Multiple Regions Cities, Food & Wine
The world’s best afternoon teas
Sommerro House. Photo Credit: Francisco Nogueira
A quintessential British tradition has become a global indulgence. Complete with finger sandwiches, fluffy scones and intricate pastries, these are the afternoon teas worth travelling for
Oh, to leave a legacy as great as Earl of Sandwich. The dedicated gambler (not his legacy), ever reluctant to leave his gaming to eat, inadvertently invented the sandwich in the 18th century when he ordered a slice of meat (specific type disputed) between two slices of bread during a marathon session.
The humble sandwich has since evolved, including to play a crucial role in the traditional afternoon tea: cute, crustless and with various delectable fillings.
Afternoon tea is a legacy not of our hungry punter, but of Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the 19th century. With the evening meal not served until eight o’clock, the Duchess found herself wanting by around 4pm so requested a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake be brought to her room.
Today, afternoon tea traditionally comprises a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones served with jam and cream, and an assortment of cakes and pastries. Although it is a British tradition at heart, hotels, cafes and tea salons around the world are committed to the ritual. Here are some of the very best.
Claridge’s, London
Strawberries and cream at Wimbledon. Sunday pub roast. Catching red buses and black cabs. All classic London experiences, for sure. But perhaps no experience is more quintessentially London than afternoon tea. With its signature jade-and-white-striped tableware, Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s is an institution within an institution. The daily service takes place in The Foyer & Reading Room, a remarkable Art Deco space as delightful as the selection of cakes and teas. Or, take tea in The Painter’s Room, Claridge’s beautifully blush-hued bar where cocktails, not cuppas, complement the service.
The Peninsula, Hong Kong
Served in the elegant lobby, under the soaring ceiling and between grand colonnades, The Peninsula’s afternoon tea is perhaps the most renowned outside London. Sweet and savoury treats are accompanied by live jazz and the delicate clinking of fine china. Enhance the classic menu with a glass or bottle of Champagne, or a bump of Caviar Kristal. Thanks to a partnership with Star Ferry, The Peninsula’s famed tea service can also be enjoyed as part of an afternoon or sunset cruise on Victoria Harbour.
Ritz Paris
French haute pâtisserie meets British ritual at Ritz Paris. Goûter à la Française (snacking the French way) is served daily at Salon Proust, named for the French novelist Marcel, an early devotee of the famous hotel. He preferred a seat by the fireplace, as might you as you indulge in exquisite French pastries, delicate chocolates, both popular and rare teas, and – if you fancy – a glass of Champagne Barons de Rothschild, exclusive to the Ritz.
Sommerro, Oslo
Afternoon tea at Sommerro, the bold, design-led hotel in Oslo’s Frogner neighbourhood, combines the best of a traditional English spread with local ingredients and style. Served Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at in-house venue To Søstre, or Two Sisters, the sitting maintains a certain elegance while leaning into Scandinavian character, creativity and a relaxed sense of refinement. Enjoy alongside the gentle melodies of Sommerro’s self-playing Steinway.
Brown’s Hotel, London
Opened in 1837 in the elite (then and now) Mayfair district, Brown’s is London’s oldest hotel so you can bet the institution has afternoon tea down to a fine art. The Drawing Room plays host to the service and guests are in good company. The space has been graced by Lords and Ladies, politicians, Hollywood A-listers and royals. The menu is, after all, fit for a queen. As well as the traditional service, which includes English classics such as coronation chicken and cucumber sandwiches (pickled ‘cukes’ here for an on-trend twist), there is a plant-based and children’s menu available.
The Plaza, New York
Speaking of institutions, The Plaza in New York City is legendary. A star of film and literature, the cultural landmark, located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, has had a remarkable history since opening its doors in 1907. And through all of it, The Palm Court has been home to the city’s grandest afternoon tea. A 2013 renovation stayed true to the original build, including the renewal of the iconic stained-glass domed roof. A nod to old New York glamour, the experience is paired with the unmistakable energy of Manhattan.
Cunard cruises
For tea at sea, Cunard is second to none. The cruise line’s signature afternoon tea is served daily from 3.30pm until 430pm daily in the Queens Room, a fittingly regal space where white-gloved staff take care of your cravings while open waters glitter in the background. As you would expect, the menu features an array of finger sandwiches, scones with fixings, and elegant pâtisserie. What you may not expect is that the menu changes daily, which means passengers can make it a daily ritual without repetition. Although, repetition here doesn’t sound too bad.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel provides a grand locale for a memorable afternoon tea. Affectionately known as ‘The Pink Lady’, the luxury Cape Town hotel is set at the foot of Table Mountain, and afternoon tea comes complete with heritage charm, a garden setting and a spectacular natural backdrop. Mount Nelson’s tea sommelier kindly helps guests select from the curated selection of 60-plus infusions, while the menu mixes classics with modern influences. Tea at the ‘Nellie’ also offers a pet-friendly menu.
Raffles Singapore
As one of Asia’s most famous heritage hotels, Raffles Singapore sets the stage for old-world glamour. Afternoon tea is served beneath the skylit Victorian splendour of The Grand Lobby, once home to the nation’s most extravagant parties and now the perfect place to take tea. Traditional three-tiered silver cake stands are filled with fresh sweet and savoury morsels, while the tea sommelier-selected blends leave guests spoilt for choice.
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