In the mood for proper British-style tea? 5 spots fit for royalty
Forget roasted almonds and sparkling water. Some afternoons, you need a more sophisticated snack. Here are five places in the U.S. to experience a British-inspired afternoon tea fit for royalty.
Florida
Afternoon tea is a dignified affair at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. It’s served in the elegant lobby with blue accents and a vaulted ceiling, Choose from green, white, oolong, black and caffeine-free teas, which you’ll enjoy with petit fours, and scones with clotted cream and preserves — all to the sound of live harp music.
Savory sandwiches are traditional with a twist; the cucumber has truffle mayonnaise and smoked salt, and the ham is served with fig-mint compote and Manchego cheese.
It costs $45 per person, and reservations are recommended. Seatings are at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays.
Info: The Biltmore Hotel
Minnesota
The Mad Hatter sits in a 160-year-old white hilltop house along the Rum River in Anoka. Inside, it’s mostly the same as it was in 1857, save for a few new shabby-chic decorations.
The popular Queen of Hearts tea service includes lemon ginger mint and traditional cream scones with a trio of spreads, five classic savories and three desserts, such as a blueberry lavender dream filo cup.
It’s all served on floral dishware in one of three dining rooms. To ensure that you enjoy your tea and your company, the tea room doesn’t give out the Wi-Fi code.
Tea costs $24 to $36 per person; reservations are required. It’s served 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends.
Info: The Mad Hatter
Nevada
Escape the rowdiness of the Las Vegas Strip at the Tea Lounge, perched on the 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. Sip one of more than 20 teas with scones and the fixings, plus porchetta and salmon sandwiches and fig-yuzu sesame cones stuffed with cheese flowers.
You’ll finish up with dessert, which includes a chocolate passion tart, pistachio macaron and more. Gluten-free, vegan and children’s options available.
Tea costs $48 per person; reservations recommended. Tea is served between 11:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. daily.
Info: Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
New York
Traveling with kids? Robinson’s Tea Room in Stony Brook, decorated with floral wallpaper and a life-size cutout of Queen Elizabeth, offers a casual all-day tea service for all ages.
Little ones can order peanut butter and jelly, Marshmallow Fluff and Nutella, or grilled cheese sandwiches, paired with chicken nuggets, mini pizzas, fruit skewers and assorted pastries.
Those with an English-style appetite can snack on their choice of scone with finger sandwiches, quiche, seasonal pastries and unlimited tea.
Tea costs $19 for kids, $28 for adults. It’s served 10:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. daily.
Info: Robinson’s Tea Room, robinsonstearoom.com
Texas
You won’t find scones and clotted cream at Bangkok at Beltline in Richardson. Pad Thai croissant sandwiches, yellow curry puffs and Thai custard with black rice pudding adorn three-tiered platters at the family restaurant’s casual Afternoon Thai Tea.
Local Haute Sweets Patisserie takes care of the seasonal sweets, like Thai tea macarons and passion fruit tartlets. Each tier is paired with a different tea, from green to chrysanthemum. Gluten-free and vegan items available upon request.
Tea costs $35 per person; reservations required. It’s served at 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Sign up for The Wild
We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
