Summary
Afternoon tea is a cherished British tradition dating back to about 1840. The custom began when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, felt hungry during the long wait between meals. This led her to request tea, bread, and cake, thus laying the groundwork for a delightful social event.
This idea swiftly gained popularity, evolving into a daily ritual in England. An afternoon tea generally features a delightful mix of savory finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, all elegantly laid out on tiered trays. Nowadays, formal tea services are reserved for special occasions, with numerous upscale hotels worldwide embracing this classic British menu.
To ensure a superb experience, it is advisable to plan ahead and make reservations at popular locations. Below are nine of the finest hotels globally that deliver exceptional afternoon tea services.
The Plaza, New York City
For over a century, The Plaza has stood as a quintessential destination in New York City to enjoy afternoon tea. The Palm Court, adorned by a stained-glass dome, creates an inviting ambiance of elegance.
The extensive tea menu presents selections such as Chinese green tea, English breakfast, and lavender oolong. Guests indulge in exquisite sandwiches, pastries, and scones served on elegant Bernardaud china. Special tea menus, including the classic Manhattan Tea and seasonal options, exist for all palates. For memorable celebrations, the Grand Imperial Tea for two is available, featuring caviar service for $595.
Children can also experience afternoon tea with Eloise’s signature menu, showcasing peanut butter and jelly finger sandwiches and delightful desserts.
Afternoon tea is served daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting at $80.
The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts, London
The dedicated Tea Lounge at The Biltmore Mayfair invites guests to experience a classic London afternoon tea. Nestled in Grosvenor Square and surrounded by beautifully landscaped parks, the tea experience is curated by renowned chef Jason Atherton, whose Michelin-starred establishments are well-known.
Featuring sandwiches made with English cucumber, black truffle, and heritage tomatoes, along with scones accompanied by Cornish clotted cream and Kent strawberries, the afternoon tea menu highlights fresh UK produce.
Guests may opt for a simple tea with a scone or indulge further with a glass of Champagne accompanying the full tea service—an unmissable English tradition.
The Tea Lounge operates Friday through Sunday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.; tea service starts at £60 (approximately $80).
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai
Sitting majestically, the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is famous for its long-standing afternoon tea tradition, which dates back to the early 20th century. Guests enjoy this experience at Sea Lounge, adorned with art deco furnishings and colonial charm, offering splendid views of boats navigating the harbor before heading into the Arabian Sea.
Live music enhances the setting during the evening, while the buffet tea service features local Indian favorites complemented by traditional English delicacies.
Sea Lounge is open daily from 7 p.m. to midnight; tea service starts at ₹2,200 (approximately $30).
Claridge’s, London
It is expected to find sumptuous afternoon teas at the best hotels in London. Claridge’s has perfected the art over its 150-year history while bringing innovative twists to classic combinations. A dedicated tea connoisseur is tasked with curating rare blends from around the globe, ensuring an extraordinary selection.
Guests enjoy tea served in exclusive bone china, beautifully designed as per Claridge’s specifications, while soaking in the 1930s art deco ambiance of the Foyer & Reading Room.
The traditional sandwich selection includes ham, salmon, and cucumber, complemented by scones with jam and cream. A dessert spread of various cakes and tarts provides a sweet finale. According to the menu, the genmaicha tea’s rich, buttery texture pairs beautifully with sandwiches, while the classic Claridge’s blend is ideal for scones and pastries.
Afternoon tea is offered daily from 2:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., starting from £75 (approximately $101).
Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe
At the distinguished Victoria Falls Hotel, afternoon tea is a treasured tradition enjoyed on an outdoor terrace overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge. When water levels are high, one might even catch glimpses of splashes in the distance. The hotel’s stunning Edwardian architecture, established in 1904, offers lush lawns and gardens along the Zambezi River.
This historic venue is available for anyone wishing to enjoy afternoon tea with breathtaking veranda views.
Tea is served daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, Paris
Situated just off the Champs-Élysées, Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, which opened in 1909, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking an exquisite afternoon tea experience.
The afternoon tea served at Jardin d’Hiver is luxurious, with plush upholstery and sparkling chandeliers creating an opulent ambiance. Reservations on the outdoor terrace are highly sought after.
Head pastry chef Matthieu Carlin indulges guests with delightful desserts while the menu uniquely combines options such as lobster rolls and puffed brioches alongside the classic scone offerings.
Tea is available Friday and Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., priced from €60 (approximately $68).
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Indonesia
Nestled on an expansive open-air terrace, guests at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan feel as if they are floating amidst the lush greenery while sipping tea above the treetops.
Jati Bar offers sweeping views of the verdant valley, making it a tranquil haven for enjoying afternoon tea. The experience requires an adventurous spirit as guests must cross a suspension bridge over the Ayung River valley to reach the hotel.
The tea menu features traditional dishes such as Balinese satay and ayam pelalah (shredded chicken), along with classic treats like opera cake and scones. A selection of tea or coffee is also available.
Jati Bar operates daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; tea service starts at Rp 275,000 (approximately $20).
Royal Mansour, Marrakesh
The rich art of hospitality is at the core of Moroccan culture, and afternoon tea at Royal Mansour epitomizes this tradition. Guests are treated to an exquisite tea ceremony experience marked by impeccable service.
Selecting a location within the lush greenery of Le Jardin restaurant or the marbled halls of Patio Bleu adds to the richness of the surroundings while enjoying fine teas.
The indulgent menu offers crab rolls, duck foie gras buns, as well as refreshing frozen treats and caramelized confections. No trip to Marrakesh is complete without indulging in traditional mint tea, a staple of Moroccan hospitality.
Afternoon tea is served daily from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., priced from 450 MAD (approximately $50).
ME Dubai
The stunning ME Dubai presents an impressive afternoon tea spread, boasting freshly baked scones and quintessential finger sandwiches. However, the real highlight lies in the architectural wonder of The Atrium, designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid. This unique setting blends refined British tradition with the lavishness of Dubai, providing a remarkable backdrop for afternoon tea.
Tea is served each afternoon, starting from 599 AED for two guests ($163).
