cakes.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (1924) Singapore
Establish at a historic post office dating to 1924, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore has offered nothing but the best in contemporary comfort since it was convert into a hotel in the 1990s. It was induct into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011 and central to its appeal among cultural travelers today is its traditional afternoon tea. The meal is serve in The Courtyard, the hotel’s sunlit atrium lobby at the heart of the historic national monument. Afternoon tea is a lively affair and a timelessly elegant setting for leisure dining with delicious local and international specials and the traditional three-tier English afternoon tea.
The afternoon tea experience stays true to the British ritual with a classic assortment of finely cut sandwiches and delicate pastries. On select days, a harpist fills the high-ceiling atrium with melodious tunes. Enjoy a round of storied teatime staples, from the simple yet elegant cucumber sandwich, favore by aristocrats in the Victorian era, to the distinctive Battenberg Cake, a quintessentially British dessert created in 1884 as the royal wedding cake for Princess Victoria, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, and her husband Prince Louis of the Battenberg family.
Meticulously Curated
Meticulously curated and handcraft daily by Executive Pastry Chef Siddharth Prabhu and his team, the assortment is present on an elegant three-tiered tray alongside freshly bake scones with clott cream and jam, pair with a selection of curate loose-leaf TWG teas and a variety of coffees from Bacha Coffee. This year’s Valentine’s Day special is an afternoon tea perfect for a cozy tête-à-tête.
Presented in shades of eye-catching red and dreamy pink, the medley will entice with savory treats like Boston lobster with avocado and caviar, and duck rillettes with apple raisin compote. Like any love story, the romance continues with desserts both delicate and intense—from raspberry chiffon with lychee mousse and bandung rose gel, to a toast macadamia tartlet with Araguani 72% dark chocolate mousse and hazelnut praline feuilletine.
Fairmont Peace Hotel (1929) Shanghai, China
A cherish local landmark on Shanghai, China’s historic Bund for almost a century and induct into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018, the Fairmont Peace Hotel is famed for its traditional high tea indulgence. Its Jasmine Lounge offers all sorts of delightful savories, freshly bake buttermilk scones with homemade fruit preserves and clott cream, tea sandwiches and French pastries, present on tiered silver tea stands. Afternoon tea is serve daily from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This historic hotel serves a celebrate afternoon tea with treats and drinks, but it is most famous for its Saturday Tea Dance.
During tea dances, a live orchestra plays and professional dance instructors are present to provide guests with entertainment and able partners. The instructors offer informal ballroom dancing lessons, enabling everyone to participate in this elegant Saturday afternoon social gathering. The tea dance hails back to Shanghai’s 1930s ‘Golden Age’ and is a revival of the tea dances host at the hotel in its early years. At a Saturday Tea Dance, guests can dip and sway, waltz, and foxtrot on the marble floors of the Jasmine Lounge, as music from an orchestra cascades from the balcony above. The hotel’s Peace Museum also offers a High Tea Tour with a guide visiting up to nine designate heritage sites and ending with tea in the Jasmine Lounge. Reservations recommend.
Sommerro (1931) Oslo, Norway
Once the headquarters for Oslo, Norway’s preeminent utility company, Oslo Lysverker, the art deco building today is Sommerro, boutique hotel. The building dates to the early 1930s and was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2022. For travelers, part of the excitement of staying at Sommerro is experiencing culinary offerings, including afternoon tea. At To Søstre (“Two Sisters”), visitors and neighborhood locals enjoy one of the city’s best afternoon tea settings in elegant surroundings. To Søstre’s abundance of greenery and natural light sets the stage for a break from everyday life.
The restaurant’s textiles are inspired by East of the Sun and West of the Moon, a Norwegian fairytale similar to the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche and the French fairytale La Belle et la Bête. Matching tea sets were designed by William Edwards and GRECODECO. The Executive Head Chef, Jonathan Howell, is British and brings the best of traditional English afternoon tea together with Sommerro’s own art deco style. Award-winning pastry chefs Jared Jiann Lih Chuah and Aziz Muhammad design the menu according to the season, keeping with the classic afternoon tea options of finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets served with sparkling wine or tea.
