Tea Time: The Haute 5 Afternoon Teas in NYC

The British aristocratic tradition of Afternoon Tea can be traced back to the mid-nineteenth century. It is commonly confused with high tea, which actually refers to the serving of heavier foods associated with dinner. Afternoon tea, also known as low tea, is served between lunch and supper and accompanied by sandwiches, scones and pastries. So yes, what’s haute is low. Be sure to stir your tea clockwise and to add sugar before milk. If you add milk first, the saying goes, you won’t find love.

The Star Lounge at the Ritz Carlton

The Ritz Carlton serves a traditional Afternoon Tea. Special Ritz-Carlton Blends, made by the “T” Tea Company are accompanied by a selection of sandwiches, petit fours, and other dishes. Try the homemade scones with fruit preserves and Devonshire cream, or the Cheddar pepper scone with endive and caramelized onion for a savory treat. There are two sittings, seven days a week, at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, and the cost is $55 per person, or $65 with a glass of Napa Valley Mumm Brut.

The Ritz Carlton is located at 50 Central Park South, 212.521.6125

Plaza Athenee

The Plaza Athenee hotel on the Upper East Side offers a wide selection of Harney and Sons teas in its elegant Bar Seine lounge.  Guests may elect to try a special “tea card” and sample from a tasting menu of seven teas. A knowledgeable staff will make recommendations based on diners’ personal tastes. Tea sandwiches, miniature pastries, chocolates, and the standard homemade scones with clotted cream and imported fruit preserves are served. Afternoon Tea is $38 and $49 with champagne.

Plaza Athenee is located at 37 East 64^th Street, 212.606.4663

The Lounge at The Peninsula Hotel

Partaking in Afternoon Tea is at the Peninsula Hotel is a quiet, private affair—perfect  for an elegant business meeting. There are a number of loose-leaf teas to choose from; try the hotel’s signature Darjeeling blend, the 100% Keemun English Breakfast, or one of the he herbal teas wrapped in silk sachets. Dishes like Maine Lobster and beef sirloin are served alongside traditional pastries. There is also a separate children’s menu with selections like chicken fingers, mini cupcakes and hot chocolate. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2:30-5pm and costs $50 per person, and $66 with Moet Chandon champagne.

The Peninsula Hotel is located at 700 Fifth Avenue,  212.903.3049

St. Regis

For a truly transcendent tea experience, try the stately Astor Court Bistro at the St. Regis. Afternoon Tea served seven days a week, but from Thursday to Sunday, guests can enjoy the music of a live harpist. The traditional scones, finger sandwiches and petit fouers accompany “T” brand tea. Tea is served from 3-5 and the cost is $48 and $60 with champagne.

The St. Regis is located at 2 East 55^th Street, 212.339.6857

The Plaza Hotel

Afternoon Tea in The Plaza has been a New York tradition for decades. It is currently served at the hotel’s Champagne Bar, and will return to the Palm Court in April. Rather than just following the English tradition, tea at the Plaza also draws on French and Russian influences for a more eclectic experience. Loose-leaf teas are served with traditional sandwiches and scones. Afternoon Tea at the Plaza is served daily from 11-5 and costs $35.

The Plaza is located at the corner of Central Park South & Fifth Avenue and reservations are not necessary