Afternoon tea is the new happy hour: 5 perfect tea party locations

In 2022, afternoon tea is the new happy hour! That’s right, a tea party is not just for little girls and their teddy bears, but it is an activity that is becoming increasingly popular with adults. Afternoon tea is more than just tea and sandwiches; it’s a calming moment to enjoy together, a style and an immersion in the luxury of the past. We have already listed our favourite addresses. These tearooms are sure to make you feel like a royal tea!

What is afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea was introduced by the Duchess of Bedfort in the year 1840, today it is still a typical English custom. Afternoon tea is traditionally served in a salon between 4pm and 5pm and consists of a selection of fine breads and scones served with clotted cream and jam. Small cakes and pastries are also served. The hearty and sweet dishes are served together on a three-tiered etagere with the savoury dishes on the bottom tier and the sweets on top. The tea is served in a large pot so that it can be poured into several porcelain cups.

London

The best place for your tea party is, of course, London. After more than 150 years of afternoon tea, London has no shortage of venues serving this luxurious treat, from small traditional teahouses to lounges in major hotel chains that serve tea all day. If you want to visit one of these venues make sure you book as seats are limited and adhere to the dress code. So leave your jeans and trainers at home.

Hotel the Lanesborough: Céleste

The first afternoon tea spot on our list is the tearoom of Hotel the Lanesborough called Céleste. This tearoom is located on the doorstep of Hyde Park, a short walk from Harrods. Céleste offers different afternoon tea formulas, the latest being a Bridgerton-inspired experience. The menu features an assortment of delicious pastries based on the characters of the Netflix series of the same name, and the new signature pall mall cocktail of gin and white port, balanced with citrus.

The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon

The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Fortnum & Mason has a rich history. It began as a flat for the Fortnum family, later becoming the interior and antiques department of the department store. In 2012, the tea room was officially opened by the Queen of England and has been the ideal place for a tea party for 10 years. Afternoon tea here consists of a pot of Fortnum tea, an assortment of sandwiches, scones and pastries.

Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals

Don’t like the taste of tea but love the look and feel of a tea party? Then this botanical, Victorian oasis might be for you. Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals doesn’t offer a traditional afternoon tea, but a tipsy tea, which consists of an assortment of hard and sweet snacks served in a birdcage. No tea is served here, but you can choose from five tea-inspired cocktails served in a classic teapot and porcelain cups.

Belgium

If you don’t want to go to London especially for your tea party, then I have good news for you. Because also in Belgium you can find nice places where you can enjoy an afternoon tea.

Hotel Orangerie

In the historical and cultural centre of Bruges you will find Hotel Orangerie. This former 15th century monastery is the ideal setting for an afternoon tea. You can choose to have your tea in the salon, which is decorated with paintings from the 17th and 18th century, or if the weather allows it, on the terrace, overlooking the Dijver canal. This hotel offers 3 different formulas but each includes coffee, tea and scones.

Domestic

The last tea room on our list is Domestic in Antwerp. This salon is located above the bakery of the same name that makes traditional French delicacies such as authentic breads, croissants, cakes and delicious cakes. This high tea contains sandwiches, scones, sweets from the bakery and of course coffee or tea. In which setting you experience this high tea is up to you, because at Domestic you can choose between the powder pink salon and the golden salon.

Do you want to discover more great addresses? Then take a look at our PureFood page!