I have run out of coffee, so as I sit here and wait for my Earl Grey to brew, the aroma reminds me of Sunday outings and the many wonderful places around the world where you can be treated to a traditional English Afternoon Tea. 

The Hotel Windsor – is my favourite afternoon tea venue.  I recall coming here with my nanna when I was younger and playing the role of  sophisticated English society ladies!   Built in 1883 during the Victorian Era, the Hotel Windsor is one of Melbourne’s most recognisable grand hotels.  The hotel set its own benchmarks for style, elegance, sophistication and charm – and these qualities still remain. The Afternoon Tea tradition has been enjoyed for more than 125 years, complete with silver 3-tier stand offering scones with jam & cream, delicate pastries and finger sandwiches.  Enjoy Afternoon Tea complete with tea, coffee and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine from AUD$45 per person, or stay overnight in a room from AUD$220 per night.

Afternoon tea at The Ritz London is an institution of its own.  There are a range of ‘celebration’ afternoon teas available, served in the spectacular Palm Court.  On offer is a selection of teas, finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with jam and clotted cream, and a range of equisite pastries.  A standard afternoon tea costs GBP37 per person.  If you have a sweet tooth try the Chocolate Afternoon Tea for GBP45 per person including chocolate brioche sandwich, chocolate indulgence scones, chocolate macaroon, chocolate tart and served with drinking chocolate.  Mmmmm.  Roll yourself up the stairs and stay the night from GBP250 per night.

 The Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles offers historic granduer and modern luxury, all in downtown Los Angeles.   Traditional afternoon tea is served in the famed Rendezvous Court adorned with Moorish wood carved ceilings, travertine stone walls and a rose marble fountain  – classic European style.  The delicate Princess Tea is served with a pot of tea and a selection of pastries for USD$22, but why not go all out and try the Victorian Tea for USD$28 which also includes a selection of elegant tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones and miniature pastries.   Spend the night from USD$220 per room.

The Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria is another iconic hotel with a long history of serving afternoon tea.  For almost 100 years, the majestic lobby of this grand hotel has hosted the traditional English Afternoon Tea ritual.   They even have their own ‘Tea at the Empress’ special blend tea which they serve with freshly baked raisin scones with heavy cream and strawberry jam.   The elegantly restored Tea Lobby overlooks the sparkling Inner Harbour of Victoria, and is a wonderful place to sit and sip.  You can stay the night from around CAD$150 per room.

For an afternoon tea with a view, you cant go past the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.   The Skyview Bar sits atop the 320 meter high hotel tower (its the bit that looks like a rolled up newspaper on the side) and offers unrivalled views of the Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands.   Enjoy a ‘Sky Tea’ offering a selection of tea and coffee, sandwiches, pastries and cakes served with a selection of home-made jams and Devonshire clotted cream.  It is an expensive snack costing around USD$100 each, but considering the rooms start at around USD$2000 per night, its probably the only way most of us will get to see that spectacular view!

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