Famous Tea Houses
The tea room of the Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul |
Here are a collection of some of the finest tea rooms in the United States, London and Paris. If you are ever visiting one of these cities, call ahead and make reservations:
New York
The Algonquin
59 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Tel.: 212-840-6400 or 1-888-304-2047
www.algonquinhotel.com
Famous for its literary days of the Round Table, this charming hotel in the middle of the theater district offers a wide array of teas. Pastries, English muffins, cinnamon toast, scones with Devonshire clotted cream as well as savory items like cheese with crackers and finger sandwiches are available every afternoon from 4:00 to 5:00.
The Book-Friends Café
16 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011
Tel.: 212-255-7407
Actually a bookshop, this informal setting provides a comfortable place to browse while sipping tea selected from an interesting and varied menu. Tea sandwiches, scones and cakes are offered every afternoon from 3:00 to 5:00. The bookshop carries several good books devoted to tea and tea consumption.
Mark's
The Mark Hotel
25 East 77th Street
New York, NY 10021
Tel.: 212-744-4300
www.themarkhotel.com
High tea is served daily in this elegant Upper East Side gem of a restaurant. Flawless service and excellent pastries make this a real "must-do" for tea aficionados.
The Palm Court
The Plaza Hotel
768 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Tel.: 212-759-3000
People come from all over the country to enjoy the elegant English tea at the Plaza. From 3:45 to 6:00 Monday through Saturday (4:00 to 6:00 on Sunday), tea-lovers can choose from fifteen varieties as well as scones, tiny sandwiches, miniature pastries and a full a la carte menu. Tea in this most regal of settings comes complete with chamber music and excellent service.
The Rotunda
The Hotel Pierre
795 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Tel.: 212-838-8000
Tea is served in the beautiful Rotunda, an oval room with walls displaying a handsome mural. Elegant surroundings and impeccable service make the Pierre one of the best places in town to sample a carefully selected choice of fine teas as well as thin sandwiches, sumptuous pastries and scones.
The Stanhope
995 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
Tel.: 212-774-1234
www.stanhopepark.hyatt.com
Traditional tea is served every afternoon in the comfortable, intimate surroundings of this charming hotel, which is located right across the street from the Metropolitan Museum.
Chicago
The Conservatory
Chicago Four Seasons Hotel
120 East Delaware
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel.: 312-280-8800
www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs
Located in the 900 North Michigan Building, the Conservatory is in the lounge area of the seventh-floor lobby overlooking Michigan Avenue. Monday through Friday, a full tea and a light tea are available from 3:00 to 5:00; Saturday from 3:30 to 5:00. A selection of loose-leaf teas is served along with pastries and scones. A piano player is a popular feature here.
The Palm Court in The Drake Hotel |
The Palm Court
The Drake Hotel
140 East Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel.: 312-787-2200 ir 1-800-55DRAKE
www.thedrakehotel.com
A seventeenth-century bronze urn and a beautiful fountain make a wonderful setting for a traditional afternoon tea. This historical landmark has become a Chicago institution, dating back to the 1920s. Comfortable sofas, lush green plants and dark paneling provide a relaxing, warm atmosphere for enjoying specialties like currant buns, scones and muffins served with whipped cream and homemade strawberry preserves. A harpist provides music every afternoon from 3:00 to 5:30.
San Francisco
Campton Place
Campton Place Hotel
340 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Tel.: 415-781-5555 or 1-800-235-4300
www.camptonplace.com
The cozy lounge area serves tea daily from 2:30 to 4:30. Individual pots of tea are served in beautiful silver sets with a choice of pastries and sandwiches. A balanced selection of imported teas are all first-rate. Comfortable chairs and a suitable low-key setting make Campton Place the perfect place for sipping and chatting.
Los Angeles
Rendezvous Court
The Biltmore Hotel
506 Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Tel.: 213-624-1011
www.camptonplace.com
Located in the hotel's former lobby, the cathedral-like, Spanish-Italian design provides a regal yet comfortable stage for tea. Stone columns, a carved twostory vaulted ceiling and a magnificent ornamental staircase combine to create a restful oasis after a busy day in Los Angeles. The Biltmore features a line of fine loose-leaf and herbal teas. A simple Rendezvous Tea entails a pot of tea and almond cookies. For the Traditional Tea, a tiered silver tea caddy is presented to the table fully laden with canapes, sandwiches and pastries.
Washington D.C.
The Jefferson
The Jefferson Hotel
1200 16th Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
Tel.: 202-347-2000
www.loewhotels.com/hotels/washington_jefferson
Afternoon tea here is quiet and quaint. The library-like setting is peaceful and soul-soothing, as is the constant glow of the fire. Traditional service includes cookies and strawberries, smoked-duck sandwiches and an array of teas from all corners of the world.
