As the seasons transition, spring's fresh air and blooming beauty provide the perfect backdrop to indulge in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea. From London to Hong Kong - we have rounded up the most extraordinary afternoon teas from our clients around the globe, each offering an unforgettable taste of elegance, history, and innovation.
CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF TEATIME TRADITION AT GLENEAGLES, SCOTLAND (pictured)
Since opening its doors in June 1924, Gleneagles has been one of the UK’s most iconic hotels and sporting estates. Set beneath the Ochil Hills in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland, it has remained the must-go destination for the most discerning of travelers. The glorious Glendevon hosts a Centenary Afternoon Tea taking diners on a delightful journey through 100 years of culinary history and tales from Gleneagles. Guests can savour menus inspired by the roaring '20s, indulge in recipes featured in the renowned 1989 ‘Taste of Gleneagles’ cookbook, and relish the Scottish dishes the late Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed during her visits to the estate. Highlights include a classic Gleneagles terrine with caviar, a smoked lobster sandwich inspired by Restaurant Andrew Fairlie’s signature dishes. Each guest will also receive a Centenary Tea Tin filled with the hotel’s special Centenary Blend as a memento of their experience.
INFO: Afternoon tea starts from £65pp (approx. $80) and is served from Friday to Monday each week. https://gleneagles.com/eat-drink/afternoon-tea/
The Upper House, Hong Kong, was named to symbolize an ‘upward journey’ offering a serene retreat high above the city's bustling energy. Home to 117 elegantly spacious guest rooms, each crafted to evoke a sense of understated luxury, the property continues to redefine sophisticated living. In keeping with its legacy of innovation, The Upper House is proud to unveil its latest offering: an exquisite Afternoon Tea in exclusive partnership with leading wellness brand Bamford, harmoniously blending the ultimate unison of Chinese hospitality and British wellness. Located in the vibrant Selisterra dining room, this exquisite experience is enjoyed within the beauty and comfort of a boldly designed space by André Fu. Located on Level 49 of The Upper House with sweeping views of the Victoria Harbour, Selisterra delivers a social dining experience through gastronomy, service and design like no other. The afternoon tea draws inspiration from the enchanting landscapes of English woodlands and the essence of Bamford's Woodland Moss EDP fragrance, this exquisite afternoon tea features a selection of savory delights from Duck Leg Pie, Pork and Apple Sausage Roll, and a Smoked Mackerel Tarlet. For a sweet treat, guests can enjoy a Forest Moss Cake, a Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate Swiss Roll or an Apple and Geranium Macaron.
INFO: The Bamford Afternoon Tea is available daily from now until 31 March 2025. For more information, please visit https://www.thehousecollective.com/en/the-upper-house/restaurants-and-bars/salisterra
THE LANESBOROUGH PARTNERS WITH NETFLIX & SHONDALAND FOR AN EXCLUSIVE BRIDGERTON-THEMED AFTERNOON TEA
The Lanesborough has debuted its latest seasonal Bridgerton afternoon tea, in partnership with Netflix and Shondaland, to mark the highly anticipated third season of the hit Netflix series. Carefully crafted by The Lanesborough’s Head Pastry Chef, Pierre Morvan-Benezet, the menu pays tribute to the key families in Bridgerton Season 3, in addition to ‘Lanesborough House’ as we now know it, built in 1825 in the fashionable classical style by William Wilkins at the highpoint of Regency era. The afternoon tea includes delectable finger sandwiches, pastry tartlets, and delectable scones, cream and jam, accompanied by the Friend to Lovers cocktail, inspired by Lady Whistledown’s character – a refreshing margarita prepared with 1800 Coconut Tequila, cherries, and a hint of cranberry juice, balanced with honey & fresh lime juice. Morvan-Benezet’s curated cake and sweet treat concept includes four signature thematic highlights: The Social Butterfly - a hand-crafted jewelled pistachio and mandarin mousse, encased in an emerald-green glaze, biscuit base and gold leaf sprinkles, finished with an edible gold butterfly tuile; Colin’s Travels - a dark chocolate sponge with caramel, dark chocolate mousse, dark chocolate ganache, encased in a travel trunk and chocolate decoration; The Book of Eloise - a cheesecake vanilla mousse with whipped vanilla Chantilly and blueberry gel finished in white chocolate with delicate blue edible flowers to finish; and The Lady Whistledown - an elegant grapefruit and raspberry mousse encased in whipped Chantilly with white chocolate décor with a grapefruit glaze.
INFO: The Lanesborough’s Bridgerton Afternoon Tea is priced at £85 (currently approx. $106) per person; at £95 (currently approx $119) per person with The Friends to Lovers Cocktail or Blooming Wallflower at; £98 (currently approx $98) per person with a glass of Champagne. Children’s afternoon tea menu £50 (currently approx. $63) per child under the age of 12.
