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A new afternoon tea service fit for British royals is served every Saturday at D.C.’s Four Seasons hotel.
Four Seasons

Where to Enjoy Extravagant Afternoon Tea Around D.C.

Put pinkies up at luxe hotels, French restaurants, museums, and more

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A new afternoon tea service fit for British royals is served every Saturday at D.C.’s Four Seasons hotel.
|Four Seasons

Afternoon tea might be rooted in English traditions, but the elegant pastime lives on in many of D.C.’s most luxurious hotels (and a few other special spots). According tolegend, Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, popularized afternoon tea time in the 19th century because she got hungry between meals. The practice really became fashionable among England’s upper classes during that same century. D.C. lost an afternoon tea mainstay withthe closure of Georgetown’s Ching Ching Chalast month.

Many hotels and restaurants cater to afternoon tea lovers all year long. Here are a dozen places around D.C. to find spreads of sumptuous scones, exquisite pastries, and finger sandwiches served with steaming pots of tea.

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Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

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D.C.’s dreamy Hillwood Estate, the former home of art collector Marjorie Merriweather that’s adorned in 18th-century French elegance, is the gorgeous site ofafternoon tea servicefor groups of 10 or more. The family-style feast includes miniature scones, chicken salad croissant sandwiches, sun-dried tomato hummus with sourdough, chocolate Nutella tarts, and lemon-lavender sugar cookies with a choice of hot or cold Dammann Frères teas. The price: $28.50 per person, with supplements like mini quiches. Call to reserve.

The Mansion on O & O Street Museum

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For the ultimate high tea party in the heart of Dupont, the Mansion on O offersprivate room packagesfor 10 or more ($90 per person). The five-course spread, complete with butler service and a self-guided tour of the historic museum, comes with Tea Forté loose-leaf selections, bottomless bubbly, pastries, savory bites, cheese plates, and more. A dessert tea-and-museum tour option is $60 per person for groups of 15 or more.

Blue Duck Tavern

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Tea service at Blue Duck Tavern returned in February, complete with a freshly brewed pot of tea, accompaniments, seasonal small plates, and custom desserts. Available exclusively on Sunday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Its intimate Tea Cellar offers a semi-private alcove to enjoy a curated collection of 35 aged and vintage teas showcased in glass humidors, joined by a lit display of tea blossoms that flower when steeped in water. Call for reservations or goherefor private bookings in the tea cellar.

Ladurée

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At this chic Parisian shop candy-hued macarons pop against a powder blue paint job for one of the most fanciful tea times around. Crystal chandeliers, a smooth white marble bar, and Bernardaud porcelain set a just-so tone. Savory food options include croissant sandwiches, quiche, and light salads. Tea is served all day, and newly personalized macarons are on order year-round.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

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Four Seasons just revived afternoon tea service under the watch of pastry chefAJ Thalakkat, who’s an expert on British tea pastries after working at the iconic Empress Hotel. A spread fit for Buckingham Palace includes raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry lavender preserves; caramel banana cake (a popular pick of Princes William and Harry as young children); and Queen Elizabeth II’s personal favorite: chocolate biscuit cake. Earl Grey fruit cake, shortbread cookies, and raspberry lemon tarts also carry royal significance. Dainty pastries are served on a traditional three-tiered tea stand with porcelain pots. Savory dishes include a Four Seasons D.C. specialty: house-smoked and cured Scottish salmon topped with caviar. It’s tea time every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ($95 with a glass of bubbles and $55 for kids 12 and under). Call ahead or reserveonline.

Fascinators, plumes and pearls are encouraged at the Four Seasons’s new tea service inspired by the British royal family.
Four Seasons

The Tavern at The Henley Park

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Housed in an English Tudor-style building built in 1918, this historic hotel serves a quiet afternoon tea in its Tavern Room, where light streams in through lead glass windows. Harney & Sons tea service (starting at $45 per person) includes an indulgent selection of homemade scones, finger sandwiches, and seasonal cocktails. Champagne cocktails are $16 for each drink or $28 for unlimited drinks. Tea is served Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.Reservationsrequired.

