The World's Best Places for Afternoon Tea by The TI Review Team
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Afternoon tea is in Vogue. No really; this calorie-laden confection of a mealtime has actually graced the fashion tome’s hallowed pages, as well as becoming a firm favourite of fashionistas and celebrities everywhere. The popularity of cucumber sandwiches and buttered scones seems to know no bounds, and the world’s finest luxury hotels are upping their game to offer ever-more sumptuous spreads.
This selection of the best places for afternoon tea in the world was put together by a handful of our travel writers. And from fashion-forward afternoon teas in London to more traditional affairs in Istanbul, they've certainly picked out some pretty special places to have a cuppa...
The Berkeley Hotel, London – Nominated by Jill Starley-Grainger
The most fashionable afternoon tea in London is undoubtedly at the Berkeley Hotel. Stylistas and trendsetters get a taste of the latest catwalk collection at the Pret-a-portea, where the cakes change with the fashion seasons. Nibble a Roland Mouret dress gateau, crunch on a Manolo biscuit or have a bite of a Chanel handbag.
Amazingly, the tea-time creations taste as good as they look. A menu lets you see the item of clothing that inspired the design of your cakes and pastries, and the resemblance is often astonishing. The cakes change with the major fashion shows twice a year (autumn/winter and spring/summer, for those not in the know), so frequent visitors get to try new delights often. Fashionistas pack in here, especially during London Fashion Weeks, so booking is essential.
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The Peninsula Hong Kong – Nominated by Cynthia Rosenfeld
Lunch has barely come to a close when people start arriving at The Peninsula Hong Kong to enjoy an edible ritual firmly rooted in the former British colony’s storied history. The Peninsula extends this tradition by serving tea in cups of eggshell-thin bone china, in the magnificent lobby with its celebrated classical columns, gilded furnishings and carved gargoyles.
While chamber music from The Lobby Strings floats through the air, afternoon tea begins with savoury finger sandwiches like smoked salmon, egg salad, chicken salad, prawns and cucumber. Crusts here are thoughtfully removed from home-baked breads. Warm, buttery scones arrive next, made from a recipe unchanged at The Peninsula for over half a century. They’re served with glistening strawberry jam and satiny Devonshire clotted cream. Eyes closed one feels transported across the globe and time to a Victorian tea party but keep them open to appreciate the top-notch people watching as the international jet set waltz through this glamorous arena.
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The Mandeville Hotel, London – Nominated by Ben Cooper
Over at The Mandeville there’s nary a doily in sight. Afternoon tea is served in a little ante-room between the bar and the restaurant (or in the restaurant itself if it’s a busy day). This being The Mandeville it’s all very cool in a flamboyant way, a riot of colour and flock wallpaper. 
But there’s plenty of substance, too: the tea itself is superb. The hook is that they do separate teas for men and women; they come on fine bone china from Zandra Rhodes (who gets a cake named after her for her troubles) – blue for boys, pink, and adorned with butterflies, for girls. On the men’s side, things were kicked off with steak sandwiches and tender chicken skewers; washed down with a nip of whiskey. And it just got better and better: Jing vanilla tea with a slice of lemon was superb – crisp and refreshing; scones were perfect – firm on the outside, light and fluffy inside; a lemon tart was sensational.
When asked, Executive Assistant Manager Ian Jenner puts the male/female split down to the fact that “men want something more filling – more macho”, but admits that “plenty of women go for the men’s option – particularly after a hard day’s shopping.” The teas are the brainchild of young and very much up-and-coming Head Chef, Matthew Edmonds, whose stated aim is to provide “vibrancy and something different”. He certainly achieves that – surprises come with almost every dish.
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The Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet – Nominated by Kayt Sukel
The Four Seasons Istanbul’s Lounge is a comforting mix of opulence and cosiness. These three rooms are, in a way, the perfect antidote to the bustling Sultanahmet – quiet, relaxing and ready-made for afternoon tea. The bright yellow walls and unique décor allow you to forget the building was once a brutal prison – instead, you’ll feel like Ottoman royalty as you indulge in your cuppa.
