Sample the World's Best Afternoon Teas

This cherished English ritual is quite traditional, but some of Red Carnation's renditions are anything but. Here are a few favorites from around the world:

London:

The Milestone Hotel – Picnic in the Park: Located directly opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, The Milestone guests can enjoy a picturesque “Picnic in the Park” in one of London's most beautiful Royal Parks. Staff prepare a comfortable picnic space and deliver traditional wicker baskets filled with delectable offerings, including finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and preserves, pastries, shortbread, a pot of tea and some bubbly.

The Chesterfield Mayfair – Charlie & The Chesterfield : Sept. 13, 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl's birthday, and guests are invited to celebrate with this magical tea inspired by his most chocolately creation. The tea includes gourmet homemade sandwiches, English scones, Oompa Loompa cupcakes, Blueberry macaroons, fizzy lifting cakes, golden eggs and chocolate Wonka Bars. Delicacies are served with a collection of loose teas, flowering teas, coffee, fizzy lifting drinks and hot chocolate; the extensive tea menu includes a specially blended “Willy Wonka Chocolate Tea” created exclusively for the hotel. Guests also receive a Golden Ticket containing a special prize, ranging from discounts to complimentary nights at The Chesterfield.

The Rubens at the Palace – Royal Afternoon Tea : With a prime location next to Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews, Rubens guests can enjoy an Afternoon Tea inspired by the Royal Family while watching the Royal carriages to come and go. This tea includes mouth-watering finger sandwiches (such as a coronation chicken bridge roll or fillet of beef Castle of Mey with horseradish cream) and delicious sweet treats like homemade jam pennies – one of Queen Elizabeth II's favorites. Guests also receive a chocolate biscuit cake, just like William and Kate served at their wedding reception, boxed up as a takeaway gift. Beverage options range from the Queen's choice of drink, Gin and Dubonnet, to Prince Charles' preference, a 50:50 martini.

Dorset:

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa – Dorset Cream Tea: This tea highlights the finest Dorset clotted cream with freshly baked scones and homemade strawberry jam, along with delicate finger sandwiches, an array of cakes and delicacies, and a selection of specialty teas.

Guernsey:

The Old Government House Hotel & Spa – Oggie's Afternoon Tea: A traditional tea menu adapted to suit younger guests, this tea features bite-sized sandwiches, freshly baked scones, selected pastries and a choice of milkshake, hot chocolate, tea or soft drink – and a special guest of Oggie the Bear!

Palm Beach:

The Chesterfield Palm Beach – The Victorian Tea Experience: Guests learn the history of traditional English Teas, proper tea etiquette and the history of Red Carnation Hotels with the help of a costumed guide. A lesson in Tasseography, the ancient art of tea leaf reading, follows next.

South Africa:

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa – Tea by the Sea: This indulgent two-hour tea experience boasts incredible sea and mountain views. A selection of scrumptious, freshly baked scones, cupcakes, macaroons and finger sandwiches is served along with a fine selection of fragrant teas and coffees.For more information about The Red Carnation Hotel Collection,
visit us at www.redcarnation.com or email book@rchmail.com.