Getty Villa, Los Angeles
For those in Los Angeles, we love the Garden Tea at the Getty Villa. Enjoy afternoon tea on Thursdays and Saturdays from 1–3 pm in the Founder’s Room, featuring a seasonal menu that often highlights herbs grown on the premises, all overlooking the lush gardens. Expect classics such as cucumber sandwiches alongside their own flavour combinations, including prosciutto and Brie with basil and house-made pear jam on brioche.
The Russian Tea Room, New York
Steps away from Carnegie Hall, you’ll find the iconic Russian Tea Room. Set among deep red booths and portraits on the walls, the establishment offers several options, including a traditional tea, a children’s tea menu, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian choices. Sip tea or champagne while enjoying smoked salmon blinis, curried chicken salad sandwiches, and caviar.
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, London
Here, you can choose between afternoon or high tea, both served daily at London’s classic Tea Salon. For afternoon tea, you’ll enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. You can even add a speciality tea tasting with their trained tearistas. For high tea, start with a glass of champagne or sparkling tea, followed by a hearty menu of elegant choices, including sole with champagne cream, Welsh rarebit, and Beef Wellington.
The Plaza, New York
A list of recommended afternoon teas would not be complete without mentioning Eloise’s favourite haunt, The Plaza Hotel. Since 1907, the hotel has played host to countless high-profile guests and was even home to architect Frank Lloyd Wright at one point. Beneath a glass ceiling and surrounded by trees in the Plaza’s Palm Court, enjoy classic tea sandwiches alongside decadent favourites, such as foie gras and caviar. Children will enjoy the hotel’s Eloise Tea, which offers a selection of playfully presented tea sandwiches, scones, pastries, and even cotton candy.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Opened in 1928, this location is the flagship property of The Peninsula Hotels and is renowned for its daily teatime. Between 2-6pm, stop in for a decadent British tea accompanied by live classical music. Be sure to ask about the hotel’s exclusive “Fly and Tea” which features a private 18 minute helicopter tour followed by teatime.
Rosewood Bermuda
Known for its pink sand beaches and clear waters, Bermuda is a British island territory and observes many traditional British customs, including afternoon tea. Many of the hotels on the island offer traditional tea in the afternoon to their guests and they are almost all excellent – open only to guests and members, the tea at Coral Beach & Tennis Club is one of our other favourites on the island. However, the afternoon tea at Rosewood Bermuda stands out not only for its well-prepared foods but for the ambience and views – there, you’ll enjoy a selection of sandwiches, sweets, scones, and clotted cream in the gorgeous conservatory overlooking the ocean.
Few places embody the tradition of British afternoon tea quite like Claridge’s. Served in the elegant Foyer & Reading Room, afternoon tea has been a Claridge’s tradition since the 1860s, with a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and beautifully presented pastries. The experience is wonderfully classic without feeling stuffy, making it a lovely choice for a special family occasion.
For something a little different, head to Paris for afternoon tea at Hotel Plaza Athénée. Served daily from 2–7 pm in the sun-dappled La Galerie, the tea includes delicate sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, and cakes created by award-winning pastry chef Angelo Musa. It is a distinctly French take on a British tradition, with an elegant setting that makes tea time feel like a true occasion.
Tip: Reservations are almost always required for afternoon tea. Call ahead to avoid disappointment.
High Tea vs Afternoon Tea
Despite the common assumption, high tea is not simply a more formal version of afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is the lighter of the two, traditionally served in the middle of the afternoon with delicate sandwiches, scones, cakes, and, of course, tea. High tea is a more substantial meal, typically served in the early evening and featuring heartier dishes such as meat, fish, eggs, breads, and desserts. In other words, think of high tea as a light supper accompanied by tea.
The terms also have different origins. Afternoon tea, sometimes called “low tea,” was traditionally served at a low table in a sitting room, while high tea was generally enjoyed at a dining table or other higher surface at the end of the working day. Today, the distinctions are less rigid, and either can be adapted to suit the occasion. Whether you opt for an elegant afternoon spread or a more filling evening meal, teatime is a lovely excuse to gather around the table and enjoy good food and good company.
