Fancy a cup o’ tea? Far from being a British cliché, drinking tea in a breathtaking venue is a prized tradition around the world and these tea rooms prove it! Which one would you love to go to?
The Goring Hotel, London
Named the best tea room for afternoon tea in 2013, the Goring Hotel (of Buckingham Palace, no less) is the quintessential spot to take a cup of arvo tea. Beautiful indoor and outdoor surroundings make the Goring Hotel stand out, along with its excellent service and tea room presentation. Save up for this one, as it’ll set you back approximately £40-65.
Wangye Temple, Zigong
The Chinese are well known for their famous Sichuan tea houses and perhaps one of the most glorious is the 100-year-old Wangye Temple in Zigong, in the Sichuan province. With amazing views of the Fuxi River, this temple is a great place to do what the locals do – enjoy tea, play cards and take in the atmosphere. If you’re in the area during the Spring or Lantern festivals, stopping here is a must.
Dalhousie Castle, Edinburgh
Take your tea inside the incredible setting of a 13th Century castle! Open fires and traditional furniture here make this experience one-of-a-tea-drinking-kind. Of course, you can also indulge further at the castle – there’s a spa offering deluxe facials and treatments, a dungeon restaurant and luxury accommodation to boot.
Adlon Hotel, Berlin
Yep, Germans love their teas too! This cosy tea house sits in an magnificent 5-star hotel and overlooks the Brandenburg Gate. Other than its selection of teas and pastries (not to mention its impeccable service and live piano music), this tea room is famed for attracting celebrities like Tom Cruise and the Dalai Lama.
The Fourteas, Stratford-upon-Avon
This gorgeous 1940s-themed tea room is all the rage to visitors and locals in Shakespeare’s birth town. Complete with 1940s music and décor, and even waiters dressed in 1940s outfits, an afternoon at the Fourteas will be loads of fun. The classic food is also made from fresh, local produce.
Queen Mary Tea Room, Seattle
The Queen Mary Tea Room is the place to go if you’ve ever wanted to feel like royalty while sipping a cup of tea. With a wonderfully Victorian atmosphere, visitors here can choose from a range of teas, discuss the fine English bone china or even don a Tiara!
Hua Tai Cha So, Tokyo
You 05/be dazzled in Shibuya by the flashing lights and the colourful signage, but this tea house is worth seeking out. Complete with four floors of tea and a dedicated sit-down tea room, this place is wonderful if you want to take a timeout from the Tokyo streets. There are plenty of tea supplies and souvenirs for sale, too.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austrian Alps
It seems that afternoon tea doesn’t get any higher or more breathtaking than this! 10,000 feet up in the Austrian Alps, tea lovers can ascend Wildspitze mountain and enjoy a cuppa while overlooking the panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Tea-tastic!