Afternoon Tea week is just around the corner. From the 8th – 14th August, it’s all about celebrating this timeless and tasty tradition. A quintessentially British affair, Afternoon Tea was introduced in the early 1840s. Originally it was seen as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal. Today, it’s a decadent and indulgent experience filled with creativity and even Champagne for the bougee amongst us!
Having evolved into an occasion we just can’t get enough of, we’re rounding up the very best places around the world to enjoy Afternoon Tea and, of course, we’ll share what we would wear to each stunning location.
Tradition At Its Finest
When it comes to a historical legend, nothing beats a visit to London shopping landmark, Fortnum & Mason. The iconic department store was founded in 1707, invented the Scotch egg in 1738 and added Battenberg cake to its menu in 1926. It’s so quintessentially British even the Queen, Duchess of Cornwall and Duchess of Cambridge have been. Make sure you get a snap of the signature eau de nil china before you choose between the classic and savoury afternoon teas. Our favourite has to be the sweet which ends with an array of delectable treats. A classic commands elegance when it comes to your outfit. We’d choose our Ivy Dress in navy blue, paired with chic heeled court shoes, a clutch and subtle jewellery to channel our inner Monarch.
Tea With An Extra Dose Of Style
Undoubtedly the chicest tea in town, Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley Hotel is a must for any fashionista. Every six months they twist their menu to tap into key designers, serving up delicious treats that reflect the season’s trends. Currently on offer? A cinnamon blondie encased in white chocolate and moulded into the shape of a Fendi bag, a pastel-pink pavlova with apple compote and Chantilly cream that nods to Giambattista Valli’s frothy ball gowns, and an Iris Apfel biscuit to honour the fashion legend in her 100th year. A fashion-forward menu calls for you to showcase your unique style. We’d opt for our Penta Trousers in our epic butterfly print paired with our Lace Lana Top. Wear with chunky Velcro close sandals and take an oversized raffia bag to complete your look.
Make It Modern
For those who like a twist on tradition, then nothing beats the Woobar's Afternoon Tea Set at W Hong Kong. A modern interpretation of the afternoon tea experience, the focus here is on sweet treats in all shapes and sizes by Culinary Chef Robert Nilsson. Add a glass of sparkling wine to dial up the decadence and get ready to tea in style. When it comes to your look, you need to go full on trend to fit in. We’d wear our Lopez Blazer and Amy Shorts co-ord suit with our striped Ione Tee for a lilac explosion that’s pastel pretty. Wear with chunky white sneakers and an oversized chain to complete the look. Our Astrid & Miyu Textured Oval Link T-Bar Necklace is perfect finisher.
Idolise An Icon
When you’re in the Big Apple, then nothing beats afternoon tea at The Plaza Hotel. A city staple, it’s all about the grand setting. With its iconic stained glass domed roof and huge palms, it’s a sight to behold. You can choose between four epic menus including the Manhattan Tea, Plaza Signature Tea, Grand Imperial Tea, and the adorably themed children's Eloise Tea — all of which include a range of finger sandwiches and savoury bites, freshly baked scones with house-made preserves, and beautiful pastries. When it comes to your outfit for this destination, we’d channel the palm feel with an epic print. Our Chris dress with its vivid print inspired by the Monarch Butterfly will ensure you flutter through the Plaza in style. Wear with simple barely there heeled sandals and tie your hair into a chic slicked back bun to complete the New York socialite style.
Tea With A View
We love the sight of a three-tiered cake stand, but, adding in an epic view makes tea that bit sweeter. The Bottomless Seafood High Tea Cruise at Sydney Habour floats our boat for that exact reason. You can indulge in an afternoon filled with tiers of seafood (a twist on the classic) as you cruise around Sydney with 360-degree waterfront views. Add in free-flowing champagne throughout the experience – what more could you want? When it comes to showing your style whilst you’re at sea, we’d opt for our Lora Jumpsuit. The vivid green shade will ensure all eyes are on you, whilst the relaxed fabric and flattering wide leg silhouette will keep you comfy as you cruise. Wear with flat metallic sandals and oversized hoops - we love the Astrid & Miyu Crossing Lines Hoops to complete your look.
With so many ways to enjoy Afternoon Tea, why not make the most of this celebratory week and indulge in a sweet 3pm sit down with friends. Don’t forget to tag us in your Tea selfies @emmawallacedesigner too!