Listopedia: Afternoon Tea around the World

The time honoured tradition of high tea has evolved from delicate mid-afternoon snacks to decadent sensory experiences. Gold leaf, marzipan, mascarpone, fondant, fountains, waffle irons and French champagne are de rigueur these days. Here’s Expedia’s Listopedia of the must-not-miss afternoon teas from around the world.

The Orangery, Kensington Palace, London

Light, bright, simple and sweet perfectly describe The Orangery. Dating back to 1704, when Queen Anne commissioned a greenhouse on the grounds of Kensington Palace, The Orangery still retains its charm. The row of large windows look onto the manicured lawn in front of the palace and a pot of English breakfast tea seems very appropriate. This is English Afternoon Tea at its best – cucumber, chicken and mint sandwiches, orange scented currant scones, clotted cream, pastries and plenty of tea.

Pret-a-Portea, The Berkeley, London

Fashionistas, this one’s for you. The Berkeley Hotel’s fashion-themed afternoon tea takes couture to another level, with its handmade cakes, cookies and pastries inspired by the latest fashion designs. Think Miu Miu bikini cookies, baby fondant Birkin bags, Mark Jacob mille feuille and more. Every six months the menu changes – they do have to stay in style.

Sky Tea, Dubai Burj al Arab

Nobody does decadence quite like Dubai, and the city’s original seven star hotel has mastered the art of extravagance. The hotel offers four afternoon teas – the most famous being Sky Tea. Held in the Skyview Bar, on the hotel’s very top floor, the tea is a bottomless affair, with endless rounds of scones, sandwiches, pastries and substantial meals like roast beef. The price tag is high (around $170 AUD) but you’re paying for the view and a chance to see inside the hotel, which is closed to visitors unless you’re a guest or booked into the restaurants or bars. The cheapest afternoon tea takes place in the lobby and will set you back $140.

Afternoon Tea, The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Decadence doesn’t always have to be about calories. The Majestic Hotel’s Orchid Conservatory is not your average setting for an afternoon tea. Halfway between a greenhouse and a hotel lounge, the room is filled with thousands of phalaenopsis orchids. Lining the walls and windows, overflowing out of urns, vases and wall hangings, the flowers are a feast for your senses. The scones, pastries, sandwiches and a hot box of dim sum aren’t bad for your taste buds either. Ask to sit in the Orchid Conservatory when booking.

Colonial High Tea, Vaucluse House, Sydney

The grounds of the historical Vaucluse House in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is the setting for this delicate and delicious afternoon tea. The grand manor dates back to 1830 and a turn around the gardens is a must before sitting down to tea on the Tea Room terrace. You’ll want to have worked up an appetite – the tea stand is packed with sweet and savoury options. Try a melt-in-mouth cauliflower truffle tart and chicken and tarragon pillows, before moving on to lemon and lavender sugar donuts, miniature strawberry éclairs and mini scones. The Australian sparkling wine is a nice touch.

Paddington Bear High Tea, Langham Melbourne

Who said high tea was just for grown-ups? The Langham Hotel does nothing by halves – its Tiffin teas are decadent displays of very grown up pastries and treats – and the same goes for its themed children’s teas. Paddington Bear’s high tea is timed with the release of the movie Paddington and is perfect for little ones with a sweet tooth. The Barbie Princess Power high teas being held in March and April next year are sure to be popular with the pink and glitter crowd – think rainbow meringues and pink cupcakes.

Afternoon Tea, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town

This very traditional afternoon tea is known around the world as something one must do when in Cape Town, especially if one is somewhat of a tea connoisseur. Along with all the usual trappings of an afternoon tea; sandwiches, scones, cakes, tarts, the tea is a chance to try the melktert. The traditional South African milk tart goes well with the signature Mount Nelson Tea – rose petals from the property’s garden and a blend of Darjeeling, Kenya, Assam, Keemun, Yunnan and Ceylong.