Each day, afternoon tea is served from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. And you can choose your potion – traditionalists can go for a lovely English cream tea while those who want to savour a more authentic taste of Istanbul can order up the Turkish spread. I couldn’t resist the Turkish tea, myself, though the scones at the next table over did look very tempting. And for the next hour, I sat back on one of the Lounge’s comfy sofas and revelled in my cup and some of the most divine little local pastries I’ve ever encountered.
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The Plettenberg, Plettenberg Bay – Nominated by Daphne Beams
The gracious art of taking afternoon tea reaches new heights at ‘The Plettenberg’: a Relais & Chateaux luxury hotel in Plettenberg Bay – one of South Africa’s most exciting, dream destinations. Nestling on the stunning coastline of the Western Cape’s Garden Route – between the lush, green of the sub-tropical Tsitsikamma forests and the sparkling waters of beautiful Formosa Bay – an elegant, long white mansion stands waiting to offer an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.
Relax in one of the attractive lounges or poolside on the al-fresco terrace and enjoy an atmosphere of soothing sophistication; make your choice from a superior selection of the finest teas; and enjoy impeccable service while indulging in delicious tea-time treats. Personal favourites include: classic smoked salmon and crispy bacon sandwiches, followed by rich chocolate gateau, mouth-watering carrot cake or homemade muffins topped with organic preserves. All this – and a ‘table with a view’, too. Not to be missed.
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Brown's, London - Nominated by Nadia Latif
The choice of afternoon teas London offers is, quite frankly, mind-boggling; indeed, almost all luxury hotels in London worth their salt offer a sandwich-and-scone platter of some description come three o’clock. What’s great about this is the diversity of it all – from Chanel handbag cakes to his ’n’ hers china, there’s something for everyone.
Those yearning for a ‘proper’ old-fashioned offering though, without all the frills and fuss, should head straight to Mayfair and take their afternoon tea at Brown’s. Why? Well, its English Tea Room is one of the cosiest yet sophisticated lounges in the capital. They have live piano music from a Baby Grand in the corner. And their pastry chef, Fabien Ecuvillon, is absolutely superb.
Afternoon tea at Brown’s is notable, though, for its sheer consistency; everything is done to such an impeccable standard. Crust-less sandwiches and fruit scones arrive on heavy silverware, as does the freshly brewed tea. The addition of raspberry macaroons and delicious tartlets makes things ever so much daintier, and by the time the cake trolley wheels around (perfect Victoria sponge, classic coffee-and-walnut) it takes a steely resolve not to throw self-restraint to the wind.
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The Rest of the Best Places for Afternoon Tea
The Ritz, London:
Offering the grand dame of afternoon tea, the Ritz can’t be outdone for opulence and iconic status.
Claridge’s, London:
Favoured by royals, socialites and anglophile visitors, afternoon tea at Claridge’s is a stylish but traditional affaor.
Hospes Lancaster, Paris:
Taking afternoon tea in this beautiful townhouse’s Japanese Zen garden is the ultimate way to unwind.
The Balmoral, Edinburgh:
The only way to eat the best afternoon tea in Edinburgh is by the fireside at this historic railway hotel.
Four Seasons Hampshire:
A gorgeous country house hotel: take your cream tea in the library facing the estate’s green views.
Hotel Baur au Lac, Zurich:
Switzerland’s most sumptuous hotel serves a fantastic afternoon tea in its elegant oak-panelled hall.
Amanpuri, Phuket:
Chic, intimate and right on the beach, Amanpuri’s pool pavilion is fantastic for an offbeat luxury tea.
The Peninsula Tokyo:
Get down early for a chic traditional afternoon tea at Tokyo’s premier five-star – the crowds descend fast!
Vier Jahreszeiten, Munich:
Munich’s most luxurious hotel is one of the very best places for afternoon tea in Germany, all served to tinkling piano in the lobby.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur:
High teas are unforgettable here, best sipped on a terrace overlooking gardens full of peacocks.
Cellars Hohenort, Cape Town:
This luxe hotel sits on the slopes of Table Mountain and does a delicious modern afternoon tea at its Martini Bar.
Mount Nelson, Cape Town:
Cape Town’s glam-est address serves up a feast on a fifth-floor terrace with views to the lagoon.
Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo:
The most famous luxury hotel in Monte Carlo serves a foodie favourite gourmet afternoon tea.
The Drake, Chicago:
Chicago’s coolest address serves tea to harp-strains in its swish Palm Court, complete with fountain.
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