Courtesy of The Langham, London
Has the hoopla around the upcoming royal baby gotten you in a British mood? Add one of the country’s traditions into your next voyage. Spots around the world offer tea time, that most British of traditions, whether you are in Europe or New Orleans. Below, our picks:
The Langhamboasts being the place where the tradition of tea service was born, dating back more than 140 years ago. You can catch the ritual in its original space in London, or visit the hotels in Boston, Pasadena or Chicago, which just opened July 10. Called “Tiffin at the Langham,” the daily tea features French pastries, soup du jour and champagne. Across the pond in the U.S., “Tiffin” includes tea sandwiches, fruit tarts and teas that include the hotel’s signature blends. Not sure what to order? A tea sommelier is always present to suggest pairings.
If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, consider a stop at NOLA’s Windsor Court Hotel, which serves afternoon tea inside at Le Salon. Choose among 26 loose-leaf options to enjoy with sandwiches while enjoying music (this is, after all, New Orleans) — a harpist or string trio plays. The traditional tea time starts off with a glass of sherry, chardonnay or other sparkling beverage and includes the diner’s selection of a personal pot of tea, with scones and miniature cakes to join the tiny sandwiches. A variety of themes include Princess Tea for children and Alice-inspired Wonderland Afternoon Tea. The service is offered Thursdays through Sundays at 2 p.m., with an extra slot Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m.
At the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona, enjoy “Tiffany’s Afternoon Tea” at Blanc Restaurant. The hotel paired with Tiffany & Co. to create a setting they promise will deliver a “dreamy” afternoon. Cupcakes, cookies and fruit tarts adorn the restaurant’s central table, and tea or bubbly cava is available as an accompaniment. A pianist performs music during the service, which is daily between 5 and 7 p.m.
Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel in the Italian capital, serves “Tea with Tiepelo” at the Tiepolo Lounge and Terrace, underneath a painting of mythological scenes created in 1725 that used to adorn walls in Venice. Along with classic English traditions like choosing a tea — options include ablend from an island in Hunan province in China and a Japanese green tea –the hotelinfuses Italian cuisine, too.
Take a different tea tack by cozying up in the Bowery Hotel, where loose leaf teas range from typical to exotic. Order a pastry basket with jams and marmalades and settle into one of the restaurant’s oversized chairs to complete the experience. Break away from tea sandwiches with their Pane e Nutella, toasted Tuscan bread with the addicting chocolate hazelnut spread. If you would rather enjoy the summer sun, sit outside in their sidewalk seating – this Manhattan spot is great for people watching.
Follow Alison Bowen on Twitter @reporteralison
