High Tea Enjoyable For Even Those On Low Budgets


It’s pretty safe to assume your invitation to high tea at Buckingham Palace got lost in the mail. Luckily, Boston is stocked with new spots to demonstrate your regal, tea-sipping abilities. True, Americans don’t treat the custom of tea as a major event like some of our international friends. But there’s no reason to shirk the custom, because tea is a great opportunity to gather with friends for caffeine and conversation. So whether it’s tea for two, or two for five, make your reservation to pick up a cup.

• The Taj Boston refers to itself as the “Crown Jewel of Boston Hotels” for some pretty good reasons. There’s no better place than The Cafe that overlooks the bottom of Newbury Street to show your sophisticated side. Their afternoon tea used to only be available on weekends, but starting this month they’ve extended it to Fridays, as well. This is a pretty formal affair. Expect fine china and silver trays times ten.

• There’s a reason they call it “Fantasy Tea” at L’Espalier: It’s about a light year away from any of our realities. Naturally, Chef McClelland’s version is a traditional French tea, and we’re positive we’re not the first to declare it to be tres, tres chic.

• For a more modern take, BOND in the Langham Hotel is held on a daily basis from 3-5pm. At $30 per person, guests are offered a choice of 12 hot teas, 4 iced, and treats such as scones with Devonshire cream or a foie gras, honey-roasted pear and pepper brioche sandwich. You can even pretend you’re royalty. Well, for an afternoon, at least.

Taj Boston [Official Site]
L’Espalier [Official Site]
BOND [Official Site]

[Photo: BOND]

High Tea Enjoyable For Even Those On Low Budgets