Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”
Henry James
Love Afternoon Tea? PIN IT FOR LATER!!
Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace Pavilion
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History of Afternoon tea
While drinking tea has been around since at least the 3 BC, the concept of ‘afternoon tea’ was first introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. By four o’clock in the afternoon, the Duchess would become quite hungry with dinner not being served in her household until the fashionably late hour of eight o’clock. At the time, it was quite usual for people to only have two main meals a day, breakfast and dinner. Unable to cope with the hunger, she asked that a tea along with a few slices of bread and butter to be brought to her boudoir in the late afternoon to take in private. Later, the Earl of Sandwich came up with the brilliant idea of adding a filling between the slices of bread as well as sweetening up her snack with cake.
Over time, she began to invite her friends to join her and by the 1880’s became quite a fashionable social event for upper-class women and afternoon tea was acceptable enough to move it from one’s private quarters to the drawing room. High society women wore their finest gowns, gloves and hats for tea in the drawing room, typically between four and five o’clock in the evening.
Today, traditional afternoon tea is served in fancy gardens, hotels and tea rooms which consists of a variety of dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as cakes and biscuits served on a tiered tray. The proper way to enjoy the snacks that accompany an afternoon tea it to work your way up from the bottom tier, starting with your sandwiches and savories, before moving to the second tier with scones and clotted cream before finally ending with the sweet bits, cakes and biscuits. Tea is always served from a tea pot into delicate and dainty china cups while you will also find that some afternoon teas include a glass of bubbly to be enjoyed with the desserts.
Some of the most famous places in England to experience an afternoon tea are in London’s finest hotels and quaint tearooms such as Claridges, the Dorchester, the Ritz and the Savoy, Harrods as well as Fortnum and Mason, but you don’t have to do a high class afternoon tea when any cafe, tea room or tea house will offer a full scale afternoon tea for half the price without the name and just may even be better!
What’s the difference between ‘high tea’ and ‘afternoon tea’?
Not being British, I, too didn’t understand the difference. Many hotels offer ‘high tea’ which derives from the height of the tables on which the meals are served, therefore, high tea being served at the dinner table. Traditionally, ‘low’ or ‘afternoon’ tea was served around four o’clock for the upper class just before the fashionable promenade at Hyde Park. Middle and lower class would have their ‘high’ tea in place of dinner around five or six o’clock in the evening.
Come, let’s have some tea and continue to talk about happy things!
High Tea at Fortnum and Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon – London England
By Lady Lorelei from California Globetrotter
When it comes to afternoon tea in London, Fortnum and Mason is classified as a British institution known for catering to the Queen of England and epitomizing the sophistication of a traditional afternoon tea! Located near Piccadilly Square, with over 100 different blends of tea with the Royal Blend made for King Edward VII being among the top ranking since 1902!
Located on the fourth floor, High tea is served in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 2012. Tables are spaciously spread out, servers are exquisitely dressed and well-educated about the variety of blends and ready to teach newbies like myself.
The Afternoon Tea Menu includes your choice of tea, which I chose the Countess Grey with a hint of orange flavor as well as classic finger sandwiches such as cucumber, smoked salmon and coronation chicken, followed by their famously delicious scones to be eaten with delicious lemon curd or strawberry jam and clotted cream. The afternoon tea is topped off with a plate of decadent patisseries and a choice of cakes from the cake carriage! And the best part? It’s all replenishable and served on their iconic turquoise and gold china set!
After our delightful afternoon tea, we perused the lower three floors of shops, stocking up on my now favorite tea!
Related: Where to have the BEST afternoon tea in York, England
In England, everything stops for tea!
St. James Tearoom – Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
By Lady Jessica from Independent Travel Cats
“With a cup of tea in your hand, anything is possible”
Fairmont Royal York Hotel Afternoon Tea – Toronto, Canada
By Lady Lorita from Ting and Things
What’s a better way to experience a royal treatment than having high tea at Toronto’s iconic Fairmont Royal York Hotel? I had an amazing opportunity to try out their afternoon tea service in the Library Bar at Royal York with my friend. The whole tea experience lasted approximately 2 hours long.
