Afternoon tea originated with the wealthy in England in the early 1840s. Occurring between 4 and 6 pm, this light meal was intended to bridge the gap between the midday meal and evening supper. Typically, afternoon tea was accompanied by savouries (such as cucumber or egg sandwiches), bread and butter, and usually cakes and pastries.
Today, many luxury hotels around the world offer afternoon tea to their guests. The food arrives on a tiered stand to enhance the presentation. In addition to (or in place of) tea sandwiches one may also enjoy scones, crumpets, and muffins. The menu often includes champagne or cocktails, so one is not limited to strictly tea if that is their preference.
If you’d like to experience a traditional afternoon tea, we would like to recommend the following five places for a delightful tea time. You might also consider one of these locales to help you celebrate the upcoming wedding of Megan Markle and Prince Harry.
The Orangery at Kensington Gardens
The Orangery is the only royal palace in London where you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. This setting is where Queen Anne would host sophisticated and luxurious get togethers. Surrounded by beautiful formal gardens, the Orangery offers a magnificent setting for a classic afternoon tea.
The Grand Empress Hotel
For over 100 years this famed hotel in Victoria, Canada, has served afternoon tea to visiting British royalty, as well as dignitaries and celebrities. The Former Executive Chef to the Royals selects the menu which includes items that are favorites of the Royal Family.
Sarabeth’s
Sarabeth’s offers New York City’s take on afternoon tea. The offerings include pastries as well as heartier selections like Maine lobster rolls, chicken salad, and Black Forest ham finger sandwiches. The Bloody Mary and Bellini are the restaurant’s most popular cocktails.
Eastern and Oriental Hotel
This classic hotel in Malaysia calls it’s dining room 1885. Named for the year that the E&O Hotel was established, 1885 offers classical yet contemporary cuisine in an elegant environment in the finest traditions of colonial style dining. Enjoy a traditional high tea experience in a setting that offers crisp white tablecloths and porcelain tea sets.
The Getty Villa
This Mediteranean villa in Malibu, California, offers a twist on the traditional English afternoon tea. Tea by the Sea, a special experience inspired by the herbs, vegetables, and fruits that grow in the Villa’s authentically re-created first-century Roman gardens. Tea takes place in the Founder’s Room, an elegant space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Villa.
Whichever continent you’re on, there is an option for afternoon tea! Take some time each day to relax, unwind, and enjoy the afternoon with tea.
![In 2014, Fodor’s Travel said that there are four main reasons to visit Shanghai: sights new and old; multi cultural museums; one-of-a-kind shopping; and, new food and drink. They were right about all of those reasons. We’d add the beautiful luxury accommodations and continue to stress the importance of the city’s rising quality of cuisine. So much so that 26 restaurants were awarded the highly coveted Michelin stars in 2017. We’ve combed that list and chosen our picks of musts in a culinary tour of this vibrant and dynamic city. DaDong (IAPM) & DaDong (Park Place) [caption id="attachment_4020" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Foodie Traveller[/caption] While there are actually two DaDong locations in Shanghai that each earned one Michelin star, we’re counting it as one entry on our list but hoping you’ll sample both. Renowned for their roast duck, both Da Dong locations require reservations but they can accommodate parties large and small and have private dining options as well. This popular restaurant is not only busy but has a menu worth exploring beyond the roast duck. Pro tip: add the braised sea cucumber with scallions to your order, you’ll be happy you did. UltraViolet [caption id="attachment_4023" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Digital Trends[/caption] Billed as one of the world’s most high tech restaurants, UltraViolet marries food, wine, light, and sound, and it does it well enough to earn a two-star rating from Michelin. Reservations are, of course, required as they seat ten people each evening who are instructed to meet at Mr. & Mrs. Bund. They’re then driven to a location where the guests are seated at a communal table for the immersive 22-course dinner. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon [caption id="attachment_4021" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Dining City[/caption] One of several locations, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon boasts a 32-seat teppanyaki, the largest in Asia. The French gourmet restaurant was inspired by Robuchon’s travels through Japan and Spain and his passion has spread worldwide as have his restaurants. L’Atelier not only has an enviable menu but with views of Shanghai’s towers, this two-star Michelin-rated restaurant is one of the loveliest settings in the city for a beautiful dinner. Reservations are possible, yet not a requirement. Canton 8 [caption id="attachment_4019" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Fine Dining Lovers[/caption] Another restaurant that earned two Michelin stars, Canton 8 is a Cantonese restaurant that is most notably the world’s least expensive two Michelin-star restaurant. Forget about that, though, because Chef Jie Ming Jian will dazzle you with his use of local fresh ingredients and his humble demeanor. At the Michelin award ceremony, he said he never dreamed of earning such an accolade for his food. That food includes the popular lobster porridge and crystal prawn dumplings as well as their dim sum. Even though they’re the least expensive on the list, they require a reservation. T'ang Court [caption id="attachment_4022" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Photo courtesy of Langham Hotels[/caption] The first and thus far only recipient of a three-star Michelin rating in all of mainland China, T’ang Court features a mix of traditional and modern Cantonese cuisine under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Justin Tan and a team of culinary masters. With several set menus or an a la carte menu, T’ang Court promises a unique dining experience and invites you to experience their artistry and the reason they earned those three Michelin stars. Pro tip: According to Michelin, you’ll want to try their braised sea cucumber with dried longan and sautéed Wagyu with organic mushrooms. Reservations are required and with that rating, that’s no surprise. As you’re planning your travels through Shanghai, be sure to experience the best cuisine they have to offer. Any one of these Michelin star-rated restaurants will be a meal to remember. In addition to the five we’ve highlighted and the other 21 star earners, there were 25 more restaurants awarded the Bib Gourmand, a more affordable dining option recognition. It’s an exciting time to visit Shanghai!](https://discover.luxury/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Michelin-Star-Restaurants-in-Shanghai-vertical-377x214.jpg)
