Celebrate in style at any of these afternoon tea delights …
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” So said Henry James, quite rightly. It’s always a pleasure to while away an afternoon in pleasant surroundings and enjoy an assortment of dainty savouries, scrumptious scones and petite pastries.
Of course, there is the age old scone debate (jam, then cream or cream, then jam). Kylie Jenner is the latest in her clan to disgrace herself (remember sister Kendall trying to cut a cucumber?) when she was unsure how to eat a scone during a Vogue video. Etiquette expert William Hanson says you should never cut a scone with a knife, much less brandish it like a weapon, per Jenner. Hanson also would have found fault with her elbows on the table. Remember his pithy saying, “All joints on the table must be carved!” Armed with these Ps and Qs, here are some lovely settings to celebrate afternoon tea …
Surrounded by notable Irish art and beautiful flowers, with a bird’s eye view of Grafton Street, afternoon tea in The Gallery Lounge at The Westbury is the sum of many parts. It’s rightly been called iconic. To make it extra special, add glass of Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve NV, served tableside from the hotel’s Champagne trolley. From €75. @westburydublin
SEE MORE: Experience The French Riviera With Minuty Rosé At The Westbury
Anantara The Marker Hotel Dublin
For poetry fans, the Poetry & Places Afternoon tea is a transportive experience inspired by the Irish landscape and poetry, served in The Marker Bar & Lounge overlooking Grand Canal. With a glass of Bollinger Champagne, it costs €85 or €65 without. @anantarathemarkerdublin
Choose between the luxurious Lobby Lounge or Reading Room overlooking the garden terrace for their special Summer Afternoon Tea served daily, with gluten-free, vegan and children’s options available. Highlights of this feast are desserts created by executive pastry chef Orna Larkin, the sounds of the resident pianist and a truly relaxed ambiance. From €62, or why not add a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne! @intercondublin
SEE MORE: This Is Where Ireland’s Top Hoteliers Stay On Holiday
Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort, Co Wicklow
Held on Sundays in the pretty dining rooms of the 18th-century Woodstock House, this Rosé Afternoon Tea for €60 combines old-world charm with a glass of rosé alongside finger sandwiches, scones and desserts. @druidsglenresort
SEE MORE: 5 Secluded Stays In Ireland This Summer
The K Club Tea Rooms are some of the most refined dining spaces in the country. Located in the original Straffan House wing, the rooms feature hand-painted wallpaper, picture windows, a magnificent fireplace and antiques. This sets the scene for an indulgent occasion with artfully crafted sandwiches, pastries and perhaps a glass of bubbles too. €59 per person. @thekclubireland
SEE MORE: 11 Wonderful Wine Events And Gourmet Getaways Around Ireland
Mount Juliet Estate, Co Kilkenny
Arrive early and work up an appetite by having a stroll around the gorgeous parkland and gardens of Mount Juliet before afternoon tea in the Georgian manor. This is a supremely elegant affair in the Lady Helen Restaurant, from €50. @mountjulietestate
SEE MORE: Checking In – Mount Juliet Estate
Kilkenny River Court, Co Kilkenny
Available every day from 2pm to 5pm in the Riverside Restaurant or Riverview Bar, with lovely views of the River Nore beneath Kilkenny Castle, this is a great value cream tea for €30 with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available too. @kilkennyrivercourt
Paired with Ronnefeldt loose-leaf teas, barista-style coffee or a glass of Champagne, afternoon tea at Sheen Falls is a refined celebration in The Sheen Lounge or on the terrace overlooking the cascading Sheen Waterfalls. From €49. @sheenfalls
SEE MORE: Cosy Cottages And Country Estates – Where To Stay In Co Kerry
Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate, Co Galway
Book ahead for An Afternoon With The Granthams, inspired by Downton Abbey, in the sophisticated surroundings of the River Room overlooking Lough Corrib. Expect flawless presentation and indulgent treats served with Edwardian grace. Available from September 5, €55. @glenlo_abbey
SEE MORE: An Insider’s Guide To The Best Irish Stay And Play Golf Courses
The new Afternoon Tea in the City has a side helping of views across Lough Atalia from the hotel’s light-filled Coopers Lounge. Especially created for girls’ get togethers this afternoon tea includes cocktails, a creative spin on classic savouries and sweets and a pianist who adds to the lively vibe. From €50. @thegalmont
SEE MORE: The Cool Girl’s Guide To Galway
There are few more perfect settings than sitting beneath the magnificent Lafranchini ceiling of Knights in the Manor House, overlooking the formal gardens of Castlemartyr Resort. It’s an architectural gem with its its famous Rococo style Stucco ceiling, floor to ceiling sash windows and beautiful décor. Classic afternoon tea is €48 and is a leisurely affair served from Wednesday to Sunday. @castlemartyrresort
And … Cork on a Fork Festival is underway and one of its many events is Afternoon Tea On The Train, where FoodCloud chefs will transform surplus ingredients into a sustainable, gourmet afternoon tea on board a train. All aboard! @corkonaforkfest