Guests enjoy Afternoon Tea at Washington Duke Inn's Fairview Dining Room; serving tea sandwiches, house made scones and a variety of sweets. (Discover Durham)
Celebrate any occasion at afternoon tea with elegant three-tiered trays filled with dainty cucumber sandwiches, colorful macarons, and scrumptious scones.
When Queen Charlotte in the Netflix series “Bridgerton” sits for afternoon tea, it’s an elegant affair that takes place every single say. These days, we celebrate birthdays, holidays, special milestones, and “just because” with afternoon tea or high tea. We may don a fascinator or a classic wide-brimmed or pillbox hat and pretend we are royalty for the day.
Kym Brown, proprietor of A Southern Cup Fine Teas in Hendersonville, believes the Duchess of Bedford is credited with inventing afternoon tea. In 1840s Europe, dinner was late, eaten around 8 p.m.
“Afternoon tea was meant to tide people over until dinner,” Brown says. “When it was initially established, Lady Bedford would get a sinking feeling around 2 o’clock. She asked her lady’s maid if she could get her some tea and cake. She would invite people over, and she’d offer tea and cake to whoever was visiting with her.”
High tea, a heartier meal, served as dinner for the working class in England. Breads, fish, meats, and vegetables were set out at a dining room or kitchen table with tea. Brown serves an English High Tea in the fall, featuring three types of meat pies, salads, soups, and desserts.
“One of the things I was told is that it was called high tea because it was served at a high table,” Brown explains. “High tea was for after work.”
Brown suggests wearing business casual for the occasion and adding a hat and heels. Expect to make reservations for tea; sometimes, tax and gratuity are not included in the costs.
“Tea is not about rushing,” Brown says. “It’s an opportunity for you to relax, sip your tea. It’s not gulp; it’s sip. Enjoy the experience.”
These 13 venues host afternoon tea and high tea throughout North Carolina:
1. The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte
Charlotte
The Ballantyne serves a variety of tea blends from Rare Tea Company, the official tea of the Royal Family, during its afternoon tea in the hotel’s Lobby and Ryal Bar.
Expect light bites, seasonal scones, tea sandwiches, and sweet and savory pastries. Themed tea events elevate the experience with centerpieces, decorations, and pastries to commemorate the occasion. Dig out your whimsical hats and colorful purses–some themes encourage wearing costumes to tea.
When: 1-4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Additional monthly themed teas are offered throughout the year: Spring Soiree, April 19 and 20; Mother Daughter Tea, May 10 and 11; and Garden Party Afternoon Tea, June 21 and 22.
Cost: $49 for adults and $29 for children ages 12 and under
Reservations: Reserve a space at the tea online.
Tea at The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Charlotte. (Raymond J Photography)
2. Bé-Em Asian Kitchen
Charlotte
Loan Tran, owner of Bé-Em Asian Kitchen, offers a twist on afternoon tea at her Charlotte restaurant. If requested, the menu can also include items from Vegan Delights.
“East meets West sort of food: tea cakes, tea cookies, waffles, then we also have the savory wonton bites, spring rolls, and dumplings,” Tran says. “The West have afternoon tea, the East have Dimsum, so I combined them into one to make myself happy.”
When: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday
Cost: $25 per person
Reservations: Reserve space online.
3. The Book & Bee Cafe & Tea
Hendersonville
The Book & Bee highlights authors and literary moments in each of its rooms. The Afternoon Tea features classics such as cucumber sandwiches, chicken salad, egg salad, and spinach feta pinwheels. Scones, Devonshire cream, and a variety of dessert bites are also served.
“Our teas are unique blends such as a bourbon black tea named in honor of Jay Gatsby, and a unique Blueberry Maple Herbal Rooibos named The Hobbit,” says The Book & Bee’s owner Victoria Cummins. “All of our teas and menu items are linked to literature in some way.”
When: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday
Cost: $41 for adults and $20.50 for children 12 and under
Reservations: Call 828-845-4242 at least 24 hours in advance.
An afternoon tea spread at The Book & Bee. (The Book & Bee )
4. Crown & Thistle Tea Room
Waynesville
Visit Crown & Thistle Tea Room for its Classic Afternoon Tea. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats,, or they can choose soup and a scone. Once a month, children aged 5 to 12 may participate in the Children’s Tea Time.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday through Monday
Cost: $40 per person, including tax and gratuity
Reservations: Reserve space online. Guests must be over 13 years of age.
5. The Fearrington House Restaurant
Pittsboro
Fearrington Village, a walkable property with cafes, restaurants and boutique shops, hosts afternoon tea at The Fearrington House Restaurant. The team of bakers makes everything in-house including biscuits, breads, jams, and scones; all served with a signature Fearrington house tea. The Prince and Princess Tea, for children under 12, features colorful pastries and a fancy version of a PB&J sandwich.
When: 12-3 p.m., Thursday through Sunday
Cost: $65 per person, $35 for children under 12 years old
Reservations: Call 919-542-2121
Afternoon tea at The Fearrington House Restaurant. (Fearrington Inn)
6. High Country Tea & Grazing Room
West Jefferson
The tea experience at High Country Tea & Grazing Room changes monthly. Guests begin by selecting from one of 16 house-curated teas and then choosing the daily soup or seasonal salad. The tiers with savory bites and sandwiches, country cheese biscuits, fruit scones, and mini desserts arrive next.