BOTANIC SANCTUARY ANTWERP UNVEILS NEW HIGH TEA IN THE HISTORIC MONASTERY KITCHENS FROM MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF RODGER VAN DAMME AND PASTRY CHEF JULIE HOUTHAVE
Located behind Antwerp’s ancient walls and nestled within the botanical gardens at the heart of the city lies Botanic Sanctuary, a former 13th century monastery and a spectacular hospitality destination home to five impeccable restaurants. Renowned as the only hotel in Belgium to boast four Michelin Stars on site embodying the exceptional cuisine that has confirmed Antwerp as a true European culinary capital. This November, the hotel is adding another exceptional culinary experience to its offerings with a unique high tea experience in its historic monastery kitchens. This new initiative, a collaboration between Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Roger van Damme, and talented pastry chef Julie Houthave, invites both hotel guests and visitors to experience their culinary masterpieces. Together, they showcase a fusion of craftsmanship and a shared passion for innovation in the culinary world. The high tea combines traditional British influences with refined brunch dishes and pastries offering a harmonious balance of sweet and savory creations. Setting the stage for a truly indulgent experience, guests have the option to begin with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut before enjoying a selection of freshly prepared finger sandwiches and house-baked scones. Savor an array of exquisite sweets crafted by talented pastry chefs, perfectly paired with a carefully curated tea selection designed to elevate each course. Premium offerings include exclusive varieties such as the ‘Lanna Silver Needle’, a delicate hand-picked white tea with hints of honey, and Earl Grey Kaffir Lime, a classic blend with a fruity, aromatic twist. Set in the unparalleled historic monastery kitchens, this unique dining experience is a true celebration of modern culinary artistry and timeless tradition, embodying the essence of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp.
INFO: The high tea is available Thursday to Sunday, between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The experience is offered at €85 (approx. $90) per person. For more information please visit, https://www.botanicantwerp.be/gastronomy/high-tea/
UPPER EAST SIDE’S MOST CELEBRATED ADDRESS, THE LOWELL HOTEL, ANNOUNCES NEW LILY OF THE VALLEY AFTERNOON TEA CONCEPT IN COLLABORATION WITH DIOR MAISON
On 1 May 2024, on Lily of the Valley Day, The Lowell began a new tradition of serving afternoon tea at Majorelle in collaboration with Dior Maison. The special experience offers an exquisite assortment of sweets and savories from the celebrated Majorelle team featured on the Lily of the Valley tableware collection. The Lily of the Valley Tea draws inspiration from the very flower embedded in its name. Highly regarded as one of Christian Dior’s favorite blooms, it is celebrated as a token of good luck meant to be shared. Surrounded by Majorelle’s framed floral arrangements, guests are invited to indulge in this elegant afternoon ritual for the consummate kick-off celebration of spring in New York City. Patrons will delight in pillowy-soft scones with Devonshire Cream and house made mixed berry and clementine marmalades, as well as seasonal English tea sandwiches including chicken curry and lobster roll delights. Dessert features delicately crafted sweets such as a lemon-infused trifle and a perfectly puffed pistachio choux. A selection of afternoon signature cakes are also available, including The Happiness Pink Cake as a nod to Monsieur Dior’s favorite color featuring a vanilla sponge with lemon curd filling, frosted with buttercream icing. Guests can also delight in Dior inspired cookies featuring Lily of the Valley and the iconic Bar Jacket. No afternoon tea is complete without a comprehensive offering of traditional black, green, and herbal fruit infusion teas. The Jardin Bleu serves as the Majorelle Tea Sommelier’s recommendation of choice, providing a velvety blend of black teas and garden fruit flavors featuring rhubarb, wild strawberry, and cornflower petals. In celebration of the newly offered tea service, the menu will also include a signature Lily of the Valley cocktail. The white Limoges porcelain tableware features the green Lily of the Valley motif. Designed by Cordelia de Castellane, the delicate pattern pays tribute to art de vivre, good fortune, and the celebration of nature. The tableware set includes a teapot, large creamer, sugar bowl, teacup, saucers, and plates. United by the vision of discrete and timeless luxury, The Lowell and Dior Maison have come together to elevate this time-honored tradition with ultimate sophistication and style. Whether it be for a special occasion, a casual gathering of friends and family or an impromptu treat, Lily of the Valley Afternoon Tea is sure to inspire special afternoons on the Upper East Side.
INFO: For more information and to book please visit, https://www.lowellhotel.com/restaurants-and-bar/afternoon-tea/57-5/