Tea was served on fine china along with a 3-tiered platter of hand-crafted sandwiches and fine pastries. I started off by choosing a pot of tea from their loose leaf tea selections. I normally don’t drink tea but I can’t really say I’ve enjoyed afternoon tea if I hadn’t actually tried their tea right? My tea was fragrant combining flavours of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
Our first bite was the English crumpet with fresh berries topped with honey that came from the beehives from their own rooftop apiary! Second to our table was a plate of hand-crafted sandwiches. Various tomatoes with Mozzarella on baguette, roasted turkey with cucumber & apple cider mayo sandwich, Pears, goat cheese, balsamic berry with greens on baguette, smoked salmon with onions sandwich. Their freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream were delicious. Oh so soft and moist! We ate our way to the middle tier of the platter which consisted of Lemon Almond slices, mincemeat tart, honey white chocolate Madeline’s, flour-less cranberry chocolate cake. My friend called the chocolate cake, “the cake of excellence with a dash of awesomeness”. And there was a reason for it. The cake melted entirely in our mouths! My favourite though, was the lemon almond slices. The slices looked ordinary but they were fresh and “citrusy”. The tiny bits added a crunchy texture to the dessert. I devoured this in a second.
Following the afternoon tea service, we also got a complimentary tour of the hotel. This should be on everyone’s list if you enjoy a fine afternoon tea. You won’t be disappointed!
“A cup of tea is an excuse to share great thoughts with great minds” – Christina Re
La Motte High Tea – Cape Town, South Africa
By Lady Alya from Stingy Nomads
Afternoon tea in Cape Town was our first tea experience. Usually we don’t do fancy dining while traveling but in our own city we decided to go big and explore more fine places. After doing a research about best place in and around Cape Town for the afternoon tea we made our choice in favour of La Motte, a wine farm and restaurant in Franschhoek, a beautiful small town, 80 km from Cape Town. Franschhoek is famous for its fine wines and best restaurants in South Africa.
The high tea experience at La Motte is something very special, as it will be done for you exclusively. You can choose where the tea is served; in a restaurant, on a terrace or in the garden, it’s a great option on a warm sunny day.
For visitor’s choice are several teas; red, green, black, fruit or white teas. Avid coffee drinkers can get a cup of good Java blend coffee. Tea is served in porcelain sets made by a local fine artist and ceramicists especially for Le Motte high tea.
The food menu is exquisite with everything freshly made and baked in a restaurant kitchen. Treat yourself with smoked salmon sandwiches with cream cheese, savoury tart, chocolate truffles, crispy croissants with fillings or not, tea cakes, sausage rolls, macarons, sweet biscuits, cheese cakes and more. Guests can sparkle their tea experience with a glass of sweet or sparkling wine from the estate.
“I would rather have nothing but tea!” – Jane Austen
Afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton – Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia
By Lady Keri from Ladies What Travel
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is a great spot for afternoon tea in the city thanks to its elegant setting of the light and airy Lobby Lounge. Once seated we perused the tea menu, which is made up of 40 different black, green fruit and herbal infusion teas – including the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Blend, exclusively crafted for the hotel.
When our three-tiered tea tray came out we weren’t disappointed – savoury highlights included the warm mini chicken pie and petite chicken and beef burgers. These were a delicious quirky take on the traditional afternoon tea.
Perfectly timed to coincide with us finishing the last of the savouries, our server returned with a plate of freshly baked plain and fruit scones. These went down a treat, and we sat back to enjoy some more tea before moving onto the sweet finale.
This top tier had an interesting mix of sweets, including a nod to local sweet treat, the Chinese egg tart. This was joined by an orange and chocolate meringue, a gooey marshmallow with a coconut base, a strawberry and cream tart topped with pistachios and a very rich dark chocolate cake.
I enjoyed everything about my afternoon tea experience at the Ritz-Carlton – from the food and service through to the string quartet that entertained us. Little touches like unexpected amuse-bouche and cute teapot warmers made the whole experience even more special – and one I’d recommend to any visitors to Kuala Lumpur.
“Life is like a cup of tea to be filled to the brim and enjoyed with friends”
Chesterfield Mayfair’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea – London, England
By Lady Ashley from My Wanderlusty Life
When it came to choosing an afternoon tea experience in London, the land of afternoon teas, they had me at “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” As one of most unusual afternoon teas in London, the Wonka-themed afternoon tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair is every nerd’s dream and, just like a tour through Wonka’s chocolate factory, is so much more than you bargained for. You get the standard afternoon tea service—tea, tiny sandwiches and finger foods, in a fancy setting—but all dripping with theme-y goodness.