“High Country Tea & Grazing Room offers a unique immersive experience for guests seeking relaxation, indulgence, and connection,” says Michella Allen, the tea room’s chef and owner.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday
Cost: $42 per person
Reservations: Call 336-846-3000 to reserve space.
7. Lazy Fox Lavender Farm
Cameron
The High Tea experience at Lazy Fox Lavender Farm includes sweets, savories, scones, whipped lavender butter, and a selection of fine teas and lavender lemonade.
“The tea parties at Lazy Fox Lavender Farm are more than just an event—it’s an experience steeped in charm, history, and tradition,” says Lindsey Lochner, Lazy Fox Lavender Farm owner. “From the moment you arrive at our 1910 farmhouse, you’re welcomed into a world where time slows down and the simple pleasures of life take center stage.
“Held on the veranda, our tea parties bring the elegance of a bygone era to life. Tables are adorned with lace, fresh lavender, and fine china, setting the stage for a truly enchanting gathering.”
When: High tea is offered twice a month in April, May, and June, on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. A Christmas tea is planned for December.
Cost: $65 per person
Reservations: Reserve space online. High tea is recommended for children older than 6 years.
Lazy Fox Lavender Farm. (Michaela Bryant Photo)
8. O.Henry Hotel
Greensboro
Travel to O.Henry Hotel for its afternoon tea tradition. Vanilla scones, cucumber and dill cream cheese sandwiches, smoked salmon mini crumpets, and spicy cheddar wafers are a few of the savory items on the menu. French vanilla macarons, mini tarts, cookies, and Australian lamingtons, cake coated in chocolate syrup and rolled in coconut, fill one of the trays.
Look for special tea dates throughout the year. The Mad Hatter Tea is on June 22 at 11 a.m.
When: 2-5 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; 12-2 p.m., Thursday; 12-5 p.m., Friday through Sunday
Cost: $8 to $93
Reservations: Reserve space at the Mad Hatter Tea here. All other reservations are made through Open Table.
Mad Hatter Tea inside the O.Henry Hotel. (O.Henry Hotel and Proximity Hotels).
9. Pandora’s Manor
High Point
Hosted a few times a year by Daniella Woody, the innkeeper, High Tea at Pandora’s Manor includes three courses. Woody often partners with High Point Museum to teach history and high tea etiquette to guests while they’re nibbling on homemade treats.
When: 1-4 p.m., May 17
Cost: $60 per person
Reservations: Reserve space online.
10. Royster House
Shelby
Built in 1910, the Royster House is a community treasure. Tea party guests receive a tour of the home’s ironwork, mantels, multiple fireplaces, and stained glass windows. Hats are provided, and pictures are encouraged.
Expect scones with cream and jam, cucumber sandwiches, and assorted sweet and savory treats.
When: Tea parties are planned in conjunction with Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Christmas. The next one is April 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $30 per person
Reservations: Call 704-796-0757 for reservations. Children are welcome.
An elegant dining room at the Royster House. (Royster House)
11. A Southern Cup Fine Tea
Hendersonville
Inside a 100-year-old building that once served as the feed and seed shop in Hendersonville is A Southern Cup Fine Teas. Its traditional afternoon tea includes egg salad, cucumber, and chicken salad sandwiches, three different types of desserts, scones, and tea.
“I have a variety of teas, from the traditional teas like English breakfast and Earl Grey to fun teas like red high heels and a chocolate Rooibos tea and pralines at midnight, a black tea,” says Kym Brown, A Southern Cup’s owner.
When: Noon-4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday
Cost: $24.95 per person
Reservations: Call 844-596-7832 to make reservations.
A Southern Cup’s Kym Brown. (Tim Robison)
12. Uptown Tea Shop
Waxhaw
The Uptown Tea Shop offers high tea in a restored house in downtown Waxhaw. Munch on sandwiches and scones provided by Simply Bougie Luxury Picnics while surrounded by an eclectic array of art from the Eight Legs Gallery.
The menu of desserts, quiche, soup, and scones rotates and is posted online for each high tea date. Look for High Tea for Kids, specifically for children ages 5 to 9, on the calendar.
When: 11:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday
Cost: $45.95 per person
Reservations: Call 734-777-4870 to reserve space.
13. Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club
Durham
Sip on tea sourced from The Republic of Tea in the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club’s Fairview Dining Room, which overlooks the 18-hole Duke University Golf Course and Duke Forest.
Crafted sandwiches, sweets, and golden-baked scones are presented on a traditional tiered stand. The scones are served with clotted cream, strawberry preserves, and lemon curd. Add a glass of sparkling wine, a Mimosa, or a Kir Royale cocktail with the Tea Royale option. Gluten-free options are available.
When: 2:30-4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
Cost: $55 for the Afternoon Tea, $65 for Tea Royale, $40 for children 12 and under
Reservations: Reserve space at least 24 hours in advance by calling 919-493-6699.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Author
6 places to munch on mochi donuts in North Carolina
Mochi donuts are, as they say, trending in a big way. Here are a handful of locations across North Carolina to get them. With their bright colors,...
Best places for mocktails in Asheville
Whether you're sober or participating in "Dry January," check out these eight spots for delicious mocktails in Asheville, North Carolina. It's a...
The 28 best BBQ joints in NC, according to Reddit
North Carolina is a barbecue lover’s paradise, where smoky aromas and rich flavors tell a story of tradition, pride, and culinary craftsmanship....
Get nostalgic at North Carolina’s old-fashioned soda fountains
Old-fashioned soda fountains are a thing of the past, but some North Carolina establishments are still operating well into the new millennium. When...
