In the spirit of savoring the time-honored tradition of afternoon-tea, some tea rooms have carried the tradition for centuries and some have recently embraced the fine experience.
From London’s first hotel to a former Ottoman Imperial palace, to a cliffside California resort and a stunning Atlantic archipelago, these destinations offer the perfect setting for both true tea connoisseurs and those with a passion for British culture.
Brown’s Hotel - London’s first and quintessentially British hotel, offering a hint of the unexpected
The Drawing Room at Brown’s, where Queen Victoria took tea, honors the British custom of serving traditional afternoon tea. The hotel is proud to collaborate with the Rare Tea Company, curating a collection that celebrates tradition and sustainability. From bespoke blends to rare single-origin leaves, each tea reflects a commitment to quality and community. Indulge in a heritage of flavor, where every cup tells a story of refined British elegance and responsible sourcing.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski - former Ottoman Imperial palace with a true, palatial tea (pictured)
Along the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey, Ciragan Palace Kempinski stands as a former Ottoman Imperial palace and host to regal experiences, including its Palatial Afternoon Tea. The sumptuous tea held at Gazebo, waterfront lounge with a first-row view over the Bosphorus, includes delectable sweets, savoury treats, tea, or a glass of sparkling Prosecco. Take in the venue’s redesign inspired by the Ottoman style garden design “Charbagh,” then go off to explore the timeless property which features a recent redesign in collaboration with Ottoman art expert Serdar Gülgün. Note that the grounds you wander are the same that have been roamed by the likes of John F Kennedy Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Robert De Niro, Kofi Annan, Naomi Campbell, Jean Paul Gaultier, Sting, and U2.
Montage Laguna Beach - Southern California seaside resort with a transformed, oceanfront tearoom
Montage Laguna Beach, situated on a bluff atop the Pacific, has brought afternoon tea from London to artsy Laguna Beach, transforming its Lobby Lounge into an elevated tearoom with a coastal ambiance. The property offers an array of artful canapés, desserts thoughtfully made by the pastry team behind the resort’s beloved, lifesize gingerbread displays, and of course, a fine tea selection.
The Bahamas - a captivating archipelago with a recently introduced afternoon tea party
Through its People-to-People Program, which helps foster authentic cultural exchanges between visitors and locals, visitors will be provided with personalized experiences across the islands, including a complimentary afternoon tea party at the historic Government House in Nassau. Teas are held on the last Friday of each month, January through May and October and November. Hosted by various prominent Bahamian women, attendees can enjoy local 'bush' teas, live music, sample locally made sandwiches and pastries and view a fashion show by Bahamian designers.
Image Credit: Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