Your experience begins with a serving of fizzy lifting drink and, fancy digs or not, I recommend following that up with a good burp, Charlie Bucket-style. In addition to the slew of teas you can choose from, they also offer their very own, specially blended for the occasion, chocolate tea. It may sound strange, but it’s pretty scrumdiddlyumptious. The fresh-made scones (+ homemade snozzberry jam) and finger sandwiches are some of the best I’ve ever had and, thankfully, unlimited. But the real geek pleasure lies in the plate of Wonka-themed deserts: an Oompa Loompa cupcake, a white chocolate golden egg, fizzy lifting lemon cake, a fruit tart, a bubblegum éclair, a blueberry macaron, and of course, a Wonka Bar.
But the themematics don’t end there. Willy Wonka himself (pretty much) greets all the tables and passes out Everlasting Gobstoppers and golden tickets—surprises to be awarded on your return visit that include everything from free bottles of champagne to complimentary afternoon teas and hotel stays.
“If asked, “How do you take your tea?” I reply, “Seriously, very seriously”.
Baccus’ High Tea – Brisbane, Australia
There is always time for tea and cake!
A.C. Perch’s Thehandel Afternoon Tea – Copenhagen, Denmark
By Lady Carolyn from Carolyn’s Absolutely Fabulous Events
The tearooms at A.C. Perch’s Thehandel can be found in Kronprincessgade, or Crown Princess Street, in the heart of Copenhagen’s historic city center. There has been a Perch’s tearoom in Copenhagen for over 182 years and the company has dedicated 7 generations to finding top quality teas from all over the world. They are also a purveyor of teas to Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. With such an illustrious history A.C.Perch’s Thehandel is THE place to take afternoon tea in Copenhagen.
The English style tea rooms are charming and are a perfect place to experience Danish hygge, that cozy, snuggy feeling. The rooms themselves are on the first floor and are accessed through a small courtyard. Although not required it is best to book as the tables fill up fast. The atmosphere is relaxed but not casual. People choose Perch’s for special occasions and there is always a festive air.
A.C. Perch’s offer a spectacular range of teas, over 150 different kinds, which can be purchased afterwards from their old fashioned tea shop downstairs. The menu includes several cakes, scones and tea sandwiches. You can order treats individually or go for the full monty, Perch’s Classic Tea Stand, which comes with a glass of crement. Service is attentive and the staff are knowledgeable about teas if you need some advice.
Tea (n): a hug in a cup
Louis Sergeant High Tea – Wellington, New Zealand
By Lady Nicole from Travelgal Nicole
One of the best places to go for High Tea in Wellington is Louis Sergeant. This French inspired patisserie offers high tea daily for either morning or afternoon tea.
The high tea consists of 5 sweet treats and 4 savoury treats along with a pot of specialty tea or you can upgrade to champagne for a special occasion.
I love to take visitors to high tea as it is a nice treat after a day of exploring and it is also something tasty to tide you over to dinner. And with all of these specialty desserts as well its worth the splurge! It’s also a great place to celebrate a birthday and invite friends and dress up and wear hats while eating. You can also stop in for a French dessert. They have everything from eclairs and macarons to coconut cake and decadent mousses.
Where there’s tea, there’s hope!
Amstel Lounge in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
By Lady Wendy from World Wide Wendy
In case you are looking for a place to enjoy a high tea in Amsterdam, I can highly recommend The High Tea at Intercontinental Amstel Amsterdam. The hotel is 5 star superior hotel, housed in a historical building from 1867. Called the Royal Afternoon Tea, it’s served in the Amstel Lounge from where you have an amazing view over the River Amstel.
Of course, a wide selection of teas are accompanied by 4 courses, including delightful sandwiches with salmon as well as a warm course. All the sweets are homemade by the hotel’s own patisserie and the étagère with profiteroles and many other sweets are a feast for the eye.
The staff is extremely friendly and well informed. They can tell you all you need to know about the different teas.
The high tea is served daily from 12:30pm to 2:30pm and from 4:00pm till 6:00pm.
If you want to enjoy a high tea the way it’s meant to be, Intercontinental Amstel Hotel is the right choice.
“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water!” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Planter’s Country Hotel in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Perched on a hill slope and overlooking the tropical forest, Planter’s Country Hotel went through several refurbishments but the property owner preserved and maintained the original Tudor concept with interiors complete with vintage finds, modest furniture with floral prints, a fireplace, reading and drawing rooms, and picturesque gardens, thus giving the hotel a quaint countryside charm. With ambiance of a traditional English-style inn, it’s quite aptly to have afternoon tea of scrumptious scones with homemade jam and cream in the hotel’s Rajah Brooke Tea Room.