The St. Regis

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Open near the White House since 1926, the St. Regis’s afternoon tea service in its opulent lobby stars Dammann Frères teas, exquisite sandwiches, homemade scones, desserts, pastries, and optional Champagne pairings. Available Thursday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. ($79 per person).Reservationsare required. Its cherry blossom afternoon tea service (March 15 to May 13) runs $89 per person, with beautiful desserts cascading down from an ornate tableside tree’s branches and savory bites at the base.

Opaline Bar and Brasserie

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The Sofitel’s lobby-level brasserie puts a French spin on afternoon tea service. Dubbed Le Gôuter, the experience includes Metz loose-leaf teas and sweet and savory treats, plus la carte tea-infused cocktails and espresso martinis. Available Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call to reserve within 24 hours ($65 per person and $32.50 for children under 12).

Sofitel’s lobby-level brasserie hosts afternoon tea on Saturdays.
Opaline Bar and Brasserie

Kingbird

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The Watergate Hotel’s Kingbird restaurant got into a bit of (ahem)hot watera few years ago when a $400 tea appeared on the menu. Now there’s a weekend afternoon tea that’s a much more reasonable ($75 for adults). The swinging ‘60s-themed menu onSaturdaysfeatures retro desserts, finger sandwiches like Ivy City smoked salmon with caviar, and bottomless tea. View menuhere.

Tea service at Kingbird.
Kingbird

The Willard

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Taking afternoon tea in the Willard Hotel’s plush,red-carpeted Peacock Alley is a D.C. tradition. Afternoon tea service — complete with live harp music — includes estate and boutique loose-leaf teas by theJ’enwey Tea Company, savory finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and Willard’s famous freshly baked scones. Tea with a glass of champagne is $90 per adult (or $78 without) or $55 for kids 12 and under. Available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Make areservation; afternoon tea often sells out far in advance around holidays and cherry blossom season. A tea-to-go daily program pairs well with its instrumentalSpotify playlist.

Tea service at the Willard is a popular D.C. pastime.
The Willard [official]

Art and Soul

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The Capitol Hill standby rolled out a whimsical new tea experience in December. Feast on delicate savory sandwiches built with foie gras mousse and tea-infused salmon, caviar, truffles, and pastries like a caramel cheesecake tart from executive chef Danny Chavez. Bites are paired with blends fromElevated Tea Company, tea-infused cocktails, and Champagne, all set to sounds from a live musician. Offered every Friday and Saturday between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. ($65 and up per person).

Art and Soul debuted tea service in December.
Art and Soul

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

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華爾道夫酒店華盛頓特區的新“Te時鍾的小時a” pays homage to its lobby-level placement in the clock tower-topped Old Post Office building ($80 per person or $95 with bubbles). Dainty bites include egg salad eclair with sturgeon caviar and chive; pumpkin hummus on flatbread with drunken local cherries; and its twist on the Waldorf salad with chicken and gala red and green apples on cranberry-walnut bread. Cinnamon and orange cranberry scones and sweets round out the elaborate experience. Upgrade with Beluga caviar and brioche for $50 more. Reserve via phone at least 24 hours in advance, with seating times at noon and 2 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays.

Cherry blossom-themed tea service starts on Friday, March 17.

Cherry blossom-themed tea service starts in March with shaved asparagus quiche, local cherry blossom macarons, and lemon-cherry pomegranate cake.
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Salamander Washington DC

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新來的蠑螈酒店在華盛頓daily afternoon tea with seatings in its posh Lounge at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays ($89 per guest or $65 for kids under 10). Enjoy a glass of champagne, homemade scones, tea sandwiches, and pastry delights served with a selection of loose-leaf teas. View menuhere. Reservations are required. From Friday, March 24 to Sunday, April 16,cherry blossom-themed tea servicein partnership with Petrossian caviar and Dom Perignon includes treats from guest celebrity pastry chef Lasheeda Perry. Enjoy spring tea time seated in the Lounge, overlooking the Garden Terrace, or to-go with picnic baskets and blankets.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

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It’s tea time at the Ritz-Carlton every Saturday and Sunday. Spot a selection of premium loose-leaf teas from Dammann Frères, seasonal pastries, dainty bites, and tea sandwiches. Scones come with clotted cream, lemon curd, and fruit preserves. Thecostis $58 per person (or $38 for kids 12 and under) from noon to 3 p.m. Kids can sip tea or hot chocolate and pick a teddy bear to take home. ItsTysons Corner sibling also offers afternoon teaon Fridays to Sundays ($79 per person).

