Pinkies up, Atlanta. Afternoon teas are becoming fashionable once more. From the high-end glitz of hotel teas to the cozy warmth of historic homes and relaxed Intown rooms, Atlanta has plenty of options. While their styles may differ, the freshly baked scones and amber colored teas are all prepared with care. Here are a few of our favorite spots for a spot of tea with friends.
Ritz Carlton
181 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303; 404-659-0400, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Atlanta
Buckhead’s Ritz Carlton offers a traditional British tea service from Wednesday to Sunday at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Teas are steeped in the British tradition with sterling silver strainers and bone chia cups. Champagne is available by the glass. Bites offered are a variety of tea cakes, scones and sandwiches such as smoked salmon with caviar. Really step it up with a signature strawberry service that includes Grand Marnier marinated strawberries served with a variety of whipped creams and sugars along with a glass of champagne.
St. Regis
88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305; 404-563-7900, www.stregisatlanta.com/
Feeling fancy? You’ll feel like royalty when you step into the glitzy St. Regis in Buckhead. Afternoon tea is available daily from 2:30 – 4 p.m. at a cost of $40 for adults and $22 for children. Sip on a wide variety of teas and an optional glass of champagne. The three-tiered tray brings sweets, savories and scones. The sweets include macarons in seasonal flavor like strawberry and rose. Savories include smoked salmon wraps and open-faced cucumber tomato sandwiches on brioche, while scones are baked daily and served with clotted cream and lemon curd.
Tafa’s
108 Magnolia St, Roswell, GA 30075; 770-643-5813, www.tafasrestaurant.com/
This recently opened Roswell restaurant offers tea with a Syrian flavor. Both high tea and light tea are available at a cost of $30 and $25 respectively. The difference between the two is the availability of a soup. With both teas, expect a variety of Syrian bites like hummus, olives, sandwiches and labneh salad. The labneh salad, which is a yoghurt dip made with onion, is especially tasty. Both teas come with a bottomless pot of tea and require a 48 hour notice for reservations.
Tea Leaves and Thyme
8990 Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188; 770-516-2609, www.tealeavesandthyme.com/
House in a historical home on Main Street, Woodstock’s legendary tea house is supremely cozy and welcoming. Afternoon tea ranges from $13-$22 and includes tea, finger sandwiches and sweets served on china. The chicken salad is not to be missed. For the little ones, a Mad Hatter Children’s tea is available for $12 and include a choice of hot chocolate or tea. Princess teas are available all year and include visits from in-costume characters like Cinderella and the Cat in the Hat.
Tipple and Rose Tea Room and Apothecary
The casual vibe of this Virginia Highland tea room makes it ideal for a tea service first-timer. The service is offered for $25 and includes a pot of tea and a three-tiered tray full of sandwiches, scones and desserts. Recent options have included a smoked duck salad and a house made Boursin that is nearly perfect. The many tea flavors are blended in house and often reflect seasonality. Teas end with locally brewed kombucha or a bright sorbet. Specialty teas are generally available around holidays.
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