You can’t buy happiness, but you can tea and that’s kinda the same thing!
Afternoon tea at the Park Hyatt – Sydney, Australia
By Lady Rachel from A Nesting Nomad
Life is like tea… It’s all in HOW you MAKE it!
Afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat – Nice, France
By Lady Phoebe from Lou Messugo
The Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, a legendary palace hotel on the French Riviera, is an elegant affair. We booked for early October and were told it would be in the Rotunda designed by Gustav Eiffel (of the tower fame), but the weather was so lovely that it was served outside on the terrace overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean sea. Under 100 year old Aleppo pines we sipped on pink champagne and indulged in an array of sublime pastries and finger sandwiches, continuing a ritual made popular at the hotel by such icons as Coco Chanel and Jean Cocteau in the 1950s.
The selection of patisseries, displayed traditionally on a three tiered cake stand consisted of a layer of delicate mini fruit tarts and chocolate mousse cake, then a layer of melt-in-the-mouth petit choux (mini cream buns as light as air) and a third layer of savoury sandwiches. Every single flavour created by World Champion of Sugar Arts pastry chef, Gaëtan Fiard, was delicate, exquisite, complex and utterly divine. While the selection initially might not have seemed enormous, and there was no question of continual refills, it turned out to be the perfect amount, leaving us satiated and content without feeling over full: a very French take on a classic English afternoon tea.
As the afternoon cooled into evening, we were brought snuggly soft fleecy shawls to wrap up in, encouraging us to linger on the beautiful terrace, savouring an absolutely delightful experience.
“Would you like an adventure now, or shall we have a cup of tea first?” – Alice in Wonderland
High Tea in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Afternoon Tea at Westbury Hotel – Dublin, Ireland
By Lady Hilary from HilaryStyle
The moment we walked into the lobby of Dublin’s Westbury Hotel, I knew we would be adding afternoon tea to our trip’s agenda. Afternoon Tea, although not a tradition in the United States, is something we’ve happily adopted during our travels, and make time for it whenever we can.
Indulging in The Westbury’s tea service was the perfect way to while-away a rainy Dublin afternoon. Tea is served in the hotel’s gorgeous lobby, where you’ll be cozy in the generously stuffed sofas and chairs, and surrounded by beautiful blooms, and shinning crystal. Your service includes a choice of teas from around the world (poured into the most adorable tea cups) as well as a variety of savory and sweet treats, including sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and a delightful selection of patisserie. All this while overlooking the wonderful Grafton Street, one of the city’s most popular shopping areas. If it’s something a little more bubbly you’re after, consider choosing something from the Champagne trolley. Afternoon Tea is served daily between 12.30pm and 5.30pm. Call ahead for reservations.
High Tea at Kayumanis Resorts – Bali, Indonesia
By Lady Jackie from Get Lost with Jackie
When traveling to Bali one might expect lush, tropical rainforests, bright blue beaches, happy locals, temples and traditions, and all the Asian inspired eats you can imagine. What might not immediately come to mind when thinking, “Bali”, is high tea. I, too, was surprised at how many properties, both luxury and budget, have adopted this age old British tradition of afternoon and high teas and are now offering them as (typically complimentary) services to guests.
I wrapped up quite a few afternoon tea’s in Bali in my article, “Where to Have High-Tea in Bali” but there was one property offering that stood out amongst the rest. Kayumanis Resorts has four properties in Bali – in Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Ubud. The high-tea at Kayumanis takes the traditional high tea offerings and puts a Balinese spin on them. You can expect small sandwiches and sweet treats – as with any typical high-tea! You may also find egg-rolls in place of sandwiches or “laklak” cake (which is made with the intention to be paired with tea) in place of scones.
High-tea at Kayumanis is not only delicious but also appealing to the eye. You can pair your high-tea with iced or hot teas (I highly suggest trying the lemongrass tea which is a delicious way to hydrate and refresh in the Balinese heat) or you can opt for coffee (if you do – make sure to order a Balinese coffee!). I’m positive that no matter where which Kayumanis property you opt to have your high-tea in Bali it will be an experience to remember.
“Enjoy simple things with total intensity. Just a cup of tea can be a deep meditation” – Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
Afternoon Tea at Clarinda’s Tea Room – Edinburgh, Scotland
Afternoon Tea in the Sky – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
If you’re interested in hosting your very own tea party, I recommend the following products all of which led to my own very successful first attempt at hosting an afternoon tea party for my birthday!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!