Weekend tea service at the Ritz-Carlton Arlington.
Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

D.C.’s dreamy Hillwood Estate, the former home of art collector Marjorie Merriweather that’s adorned in 18th-century French elegance, is the gorgeous site ofafternoon tea servicefor groups of 10 or more. The family-style feast includes miniature scones, chicken salad croissant sandwiches, sun-dried tomato hummus with sourdough, chocolate Nutella tarts, and lemon-lavender sugar cookies with a choice of hot or cold Dammann Frères teas. The price: $28.50 per person, with supplements like mini quiches. Call to reserve.

The Mansion on O & O Street Museum

For the ultimate high tea party in the heart of Dupont, the Mansion on O offersprivate room packagesfor 10 or more ($90 per person). The five-course spread, complete with butler service and a self-guided tour of the historic museum, comes with Tea Forté loose-leaf selections, bottomless bubbly, pastries, savory bites, cheese plates, and more. A dessert tea-and-museum tour option is $60 per person for groups of 15 or more.

Blue Duck Tavern

Tea service at Blue Duck Tavern returned in February, complete with a freshly brewed pot of tea, accompaniments, seasonal small plates, and custom desserts. Available exclusively on Sunday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Its intimate Tea Cellar offers a semi-private alcove to enjoy a curated collection of 35 aged and vintage teas showcased in glass humidors, joined by a lit display of tea blossoms that flower when steeped in water. Call for reservations or goherefor private bookings in the tea cellar.

Ladurée

At this chic Parisian shop candy-hued macarons pop against a powder blue paint job for one of the most fanciful tea times around. Crystal chandeliers, a smooth white marble bar, and Bernardaud porcelain set a just-so tone. Savory food options include croissant sandwiches, quiche, and light salads. Tea is served all day, and newly personalized macarons are on order year-round.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Four Seasons just revived afternoon tea service under the watch of pastry chefAJ Thalakkat, who’s an expert on British tea pastries after working at the iconic Empress Hotel. A spread fit for Buckingham Palace includes raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry lavender preserves; caramel banana cake (a popular pick of Princes William and Harry as young children); and Queen Elizabeth II’s personal favorite: chocolate biscuit cake. Earl Grey fruit cake, shortbread cookies, and raspberry lemon tarts also carry royal significance. Dainty pastries are served on a traditional three-tiered tea stand with porcelain pots. Savory dishes include a Four Seasons D.C. specialty: house-smoked and cured Scottish salmon topped with caviar. It’s tea time every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ($95 with a glass of bubbles and $55 for kids 12 and under). Call ahead or reserveonline.

Fascinators, plumes and pearls are encouraged at the Four Seasons’s new tea service inspired by the British royal family.
Four Seasons

The Tavern at The Henley Park

Housed in an English Tudor-style building built in 1918, this historic hotel serves a quiet afternoon tea in its Tavern Room, where light streams in through lead glass windows. Harney & Sons tea service (starting at $45 per person) includes an indulgent selection of homemade scones, finger sandwiches, and seasonal cocktails. Champagne cocktails are $16 for each drink or $28 for unlimited drinks. Tea is served Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.Reservationsrequired.

The St. Regis

Open near the White House since 1926, the St. Regis’s afternoon tea service in its opulent lobby stars Dammann Frères teas, exquisite sandwiches, homemade scones, desserts, pastries, and optional Champagne pairings. Available Thursday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. ($79 per person).Reservationsare required. Its cherry blossom afternoon tea service (March 15 to May 13) runs $89 per person, with beautiful desserts cascading down from an ornate tableside tree’s branches and savory bites at the base.

