High tea is a social event that goes way back in the aristocratic circles of the former British Empire. But by the 1700s, pairing a light afternoon meal of sandwiches, scones and cakes with tea had become all the rage with working-class English families as well. Today, high tea remains a popular way to warm up on a chilly winter day – even here in Seattle. Dress up in your dapper best or go casual to any one of these places for a delicious winter high tea experience.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel: Holiday Tea
December 1-15 & 16-30, 2024
Olympic Bar Hours: December 1-15, Friday, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
George Hours: December 16-30, Monday-Sunday, 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Olympic Bar & The George, 411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101
Cost: $95 per person, $50 per child (ages 5-12) at Olympic Bar. The George is $110 per adult, $50 per child (ages 5-12)
Celebrate tradition with Fairmont’s 100th Anniversary Festive Tea. Enjoy a special blend and take-home gift in the timeless charm of the Olympic Bar (December 1-15). The George will have the holiday tea from December 16-30. Gather with loved ones over fine loose-leaf tea, house-made scones, holiday cookies, pastries, and sweets. Reservations required.
Cafe Flora Holiday Tea
December 9-13, & 16-20 2024. 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Cafe Flora, 2901 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112
Cost: $55 per adult, $25 per child.
Cafe Flora and The Flora Bakehouse are bringing back their popular Holiday Tea this December for the second year! Tea will be offered for a limited run, available December 9-13 and 16-20, with both adult and children’s tea trays available. Each adult receives a pot of tea of their choice, and children can choose herbal tea or hot cocoa.
Paisley Parlour in Issaquah
A modern and chic establishment located in Gilman Village, the Paisley Parlour high tea service is available at a variety of levels to suit small or large parties or appetites. Sugar cookies and pink lemonade are a kid favorite here; adults may have a hard time choosing from the wide variety of baked goods, sandwiches and hot teas. Take your tea in or take a box to-go for a picnic tea at a nearby park, beach or at home.
Hours: Monday-Friday., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday., 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Paisley Parlour, 317 NW Gilman Blvd #49, Issaquah, WA 98027
Cost: Pricing is $62 per adult and $28 per child.
The Lodge at St. Edward Park in Kenmore
Hours: Thursdays & Fridays, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Lodge at St Edward Park, 14477 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028
Cost: $72 per person, reserve your spot here.
Served every Thursday and Friday from 2:30-4:30 p.m., afternoon tea at The Lodge at St Edward Park includes a variety of foods fit for a young prince or princess with an adventurous palate. How adventurous? They’ll be feasting on beet-marinated deviled eggs, smoked salmon sandwiches and macarons. A post-tea walk or playground session in adjacent St. Edward State Park rounds out a wonderful afternoon. They also have a Black Friday afternoon tea session.
Queen Mary Tea Room in Seattle
America’s oldest independently owned tea room, the Queen Mary Tea Room offers brunch and lunch in addition to high tea. Dine on English favorites like bangers and mash or curry beef pastis. Reserve a spot for children’s afternoon tea, great for kids under the age of 10, and nibble on purple cotton candy, royal chocolate fudge tea cake and Queen mum’s shortbread. Round out your afternoon with a visit to the Tea Emporium and stock up on your favorite loose-leaf tea. Guests not ordering full meals are welcome on a “first come, first served” basis
Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, Brunch, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Lunch, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: 2912 NE 55th St, Seattle, WA 98105