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Oh yes, having tea at Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam is so worth it. You **may** have to sell a kidney or a lung to afford it, but sooooo delicious. I know several places in The Netherlands that do amazing spreads, though I am not sure they’d qualify as ‘having an afternoon tea’.
Fortnum and Mason was also quite expensive (45£ pp) but we learned afterwards that you can find an “afternoon tea” with sandwiches, scones and desserts/cake at any tea house/room for less than half the price and equally as good if not better! We had an ammmmazing one in York for 12£ a person!
Now I want afternoon tea!
I am British and I had no idea the “high” part referred to the height of the table! Where I’m from in the North-East, we still call the evening meal “tea” (but just tea, not high tea).
How strange! Do you call it ‘tea’ when you really mean dinner?
Us Brits like to confuse the meal times! I am personally a breakfast, lunch and dinner person but others say breakfast, dinner and tea (the word dinner is used instead of lunch and tea instead of dinner). The English language isn’t confusing at all (said no one ever) haha
Hahaha thanks for that clarification Lady Briggs! ?
LOL, yes… what LadyBriggs said. The meals where I’m from are breakfast (in the morning), dinner (at lunchtime) and tea (at dinner time). Also, as far as I know the people who serve the food in schools are “dinner ladies” everywhere even if what they are actually serving is called “lunch” in that part of the country. Even more confusingly, I know people in the North who have “breakfast” “lunch” and “tea”… there is no meal called “dinner”.
And just to throw in another layer of confusion, there’s also supper, which is mostly used in the south of England for dinner (in the evening) but can be used by northerners for a snack later in the evening after tea (/dinner). That makes it all clear then doesn’t it? Haha!
Oh gosh now I’m getting confused! I won’t be able to keep up who calls what what!
Oh dahhhling, I am positively distraut that I was unable to contribute to this fine post. On my travels, I often search for Afternoon Tea but alas, haven’t yet found the desired establishments (Sanur Beach excluded, naturally. As delicious as it was, one doesn’t fully immerse oneself into the Afternoon Tea culture with sand between your toes). I shall absolutely pin this delectable post and frequent the establishments mentioned. Lady Briggs #feetdotravel
Why thank you Lady Briggs for your kind comment! Tis’ a shame you haven’t found a desirable location! What will thou do without an afternoon tea? ?
So interesting reading about the history, I had no idea. When I taught primary school in Brisbane, we called lunch morning tea and then had a second, shorter “lunch” later in the day that was afternoon tea.
So interesting to see the differences!
I want to go to them all! Such a fun idea for a post Lorelei, thanks for including my suggestion. I didn’t know about the origins of “high” tea, very interesting to learn that.
Love how you did this post! So cool to read about all those different places serving traditional english afternoon tea. All of this looks super yummy! #WanderfulWednesday
I have not had the pleasure to try this yet. It looks so cool! #wanderfulwednesday
It’s absolutely divine! You must have an afternoon tea!
I’ve located one in Oslo, so I am hoping to do that soon 🙂 #theweeklypostcard
Awesome! If you’d like to add it later, I’d love to have it! 🙂
Oh, this has to to be the cutest post ever! I have never had tea but I am going to London next month, so, I hope to have the experience. Anyway, it is awesome to know you do not have to be in London to enjoy this little feast. All the photos in the post are beautiful. Plus, I love how you presented each participant as a “lady.”
There’s a lady in all of us! 🙂
I can just imagine high tea in Franschhoek was amazing! I so miss Cape Town!! Loved the bit about the difference between high and afternoon tea.. 🙂
Tea with elephants! Tea with elephants! THAT one is amazing! The all look terribly charming and such a lovely afternoon out. I definitely didn’t grow up with high tea, but could definitely get down with the idea. Amazing collection you have curated Lorelei and I love all the quotes! Thanks so much for sharing with #FarawayFiles. Cheers from Copenhagen – where I’m going to make Carolyn meet me for tea at A.C. Perch’s – can’t believe I haven’t been there!
Omgosh you have to go! It’s right there!! Let me know how you like it!
Who doesn’t love afternoon tea? It needs to be much more of a “thing” if you ask me! Great list – will keep it in mind if I go to any of these places 🙂
I’m going to do it as often as I can without risking the inches on my waistline haha
I love afternoon tea and can’t wait to try more now we are back in London #farawayfiles
Wow! I didn’t know the difference between high tea and afternoon tea either! These all look delicious – I’ll have to pin it for later!
