“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” – Henry James
As travellers circumnavigate the globe, discovering the palate-pleasing local tastes of each country’s cuisine, there’s a ritual that is well-worth putting in the schedule: afternoon tea.
A tradition that originated in England, afternoon tea is a welcome respite from our busy world – a time for conversation, reflection and hopefully shared with others. Here are five places to make time for a cuppa:
Afternoon tea starts with choosing from several loose leaf tea options at Cardiff’s Pettigrew Tea Rooms. [Waheeda Harris]
Pettigrew Tea Rooms, Cardiff Wales – located in a stone building on the edge of Bute Park, this tea house appreciates tradition but it’s a laid-back affair: guests are tucked around vintage wood tables and served their preferred tea – Organic Lavender Earl Grey, Sencha Green Tea or Iron Goddess of Mercy perhaps? – on non-matching sets of floral china cups, saucers and teapots. Tasty finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and Caerphilly strawberry preserve are served on three tiered servers but be sure to leave room for dessert – this tea room’s bespoke cakes are pure temptation.
Arabian Court at The Royal Mirage One and Only Resort, Dubai UAE – tuck into the over-sized red velvet couches of The Samovar Lounge for tea with an Arabic flavour. With a view overlooking the gardens, swimming pool and the Arabian Gulf, tea enthusiasts will appreciate the white china service with oversized silver accessories showcasing the requisite finger sandwiches, scones, strawberry jam and Devonshire cream. The difference here is dessert: Arabic sweets laden with honey, rosewater and pistachios as well as fresh dates are a welcome addition to the afternoon ritual.
The Chinese city of Hangzhou is the epicentre for production of Dragon Well green tea. [Waheeda Harris]
Garden Bar at The Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou China – found within the heart of China’s green tea production area, this stylish terrace bar overlooks the manicured hotel gardens and is a calm setting for an afternoon break. There are plenty of Asian and Western options for sandwiches and other tasty treats, but it’s the tea that is the star of the show: Longjing tea or better known as Dragon Well tea. This delicate, flavourful, pan-roasted green tea will definitely make a late day break a memorable event.
Palm Court at The Langham, London UK – steps from the shopping lures of Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus, this grand hotel is the epicentre of a stylish afternoon tea, the first place to offer the ritual started by the Duchess of Bedford in the mid-1800s. In the 21st century, guests can enjoy the elegant Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood with live piano as a calming soundtrack. Sandwiches and scones are paired with Wedgwood speciality teas, served on Langham Rose Wedgwood tea accessories, and the sweet finish: eye-catching seasonally-inspired pastries and desserts that are almost too pretty to eat.
A sunset view of the Nile River while enjoying high tea at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, Egypt, a benefit when travelling with Insight Vacations. [Waheeda Harris]
Palms Bar at The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Aswan Egypt – overlooking the Nile River, guests will appreciate the relaxing atmosphere of this intimate terrace bar, a laid-back spot to reflect on a day of exploring in this southern Egyptian city. Traditional teas are offered, but many opt for the cooling effects of iced hibiscus tea paired with gourmet sandwiches, scones and fresh fruit, and an unbeatable sunset view. No surprise mystery author Agatha Christie was inspired to pen Death on the Nile while staying at this hotel.
Travel tips – make a reservation to enjoy any of these afternoon teas – and take your time. The ritual is best enjoyed when not limited by a busy schedule.
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The author was a guest of the featured hotels and tea rooms which neither viewed nor approved this article prior to publication.