London
Brown's Hotel
Albemarle Street
Mayfair, London WIS 4BP
Tel.: 020 7493-9381
www.brownshotel.com
Located just two minutes away from Hyde Park, Brown's is well known for its afternoon tea. Since tables cannot be reserved, customers begin lining up at three o'clock to make sure of obtaining one of the flowery chintz armchairs in the dark-paneled salon. Popular varieties include Darjeeling, Keemun, Gunpowder and Brown's Blend, accompanied by clotted cream, sandwiches, toast or cakes.
Claridge's
Brook Street
Mayfair, London WIA 2JQ
Tel.: 020 7629-8860
www.the-savoy-group.com/claridges
Tea can be taken in the "Reading Room," whose 1925 decor alone is worth the visit. Reservations are recommended.
Maids Of Honour
288 Kew Road, Kew Gardens
Richmond, Surrey TW9 3DU
Tel.: 020 8940-2752
www.the-savoy-group.com/claridges
One of the oldest tea rooms in Great Britain, and therefore a must for all tealovers and historians.
Patisserie Valerie At Sagne
105 Marylebone High Street
London WlU 4RS
Tel.: 020 7395-6240
www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk
A tea and pastry shop with a 1920s Pompeian decor right in the heart of the Marylebone district. The somewhat continental-style tea is served with excellent strawberry pies, walnut, chocolate or praline pastries, croissants or buns.
The Palm Court in The Ritz London |
The Ritz London
150 Piccadilly
London WlJ 9BR
Tel.: 020 7493-8181
www.theritzhotel.co.uk
Tea is served in the Palm Court's superb nineteenth-century setting. The elegance of Ritz service is notorious, thanks to the variety of finger sandwiches made of cucumber, salmon, turkey, etc. Scones are accompanied by strawberry jam and clotted cream. Reservations are required if one is not staying at the hotel.
Savoy Hotel
The Strand
London WC2R 0EU
Tel.: 020 7836-4343
www.savoy-group.co.uk
Tea at the Savoy is a grand London tradition. The well-trained and friendly staff place teapots and cakes on rattan tables in a room decorated with a trompe l'œil fresco, overlooking the Thames.
Waldorf Hotel
Aldwych
London WC2B 4DD
Tel.: 020 7836-2400
www.hilton.co.uk/Waldorf
The British tradition of tea dances is still alive in the indoor garden of the Palm Court Lounge with its palm trees and orchestra. Between two waltzes, dancers enjoy Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Lapsang Souchong or a special blend accompanied by cakes and sandwiches.
Tea Time
21 The Pavement
Clapham, London SW4 OHY
Tel.: 020 7622-0904
www.hilton.co.uk/Waldorf
This fashionable tea room was founded by Jane Pettigrew, author of Tea Time. The many varieties of tea are accompanied by cakes and pastries made following the original recipes found in Pettigrew's book.
Paris
Angelina
www.angelina.fr
226 Rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 60 82 00
Palais des Congres (Level 3)
24 Boulevard. Pershing
75017 Paris
Tel.: 01 40 68 22 51
Galeries Lafayette Department Store (Third Floor)
40 Boulevard Haussmarm
75009 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 82 30 32
The original salon on the Rue de Rivoli has now been listed as being of historical interest, and the tea (including Darjeeling and Lapsang Souchong) is served in silver teapots. The Darjeeling is particularly special because it is cultivated in Angelina's own "garden." Patrons may also buy Angelina's eleven varieties of tea in the adjoining shop.
À Priori Thé
35-37 Galerie Vivienne
75002 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 97 48 75
www.angelina.fr
In a large, quiet room decorated in tones of beige, under a skylight, habitués of À Priori Thésample one of the tea room's sixteen classic or scented blends. This is one of the few Paris salons to offer mint tea.
La Charlotte de l'Isle
14 Rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Isle
75004 Paris
Tel.: 01 43 54 25 83
The tea menu is a real treasure trove, with thirty-two tea varieties. Whether you choose a classical brew or a less conventional one, the tea will be served in a Japanese cast-iron teapot.
La Cour de Rohan
59-61 Rue Saint-André-des-Arts
75005 Paris
Tel.: 01 43 25 79 67
Known for its elegant and luxurious charm, this plush salon teas offers eighteen teas, one of which is a Cour de Rohan blend produced by the owner himself. All teas are served in antique porcelain, and on Saturday nights the tea room is open late.
Ladureé
www.laduree.fr
16 Rue Royale
75008 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 60 21 79
75 Avenue des Champs-Elysees
75008 Paris
Tel.: 01 40 75 08 75
This attractive tea room with its painted ceilings typical of the nineteenth century is known for its macaroons that go delightfully well with one of the three straightforward teas from Betjeman and Barton.