Ah some amazing looking teas there – I’ve totally added the Toronto and safari afternoon teas to my wish list! Oh and I love that you named me Lady Keri! 😉
Looks like some delicious research was involved in the writing of this article! It’s really interesting to see how different places do afternoon tea-though they all look good! #FarawayFiles
Afternoon tea is something I’ve never experienced, but your post makes me want to! What scrumptious foods. My first choice would be the Willy Wonka tea — chocolate! We once went in Harrod’s in London during afternoon tea time and sat down and ordered a soft drink. We were just a few feet from people enjoying the lovely trays of sandwiches. Some day . . . .
You ordered a soft drink!? Shameful! ?
Lady Hilary! I love it! It’s the only time I’ll ever be called that! I love afternoon tea, and I loved being included with this great group of bloggers. I’ll definitely be checking some of these out when/if I find myself near one of these great suggestions. In fact I think we may do afternoon tea for Mother’s Day this year. #farawayfiles
We’re doing a steampunk afternoon tea this weekend in Regensburg … will be interesting haha! Have a great time!
What a fantastic idea for a post and I love the all the Ladies suggestions. I once had afternoon tea in Hong Kong at the end of a month backpacking it was such bliss to be pampered! #FarawayFiles
It’s a lovely treat to indulge in!
I was drawn to this post as I experienced my first ever Afternoon Tea last Sunday with my mum, we spent an hour and a half touring the London sights in an old decorated red London bus, while enjoying our tea/coffee and cakes.
Being English you would have thought I would have enjoyed this pleasure before, however, I’m ashamed to admit I don’t actually drink tea, I’m more of a coffee person. #farawayfiles
I’ve seen that one and want to do it!!!
Oh wow, I love tea! I grew up with my mother throwing tea parties whenever she could, and now whenever we travel together, we try to find a good place to have high tea. Scones with a well-made clotted cream are absolutely divine. Our favorite experiences so far have been in Canada, Cornwall, and Lanai (Hawaii). She’ll be so excited when I show her this list! Everything looks so delicious, I didn’t know there were so many amazing options around the world. Thanks so much for all of the great information, hope I get to check out at least a few of these places one day! #FarawayFiles
Oh wow, I love tea! I grew up with my mother throwing tea parties whenever she could, and now whenever we travel together, we try to find a good place to have high tea. Scones with a well-made clotted cream are absolutely divine. Our favorite experiences so far have been in Canada, Cornwall, and Lanai (Hawaii). She’ll be so excited when I show her this list! Everything looks so delicious, I didn’t know there were so many amazing options around the world. Thanks so much for all of the great information, hope I get to check out at least a few of these places one day! #FarawayFiles
I have never taken high tea but I would love to. My next chance from your choices would be in Sydney later this year so I’m keeping that in mind. Great idea for a post!
Oh I would seriously love to experience high tea in Zimbabwe amidst an African safari! And that high tea in Kayumanis Resort in Ubud – the cakes look so pretty! Fantastic compilation post on high & afternoon tea 🙂 #FarawayFiles
I just experienced my first official afternoon tea in London last week. I wish it was as pretty as some of these you featured here. Nonetheless, as a tea addict, I enjoyed the experience. Pinning this for our next round of afternoon tea in our travels!
What lovely afternoon teas you have found around the world. Did you actually get suspended in the air by a crane for your afternoon tea in Dubai? That is unique but I don’t know if I would partake. I really enjoy afternoon teas when they are presented on three-tiered cake stands.
Yes, Arzo really did do that! She wrote more on the experience!
I love afternoon tea, even though I don’t do it very often. This post is a good reminder that I should make time for it, especially since I know live in England! I love Fortnum and Mason but have not done tea there yet! #TheWeeklyPostcard
There’s also a small Fortnum & Mason in the St. Pancras Station too!
I love afternoon tea! I’m excited to find someone who loves it as much as I do. I’m definitely Pinning this for future travel ideas. I’m close to Albuquerque, so maybe I’ll start there! 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Your post made me drool. I love everything that has to do with food, lol! The first time I hade “high” tea was in the mall (of all places). They opened fancy tea place there, so I went with a group of ladies to see what it was all about. Since then I’ve been to many afternoon and “high” tea places, but never in London. The only thing I don’t like about it is the price. Almost anywhere you go, you pay more that you should for this fancy tea thing (lol!)
We thought that too but we had a lovely afternoon tea in York for 12£ per person and we paid 45£ each at Fortnum and Mason. And while that as good, the York afternoon tea was 100% more delicious so you can find amazing afternoon teas for affordable prices without the name!
