Dearest gentle reader, it appears the social season has arrived… and this time, it's bringing teapots! Afternoon tea has stepped out of the drawing room and onto restaurant menus everywhere.
Inspired by the popularity of period dramas and consumers' growing appetites for memorable dining experiences, high tea has become one of the latest ways to transform an ordinary afternoon into the finest of occasions.
The best part? You don't need white glove service or a room full of antique teacups to make it work. Whether you offer a full afternoon tea service or simply add a few high tea-inspired options, you can create a premium guest experience with strong profit-pouring potential.
Pinkies Up
As a self-proclaimed tea snob, I drink upwards of three cups a day. I’ve enjoyed a proper cuppa at Fortnum & Mason in London and have even taught my coworkers the importance of steeping times.
Tea goes the distance. It's an affordable beverage with centuries of history and an incredible range of flavors and profiles that can completely transform your food pairings. Rather than viewing it as just another beverage category, think of afternoon tea as an event.
A dedicated weekend tea service, seasonal reservation-only offering, or limited-time promotion can create excitement without adding significant labor. Even a simple "Tea for Two" package can elevate slower afternoons, creating organic upselling opportunities.
Drink Like a Viking
It's a personal dream of mine to open a tearoom with a twist. Taking a traditional, elegant tea service and adding a little chaos through unexpected pairings, playful presentations, and even a boozy element — inspired by my Viking roots.
Have you ever tried a tea cocktail? They're ridiculously delicious. Historians and ethnobotanists suggest the legendary Viking Berserker Blend may have steeped henbane leaves to create a potent herbal tea or infused it into alcohol before heading into battle.
While I wouldn't recommend recreating that recipe, it's a fun source of inspiration for modern tea cocktails. Consider starting with a Hibiscus Passion Tea Sangria, a Peach Ginger Tea Cocktail, or experiment with your own signature blend. You may just discover your next unforgettable drink feature.
Power in the Tower
I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want... a tower of tasty bites everywhere I go.
Classic tea sandwiches will always have a place, but in today's TikTok world, unexpected combinations are what get people talking. Keep a few timeless favorites like cucumber with dill cream cheese, chicken salad with grapes and pecans, or this World Dock® Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwich, then surprise guests with a couple of playful ones.
Think fully cooked Ridgecrest® Pulled Pork with peach jam and crispy onions, or whipped ricotta topped with FLAVORSMITH® Sweet Heat Hot Honey and crushed pistachios on toasted brioche. They're easy to execute by cross-utilizing ingredients already in your kitchen, and they give guests a reason to take a pic before taking a bite, especially topped with Peak Fresh Produce® Microgreens & Edible Flowers — they’re so pretty and make perfect toppers!
The sweet and carb-y tiers are where creativity and customization can really shine. Mini cheesecakes, macarons, petit fours, scones, bread with jams and specialty whipped butters, chocolate-dipped fruits, lemon bars, and bite-sized tarts all deliver an elevated presentation without oversized portions.
Just layer in the flavor. Two tiers, three, maybe even four? I want to be wowed by all the colors, textures, and flavors!
Be a Tea-m Player
While I love a good spread, premium tea is the true centerpiece of the experience. Guest House® Premium Teas offer a variety of premium, high-quality tea selections that allow staff to serve an elevated beverage quickly and consistently. Pair them with bake-from-frozen Guest House Gourmet Pastries for artisan-quality treats that are ready in minutes and perfectly complement any opportuni…tea (couldn’t help it).
Of course, tea doesn't have to be the only thing in the cup. There are plenty of ways to elevate an offering with sparkling lemonade, mocktails, Champagne/bubbly upgrades, or tea-infused cocktails. Curated pairings encourage guests to trade up while making the experience feel more personalized.
The beauty of the high-tea trend is its flexibility. Fine dining restaurants can embrace traditional service, cafés can offer afternoon tea flights, hotels can host seasonal tea events, and casual independents can introduce tea-inspired brunch features, dessert pairings, or even themed pop-ups. Whether it's a full-service experience or a simple afternoon special, there's a tea program to fit almost any operation.
Lady Whistledown herself might say, make every reservation the talk of “the Ton”!