Les Enfants GĊtés
43 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois
75004 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 77 07 63
This combination art gallery and English club makes for a comfortable atmosphere. The menu provides clear and interesting explanations. A highgrown Darjeeling, a Keemun or an imaginatively scented tea is perfect for a delightful brunch or afternoon tea break.
Intercontinental Hotel
3 Rue de Castiglione
75001 Paris
Tel.: 01 47 77 11 11
www.paris-ic.intercontinental.com
Real English tea can be had in the Lobby Bar -- to the strains of a harp -- or on the terrace. A good selection of seven teas is served in Wedgwood china, accompanied by English muffins, scones, cakes, cucumber sandwiches and Devonshire clotted cream.
Le Loir dans la Théiere
3 Rue des Rosiers
75004 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 72 90 61
Settle into an armchair or sofa and while away the time over a cup of one of the thirty-seven teas on the menu (including many scented varieties), admiring the old cupboards and a fresco of Alice in Wonderland.
Mariage Frères
www.mariagefreres.com
30-32 Rue du Bourg-Tibourg
75004 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 72 28 11
13 Rue des Grands-Augustins
75006 Paris
Tel.: 01 40 51 82 50
260 Rue du Faubourg-St-Honore
75008 Paris
Tel.: 01 46 22 18 54
Tea rooms have been opened alongside the age-old tea counters at each of the famous Mariage outlets. The skylit Bourg-Tibourg salon evokes the warm colonial climate and, behind the bar a specialist prepares and tastes each tea. If you don't know what to order, one of the white garbed waiters will skillfully guide you through the list of three hundred and fifty teas (plus special additions depending on availability). This is the place to be seduced by a white tea from Fujian (for true connoisseurs only), by tea jellies, or by the trolley of delicious pies and tea-flavored desserts. Over on Rue des Grands Augustins, in a seventeenth-century residence officially listed as a historical site, tea is taken either in a vaulted cellar evoking the "tea docks" from colonial days, or on an upper floor bedecked with tall, elegant windows. Sunday brunch is highly fashionable at both establishments.
Le Meurice
228 Rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
Tel.: 01 44 58 10 10
www.meuricehotel.com
In the very fine setting of its Pompadour Salon, the Meurice Hotel offers fifteen varieties of tea, including classic and scented blends. All are served in silver teapots, accompanied by toast, cakes or petit fours.
Mosque
19 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire
75005 Paris
Tel.: 01 43 31 18 14
The Paris Mosque's cafe is the only place in town where traditional North Mrican mint tea can be savored in a superbly Moorish interior (winter) or on a cool patio (summer).
Le Plaza Athenée
21 Avenue Montaigne
75008 Paris
Tel.: 01 53 67 66 65
The hotel's Gobelins Gallery proposes a selection of four teas, to be savored to the sound of a piano. Meanwhile, the Relais Plaza restaurant (a reconstitution of the dining room on the cruise ship Normandie) offers a full English tea to the strains of a harp. Toasted buns, scones, tiny sandwiches and cream accompany one of twentythree teas, including the Plaza's Secret Blend.
Hotel Ritz
15 Place Vendôme
75001 Paris
Tel.: 01 43 16 30 30
www.ritzparis.com
Every day at four o'clock, afternoon tea can be had at the Vendôme bar. Sit back in a plush sofa in winter, or enjoy the fine terrace in summer. Twelve teas, including a good green tea and a theine-free variety, are served along with sandwiches, petit fours and hot muffins.
Tea Caddy
14 Rue Saint-Julien-le Pauvre
75005 Paris
Tel.: 01 43 54 15 56
Located opposite a charming little church, this very British tea room has remained unchanged since it was founded in 1928 by a Miss Kinklin. The last generals of the Indian Army often met there to reminisce. Nostalgia comes in the form of a dozen teas, including Imperial Russian, Lapsang Souchong, Assam and Darjeeling, accompanied by delicious homemade cakes.
The Cool
10 Rue Saint-Florentin
75001 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 24 69 13
Paintings are exhibited in this tea room that features a fine selection of 25 teas, all served in Japanese iron-cast teapots. For breakfast, lunch or tea.
Tohaya
10 Rue Saint-Florentin
75001 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 60 13 00
www.toraya-group.co.jp
Purveyors to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan for four hundred years, the Toraya firm has recently opened a salon in Paris decorated in black lacquer and bamboo. It offers two green teas -- a Sencha and a Matcha -- prepared strictly according to traditional rules and accompanied by a zangetsu or other sweet made from adzuki beans. Both teas are imported directly from Japan and are also sold in a shop next to the tea room.
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