Fabulous post, Lori! And so many different places represented! I love tea. Drink it everyday. Which is why I now wonder why I never go out for the full tea experience. New York has some great ones like the St. Regis but it’s probably been 15 years since I’ve been. Need to rectify that! #farawayfiles
Oh immediately!
I didn’t know the difference between high tea and afternoon tea. I’ not a tea person, so I’ve never gone for afternoon tea although I know there are places that offer it. But after seeing these cute pictures I’ll have to try it.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
If you’re not into tea, you get fancier with champagne! ?
This is such a good post, we love afternoon tea and now we know where we can get it all around the world! Have pinned for future reference. #feetdotravel
Tried to go to Fortnum and Masons last year. Without a reservation, days in advance it was impossible to get in. It looked amazing!!!
fantastic round up of tea destinations, well done! ( not just saying that because you asked me to write about Copenhagen)
Oh bummer! Maybe bc it was just a busy season! When we went there were plenty of empty tables!
That’s quite a veritable list you’ve got there! I had no idea afternoon tea was such an international thing – figured maybe the UK and the Commonwealth countries, that would be it. In Singapore, I think we use “high tea” more to mean a buffet of tea-time stuff – scones, pastries, and more local snacks. I love those! But you can also find the more English afternoon teas with the 3-tier dishes and all. Had no idea you’re supposed to eat from the bottom up – TIL! 🙂
What a great post! I learned a lot about the tradition of afternoon tea – all over the world. I knew it originated in England and I expected to read about traditional afternoon tea from there, but on a safari, or up in the sky? Thanks for a tour of tea houses and the history of this tradition. I enjoyed reading it. And now off I go to make myself some tea. I think I’ll choose Earl Grey, loose leaves. I’ll be taking it in my sitting room…
Wow, these are all awesome places to grab some tea. I’m not a tea lover but your photos made me want to go there for a cup of tea.
All of these places look so cute! Now I’m craving those tiny sandwiches that for me are the best part about tea time 😉 I’ve never been one to seek out afternoon tea times, but now I’m thinking that I need to make it a priority in certain places!
Great to see this wonderful post with my small contribution over here! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Aaaa I am defo saving this post! Crazy about the cute coffee places! Wanna see my coffee shops list?
http://carmelatte.co/the-most-instagrammable-places-london-april-2018/
This is the best colab EVER! If you need anymore research to be done, I will selflessly put myself forward. Haha.
There are some great suggestions here… I saw the Willy Woka one mentioned a few times when I lived in London, but never got time to go!
You’re absolutely right when you say that afternoon tea doesn’t need to be a big fancy affair. One of the best I’ve ever had was on a Sunday walk in the UK countryside. A group of old ladies had baked cakes with a selection of teas/coffees outside a church to raise funds for renovation. Such a great feeling – eating homemade cake on a wonky chair, surrounded by smiley old ladies… knowing that you’ve totally earned it because you’ve been walking all day!! 😉
Haha I will let you know if I need anymore research to be done! I have just had an idea though…. ?
I’m now feeling a little TOO inspired to go for afternoon tea after reading all these great suggestions! So cool to travel the world via afternoon tea and learn about some traditions while you’re at it. I love all the twists to the traditions! I’m now VERY MUCH looking forward to my celebratory afternoon tea this weekend. Wish I could take all you ladies with me!
Oh have fun doing some research! ?
What an interesting and unique post. Loved learning all about these great tea experiences from all over the world. I didn’t know the difference between afternoon and high tea until now too. I’m not a big fan of tea but I do enjoy the whole experience and go more for the food 🙂 One of the most unique ones we attended was at sea while cruising with Holland America.
What an interesting and unique post. Loved learning all about these great tea experiences from all over the world. I didn’t know the difference between afternoon and high tea until now too. I’m not a big fan of tea but I do enjoy the whole experience and go more for the food 🙂 One of the most unique ones we attended was at sea while cruising with Holland America on our way to Alaska.
Oh wow that one would be awesome!
Fabulous post! I love tea and would love to visit all the places your mentioned. My last high tea was in Yangon in Myanmar at The Strand. It was delicious decadent affair!
Sounds awesome! It’s strange where you can find an afternoon tea outside of the UK!
Hahah. I didn’t know the difference between afternoon tea and high tea before reading this post! All these options look lovely but the one that stood out for me was Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe! Tea on safari! Now that’s unique.