Opaline Bar and Brasserie

The Sofitel’s lobby-level brasserie puts a French spin on afternoon tea service. Dubbed Le Gôuter, the experience includes Metz loose-leaf teas and sweet and savory treats, plus la carte tea-infused cocktails and espresso martinis. Available Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call to reserve within 24 hours ($65 per person and $32.50 for children under 12).

Sofitel’s lobby-level brasserie hosts afternoon tea on Saturdays.
Opaline Bar and Brasserie

Kingbird

The Watergate Hotel’s Kingbird restaurant got into a bit of (ahem)hot watera few years ago when a $400 tea appeared on the menu. Now there’s a weekend afternoon tea that’s a much more reasonable ($75 for adults). The swinging ‘60s-themed menu onSaturdaysfeatures retro desserts, finger sandwiches like Ivy City smoked salmon with caviar, and bottomless tea. View menuhere.

Tea service at Kingbird.
Kingbird

The Willard

Taking afternoon tea in the Willard Hotel’s plush,red-carpeted Peacock Alley is a D.C. tradition. Afternoon tea service — complete with live harp music — includes estate and boutique loose-leaf teas by theJ’enwey Tea Company, savory finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and Willard’s famous freshly baked scones. Tea with a glass of champagne is $90 per adult (or $78 without) or $55 for kids 12 and under. Available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Make areservation; afternoon tea often sells out far in advance around holidays and cherry blossom season. A tea-to-go daily program pairs well with its instrumentalSpotify playlist.

Tea service at the Willard is a popular D.C. pastime.
The Willard [official]

Art and Soul

The Capitol Hill standby rolled out a whimsical new tea experience in December. Feast on delicate savory sandwiches built with foie gras mousse and tea-infused salmon, caviar, truffles, and pastries like a caramel cheesecake tart from executive chef Danny Chavez. Bites are paired with blends fromElevated Tea Company, tea-infused cocktails, and Champagne, all set to sounds from a live musician. Offered every Friday and Saturday between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. ($65 and up per person).

Art and Soul debuted tea service in December.
Art and Soul

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

華爾道夫酒店華盛頓特區的新“Te時鍾的小時a” pays homage to its lobby-level placement in the clock tower-topped Old Post Office building ($80 per person or $95 with bubbles). Dainty bites include egg salad eclair with sturgeon caviar and chive; pumpkin hummus on flatbread with drunken local cherries; and its twist on the Waldorf salad with chicken and gala red and green apples on cranberry-walnut bread. Cinnamon and orange cranberry scones and sweets round out the elaborate experience. Upgrade with Beluga caviar and brioche for $50 more. Reserve via phone at least 24 hours in advance, with seating times at noon and 2 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays.

Cherry blossom-themed tea service starts on Friday, March 17.

Cherry blossom-themed tea service starts in March with shaved asparagus quiche, local cherry blossom macarons, and lemon-cherry pomegranate cake.
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Salamander Washington DC

新來的蠑螈酒店在華盛頓daily afternoon tea with seatings in its posh Lounge at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays ($89 per guest or $65 for kids under 10). Enjoy a glass of champagne, homemade scones, tea sandwiches, and pastry delights served with a selection of loose-leaf teas. View menuhere. Reservations are required. From Friday, March 24 to Sunday, April 16,cherry blossom-themed tea servicein partnership with Petrossian caviar and Dom Perignon includes treats from guest celebrity pastry chef Lasheeda Perry. Enjoy spring tea time seated in the Lounge, overlooking the Garden Terrace, or to-go with picnic baskets and blankets.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

It’s tea time at the Ritz-Carlton every Saturday and Sunday. Spot a selection of premium loose-leaf teas from Dammann Frères, seasonal pastries, dainty bites, and tea sandwiches. Scones come with clotted cream, lemon curd, and fruit preserves. Thecostis $58 per person (or $38 for kids 12 and under) from noon to 3 p.m. Kids can sip tea or hot chocolate and pick a teddy bear to take home. ItsTysons Corner sibling also offers afternoon teaon Fridays to Sundays ($79 per person).

Weekend tea service at the Ritz-Carlton Arlington.
Ritz-Carlton Hotel

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