The definitive guide to the world's tea rooms.

Mayfair · London, UK

Brown's Hotel, founded in 1832, serves its historic afternoon tea in the wood-panelled Drawing Room, which has hosted royals, presidents and Hollywood figures over nearly two centuries. The menu features neatly crimped sandwiches, dainty pastries and pillowy scones with fresh cream and jam, paired with a tea library curated with the Rare Tea Company that spans bespoke blends and rare single-origin leaves. Plant-based, Champagne and children's versions are offered, and every Thursday evening the room becomes the 'Drawing Room After Dark' jazz speakeasy.

King Street / Upper King · Charleston

Afternoon tea in Camellias, the jewel-box champagne lounge at Hotel Bennett with an etched-mirror ceiling, crystal chandelier, and marble reclaimed from the historic library that once occupied the site. Tea service features premium teas with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and Lowcountry-inspired pastries at $80 per adult and $55 per child. Seatings run Thursday through Sunday, with an additional late-afternoon seating on Sundays; named a Food Network "Most Instagrammable Restaurant" in South Carolina.

Mayfair · London, UK

Claridge's afternoon tea is prepared and served fresh each day in The Foyer & Reading Room, following the traditional combination of sweet and savoury courses. Sandwiches include smoked Scottish salmon, pastries change with the season, and the tea list features oolongs alongside the house Claridge's Blend. A children's afternoon tea and a seasonal festive menu are also offered.

St James's · London, UK

DUKES London, a boutique hotel established in 1908 in a St James's courtyard minutes from Buckingham Palace, serves afternoon tea in its elegant Drawing Room. The hotel is equally known for DUKES Bar, where martinis are mixed tableside.

Waikiki · Honolulu

Afternoon tea served on the Veranda overlooking the Halekulani's Garden Courtyard, Tuesday through Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 PM with last seating at 4:30 PM. The service features fine international teas, finger sandwiches, and freshly baked cakes and pastries, continuing a tradition dating to the hotel's early years; the Classic Afternoon Tea is listed at $72. Hours shown are tea service times.

Virginia Hunt Country · Middleburg

Afternoon tea at the Five-Star Salamander Middleburg resort, held on select Saturday afternoons at Harrimans with sweeping views of the Virginia countryside. The service features organic teas, refined tea sandwiches, and artful petit fours paired with a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne, at $95 per adult and $45 per child. Reservations are made through OpenTable.