I love the concept of this blog post, never knew that “Afternoon tea” was an experience shared by so many countries! Particularly love the touch on South Africa and Zimbabwe:)
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the seventh Duchess of Bedford. She single-handedly came up with my favourite “meal” of the day. I learned so much from this post! I didn’t know the difference between high tea and afternoon tea either.
I had an afternoon tea with my aunty and sisters-in-law for my 30th birthday in the Blue Mountains of Sydney about five years ago (I’m so old!) and recently bought my fiance’s parents an afternoon tea at The Shard in London as a thank you gift and by all accounts, both were wonderful.
Now I have all of your suggestions to try as well! #CityTripping
Going for an afternoon Tea is a great way to honor the Duchess if Bedford haha
Love this post! Afternoon tea is always such a treat and there are some fab twists on the traditional. Amazing how a snack has developed and gone around the world. Craving a scone now! Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Afternoon tea is my all time favourite meal so this post was a scrumptious read for me! I haven’t tried any of these particular ones but the one I’d love to try is the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory one -brings out the big kid in me! What an awesome round up of teas – I’m in need of some cake now! Thanks for hosting #TheWeeklyPostcard
Tea is one of my favorite rituals. I’m always looking for fun places to have a high tea and you have so many good ones listed here…. I’m already thinking about where I should have tea next. #CityTripping
Wow – so many places serve such wonderful afternoon teas – I want to try them all. I’ll hopefully be heading to Dublin in the Autumn so may have to try the Westbury Hotel when I am there.
Lorelei, you have found some quaint beautiful places for tea. Some locations are places I would never have thought afternoon tea as in New Mexico. Thank you for sharing with me the art of having afternoon tea which I have always wondered where to start and how it was introduced in 1840. Also the difference between afternoon tea and high tea. On my travels, I will have to make sure to sit down for some afternoon tea. #feetdotravel
Ooooh, the one in Dublin looks delicious, I’ll add it on my list, as I’m hoping to visit the city soon. The one in Bali looks super cool!
Oh I love, love, love this post they all look so good. Afternoon tea is such a lovely treat but one you should do regularly, they are often a work of art aren’t they x
Wow the history is truly fascinating. i would not be able to go on with just breakfast and dinner either lol so obviously something had to be done. I also did not know that this sandwiches were named by someone named Mr Sandwich. Hilarious! How interesting would it be to experience afternoon tea at Harrods though! This will be on my bucket list haha! and yes, I will have to check out the closest place to me reviewed here in Brisbane. It all sounds wonderful!
What a brilliant post! I love how all the ‘ladies’ have contributed! I’m reading this at the wrong time of day but still salivating at all those cakes.
I had no idea about how the term ‘high tea’ came about. Makes sense, though.
#citytripping
We are booking Baccus for my birthday in a few weeks! I love afternoon tea (being British and all that lol) I wish I had know you were doing this collab I would have added Raffles Singapore to your great list!
Hope you have a wonderful time!
What a great post! We have pinned this one for later. One of our biggest regrets in Ireland was always being out of the hotel at tea time. Now we’re on a mission to indulge! This makes a great guide. ?
I did not know the history of afternoon/ high tea! So interesting! One friend went to have high tea in the Titanic museum in Ireland! HSe said it was the best tea she’s ever had. I’m pretty lucky to have three awesome teahouses near my hometown.
Oh you are lucky! I’m looking forward to a return to England!
These are some wonderful places to try indeed. I am glad you got to try so many of these. Afternoon tea is one of my favourite activities and I am waiting to try it out at the Marina Bay sands in Singapore. That said, your picture of the Afternoon Tea at Westbury Hotel seems to inviting; so English :)…
These are definitely come amazing places, but this was a collab so I’ve only been to the first ??
I love afternoon tea! We always try to go for afternoon tea when we travel – it’s fun trying it out in different countries around the world 🙂
I’m half British, so I’ve always had a special place in my heart for tea time. Great info and these experiences all look incredible! I need to have proper tea more when I travel!
My family immigrated to the US in the 1940s so I can claim half, right haha these days I’d refer being British! ?
Wow what a lot of different afternoon teas, I love going for afternoon tea in England but don’t usually look for them when we’re travelling. #citytripping
I just loooooove this post!!! (no, I’m not a chocoholic or like sweets, haha). Will definitely save this for later. I had the amazing chocolate buffet/ high tea at the Sukhothai, in Bangkok. Mind-blowing! If you are interested, you can find the post on my blog =)
Enjoyed the high teas. Of these one place I have had actual tea was in Toronto.