Opinions Please...Where to go for High Tea

[travelluver]

Please excuse me if this inquiry is redundent...I tried searching for "high tea" and I got a ton of other "highs" ...high heels, high floor, you get the picture. When I typed in "tea" I was told the inquiry was short a letter for the required four!! In any case...

I am taking my niece to Paris in July to celebrate her 16th birthday. Am thinking of reserving high tea at one of the luxury hotels. Can anyone give info on prices, and which might be the best experience? As most 16 year olds, I think she wouldn't be happy with cucumber sandwiches, but maybe little ham, cheese, chicken, or beef...and of course, lovely pastries!

Thanks, as always.

[holger]

High Tea is a very British affair and I could certainly suggest places in London, or elsewhere in the British Isles. In several trips to Paris have never thought about having it there although I do prefer tea to coffee. It is possible that some of the fancy hotels might serve it or one of the department stores along with a fashion show. I vaguely recall a thread with contributions by GraceJoan about shows and either tea or lunch. that was a while ago.

However, why not try something more typically French. You might go for dessert and hot chocolate at Angelina's. I know it is not to everyone's taste but I try to goat least once every trip.

[travelluver]

Thanks for the quick reply... Angelina is already on our list!
I was thinking Id like to show her one or two of the grand hotels, and can't take her to the bar, so thought tea might be a good choice.

[denise]

I think what you are thinking of is Afternoon tea, which is usually a selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes and of course tea, often with a glass of champagne

High tea is something else, a proper early evening meal, and we have had that discussion here before

All the posh hotels will probably do it, but I know the Four Seasons George V definatly does because they were serving it last year when I met Gitte there for a "pot of tea".

I cannot vouch for the Afternoon tea experience but I can say they really know how to make and serve a "proper" pot of English tea and serve chocolates, nuts and nibbles with it.

www.fourseasons.com/afternoon_tea/

Laduree would also be a place that comes to mind. I feel you would probably have a more French experience there.

www.fourseasons.com/afternoon_tea/

Denise
Love from England

[sistereurope]

the Georges V, here:
www.fourseasons.com/paris/dining/la_galerie.html
We saw some families having tea there when we TRIED to get into the bar. I can't imagine any place more elegant...and probably very expensive. But it would be memorable I'm sure....

[Jody]

Didn't Gitte and some others have a fancy tea somewhere on their last trip or so.

[denise]

, I think Gitte and sistereurope tried to get in the bar on New Years Day but it was full.

The WW+1 all had afternoon tea in London.

I went three times on my July trip, once to meet Gitte and once to meet Michael and Michael and I met her there once. Every time we had a pot of tea. No meal.....I wish!

If I ever win the lottery, the George V is the place I would go to contemplate what I would do with the money! ;D ;D ;D

Denise
love from England

[Anne]

Feb 28, 2010 12:09:57 GMT -5 travelluver said:

I was thinking Id like to show her one or two of the grand hotels, and can't take her to the bar, so thought tea might be a good choice.

Why can't you take her to the bar
No one will deny her access to the bar, whatever her age.

[travelluver]

Thanks for the suggestions! Yes Denise, you are right, I was really thinking of afternoon tea.
I will check out the George V. Anne, I am always ready for a coupe de champagne, but alas, the once or twice my niece had it she wrinkled up her nose unhappily. Hopefully, she will grow into loving it!

[gertie]

What about tea at Mosquée de Paris little tea room? It would be very different from a London afternoon tea, but it would, I think, be very Paris to go there for the sweet mint tea and a selection of treats. Also, what about one a salon de thé?

Ladurée has a very refined tea salon, if you want to go the very limit. www.laduree.fr/public_en/maisons/maisons_accueil.htm for information on locations, and I think you can reserve for tea online. I often see Le Bristol mentioned for afternoon tea as well. Mariage Freres serves cakes with tea which I have heard several rave about. (http://www.parisbestlodge.com/mysteriousmaraismariage.html << A bit more information about Mariage Freres.) Carette at Trocadero Place is known for their fresh madeleines or palmières I have been told (I have a friend from Lille who wants to take me there on my next visit).

I actually stopped into a salon we happened to be near when a quick afternoon shower passed through while in Paris with my daughter. It was the one place on that trip to Paris we ever saw that was completely packed - with locals speaking French, no less. As I recall, a pot of tea was quite reasonable, and then we each selected a treat. Prices depended, we thought them a little high until we saw the magnificent tarts. Quite large, studded with dozens of raspberries, and a tower of real whipped cream, ooooh la la! I understand there are entire guides of tea rooms in Paris, so I think you'll find plenty of selection if you think this sort of tea will do.

[sdtraveller]

I would suggest one of the three locations of Mariage Freres.

www.mariagefreres.com/

[holger]

The Hotel Bristol in Paris is having a Fashion show and High Tea mid March. You might want to contact them to see if they have anything similar planned for July.

Also wondered if you would be there during the sales? Your niece might enjoy that.

[travelluver]

Yes, we will be there for the sales, and have allowed
plenty of time for shopping!!!