One of my favorite pastimes and pleasures is enjoying High Tea! Here's a photo of me at my 9th birthday party, celebrating with tea at Murray’s in downtown Minneapolis. This is where my love for high tea began.
High Tea was created to “fill the gap” between the lunch hour and a later dinner. There’s so much history around high tea and all of the etiquette that goes along with it. A goal of mine is to enjoy tea at the Ritz in London. Just thinking about it brings me so much joy and anticipation!
How can we enjoy High Tea here in the Twin Cities? There are actually more options than you’d realize and I definitely have favorites!
Saint Paul Hotel has a beautiful tea. We’ve gone for Mother’s Day and Christmas. (website)
The Lynhall in Edina is a place where Will and I had tea last year. It’s in a convenient location and we had a really lovely time. Will doesn’t share my love for high tea and he enjoyed himself too. We are going to have to go back because they offer a gluten-free tea service! (website)
The Mad Hatter in Anoka is where we celebrated my sister-in-law Didi’s upcoming marriage to my brother Jon. It was so fun to celebrate her and enjoy tea. We wore our fascinator hats and had a great time. (website)
Nicollet Island Inn in Minneapolis only offers tea occasionally, not regularly, so you have to watch for it. We celebrated my mom’s 70th birthday there with many of her lady friends. (website)
The Westin in Edina has some of the best high tea food I've had since Murray's! My mom and I did this tea a few years ago for her birthday and we loved it. Highly recommended. (website)
What about if you're traveling? Here are some ideas:
The Plaza Hotel in New York City has a beautiful tea in The Palm Court. I was there in 6th grade and can’t wait to get back and try it again as an adult! (website)
The Waldorf Astoria was a place we just visited when we were in Washington, D.C. They only offer tea service Thursday-Sunday at 11am and 2pm, and you need reservations. And with advance notice, they even have a gluten-free tea service! (website)
The Ritz in London is definitely on my list to try! Wouldn’t this be wonderful at Christmastime? (website)
Wisteria Twig Tea Room in Red Wing is one I haven't checked out yet, but we love going to Red Wing, so we need to! (website)
Lowell Inn in Stillwater needs 24 hours notice and is a very approachable tea service at only $24. They also have a holiday tea! (website)
Let me know if you love high tea as much as I do! When we travel, I’m always looking for a fun activity such as high tea. Someday I would love to see Murray’s bring back their high tea service, even if it is just for a special occasion. I would definitely be there.
Until then…pinkies up!