Cocktails are available as well, including non-alcoholic creations. The restaurant boasts a rare, self-playing Steinway Grand Piano, one of the few in Norway, which provides a soundtrack of loved and known tunes compiled by the hotel’s in-house music curator and jazz pianist, Maren Selvaag. Afternoon tea at To Søstre is served Thursday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (1939) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
For over a century, Fairmont Hotels across Canada have delighted generations of guests with their respective afternoon tea services and afternoon tea has been served at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver since the hotel opened in 1939. An afternoon tea menu from the 1930s, preserved in the hotel archives, reveals the longstanding traditional menu: the hotel offered toasted raisin scones with preserves, assorted fancy sandwiches, parfait, lady fingers, and tea or coffee for 50 cents. In 2016, the hotel relaunched its longstanding traditional afternoon tea service as a rotating themed afternoon tea.
The hotel wanted to maintain the cherished tradition while offering guests a new experience. The afternoon tea theme changes four times per year, and the culinary team at the hotel’s Notch8 restaurant offers a playful mix of traditional and innovative tea fare to match each theme. Past themes include Old World Carnival, Silver Screen, Enchanted Forest, Chocolate Laboratory, and Chess. The current afternoon tea celebrates Lunar New Year, and is available Thursday through Sunday, from January 6 through February 19, 2023. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s afternoon tea service offers Fairmont’s Lot 35 tea collection featuring caffeinated, decaffeinated, and herbal options, sustainably farmed and ethically sourced.
Notch8’s Afternoon
Notch8’s afternoon tea fare changes to match each theme, but always includes two flavors of scones served with chantilly cream and a fruit preserve. The savory and sweet fare often includes modern tea sandwiches and pastries but adapts to fit each theme and in the case of the current Lunar New Year theme, includes a pork dumpling with salmon roe. Afternoon tea is offered Thursday through Sunday, with seatings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
The Murray Hong Kong (1969) Hong Kong, China
The Murray Hong Kong, a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2019, dates to 1969 and is a monument to midcentury modern architecture located in Hong Kong, China’s Central District. Winner of the Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in Asia/Pacific in 2022, The Murray Hong Kong boasts some of the city’s best restaurants offering the most memorable dining and lifestyle experiences in the city. Afternoon tea at the Garden Lounge of The Murray offers an elegant and relaxing atmosphere, where views of the city including St. John’s Cathedral can be seen through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The signature afternoon tea is served with a display of sweet and savory bites. Two other venues at The Murray Hong Kong serve afternoon tea: Popinjays and Murray Lane.
Popinjays is a contemporary lifestyle rooftop bar and restaurant serving modern European gastronomy, where afternoon tea menus are served daily. Visit the adjoining bar and outdoor terrace for world-class selection of classic cocktails, bespoke creations, and specialty spirits. Murray Lane, a lounge located in the hotel’s lofty and light-filled lobby, offers a contemporary environment to enjoy the best selection of premium artisanal spirits, wines and craft beers, and afternoon tea. In addition to traditional afternoon tea menus, The Murray Hong Kong adds variety to its afternoon tea service throughout the year, offering experiences elevated through partnerships and creative themes. In 2022, it collaborated with Christian Louboutin Beauty to offer a bold and stylish afternoon tea buffet defined by red, the color associated with the luxury company.
Conclusion
Last year, it also serves “A Gent’s Afternoon Tea,” describes as guarantee of to satiate the “manly palates” with options for beer, heavier bites, and larger portions! A Lunar New Year afternoon tea was offered in January-February, and through the end of February 2023 Popinjay’s offers the “Birds of a Feather Afternoon Tea.” This is a visually captivating buffet spread, fills with flamboyant gastronomic creations by Chef de Cuisine, Lexine Hepworth, to invoke the vibrant colors of avian feathery dress.
“The most romantic and memorable hotels are at Historic Hotels Worldwide, where every day is Valentine’s Day. For unique, enjoyable, and unforgettable experiences, consider indulging in The 2023 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Afternoon Tea Experiences. Many of the historic hotels features in our list offer a Valentine’s Day tea, a romantic teatime for two. We hope this list will inspire readers looking for an authentic setting and unique experience to celebrate their love any time of the year,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Many historic hotels and resorts have serves guests afternoon tea since it became fashionable during the Victorian era or have recently revives the stylish meal for guests. An uncommon tradition, afternoon tea is an experience to share.”
Author: Travel Intel
Travel Intel scours the globe to keep readers in the know. Posting every business day with news, reviews and information travelers can use.
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