Sip and Savor

From the teas and tiered delights to the atmosphere of quiet refinement, afternoon tea is an experience defined by its details—delicate porcelain, the aroma of perfectly brewed leaves, and artful arrangements of sweet and savory treats. And although this beloved ritual began in Victorian England, today you'll find unique and inspired interpretations in fine restaurants and hotels around the world.

PHOTO BY iStock.com/ Eva-Katalin

Mount Nelson

Cape Town, South Africa | belmond.com/hotels/africa/south-africa

Live piano music sets the ambience at the Mount Nelson Lounge, where guests can experience a local twist on the traditional afternoon tea. “Our tea collection is exciting, global, and importantly, offers South African and African infusions too,” describes Craig Cupido, who holds the honor of South Africa's first certified tea sommelier. “We offer flavor journeys and stories, and when paired with our four courses, the afternoon tea is elevated.”

Tea connoisseurs will be at home at Mount Nelson. The menu features over 60 varieties, and Cupido is on site to guide guests through the extensive list (he also leads tasting sessions, food pairings, master classes, and traditional tea ceremonies). Sweet and savory treats—including fluffy scones, milk tarts, and dark chocolate mud cakes crafted by Pastry Chef Vicky Gurovich—provide the perfect complement for each brew.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOUNT NELSON HOTEL
The signature Mount Nelson Tea is a sublime blend of Darjeeling, Kenya, Assam, Keemun, Yunnan, and Ceylon with a touch of pink rose petals.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARIDGE’S

Claridge’s

London, UK | claridges.co.uk

Where better to partake in an age-old English tradition than a historic London hotel? Opened in 1856, Claridge’s is a five‑star Mayfair landmark celebrated for its iconic Art Deco interiors. Served in The Foyer & Reading Room, the afternoon meal features teas sourced by connoisseur Henrietta Lovell, paired with bite-sized delicacies such as freshly baked pastries and elegant desserts (think caramelized apple tarte Tatin, hazelnut milk chocolate mousse, and dark chocolate and coffee choux), finger sandwiches, fresh fruits, and smoked Scottish salmon.

Restaurant Director Glenn Piper says, “Afternoon tea at Claridge's is an unmatched celebration of the quintessential English tradition…Our unique tea selection ensures every bite is met with a mouthful of rare aromas.”

As you sip, notice the décor details: The bone china and silverware feature a unique design made specially for Claridge’s.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LOWELL HOTEL

The Lowell

New York, US | lowellhotel.com

Tea is best served in the garden, and few know this better than the team at Majorelle, where guests can enjoy the tradition year-round in a glass-roofed dining room surrounded by a botanical oasis. The French-Mediterranean restaurant at The Lowell, a five-star hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, known for its understated luxury, offers afternoon tea inspired by (and served on) Dior’s emerald-green-and-white Lily of the Valley tableware. 

“Lily of the Valley Afternoon Tea allows us to express the season through flavor, texture, and presentation,” says Executive Pastry Chef Matthew Lambie. “My focus is always on how each component complements the others, creating a steady rhythm from the first pour to the final pastry.”

In addition to loose-leaf teas and herbal infusions, guests can choose from a seasonal menu of house-made pastries and English tea sandwiches. The Imperial Tea option elevates the experience with champagne and caviar, and Majorelle also offers a children’s tea menu for the littlest guests. Throughout the dining room, spectacular sky-high floral arrangements add a welcome splash of color.