As the holidays approach, an afternoon tea is the perfect event to draw together family members of all ages. Fortunately, Beverly Hills and its neighboring cities boast an exquisite selection of tea services. In this town, traditionalists will be able to find the finest selection of Earl Grey teas and classic scones, while those with an adventurous taste will delight in trendy exotic sweet treats dreamed up by local pastry chefs. And of course, make sure you don’t forget to order Champagne.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Considered by many to be the crème de la crème of afternoon teas, the luxurious service in the Living Room at the Peninsula Beverly Hills is not to be missed. Indeed, attendees will feel positively royal while sipping Dom Pérignon on plush velvet sofas and listening to a classical harpist perform. The Peninsula offers a selection of 20 loose-leaf teas ranging from Earl Grey to a tropical fruity green tea to a buttery smooth Tahitian vanilla tea. Its world-class pastry chefs come up with a different selection of baked delights every month, but guests can always be certain to enjoy the finest finger sandwiches and scones. In the winter, the opulent living room has a wood fireplace offering the perfect place to cozy up with friends and family. Reservations are required and seatings are offered on Wednesday through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
On Saturdays and Sundays, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills boasts an exquisite afternoon tea experience with all the trimmings. Located in the historic hotel’s chic, three-story, Art Deco lobby, the afternoon tea offers the perfect blend of relaxation, indulgence and people-watching. Tea selections include a monsoon chai, vanilla rooibos, lavender Earl Grey and organic peppermint. And, of course, there is an ample supply of Champagne and fine wine on offer, as well as a live harpist. On Nov. 23 and 24, the Lobby Lounge will host its annual Nutcracker Tea in partnership with the Los Angeles Ballet. The event serves as a fundraiser for the ballet and a delightfully whimsical event where young sippers can meet Clara and her doll friends, take photos with Santa and shop at the pop-up L.A. Nutcracker Boutique.
The Maybourne Beverly Hills
Located in the stunning indoor-outdoor Terrace restaurant, the Maybourne’s afternoon tea service offers a California twist on the classic British tradition. Patrons will sip on Laurent-Perrier Champagne while listening to the cascading fountain under the golden afternoon sun. The Maybourne offers a unique black tea blend created exclusively for their sister hotel, Claridge’s in London, which is home to one of the world’s most iconic afternoon teas. They also serve an exquisite selection of sweets, including an exotic baba with passion fruit and mango chutney, dark chocolate pot de crème with hazelnut rocher, pavlova with strawberry and toasted pistachio and a coconut religieuse with lemon curd and baked meringue. The tea service is offered from 2-4 p.m. on weekends.
The London
If you are searching for a classic British afternoon tea, look no further than the London Hotel just over the border from Beverly Hills in West Hollywood. The hotel is proud to honor its English roots by working closely with the world-renowned Henrietta Lovell, founder of the Rare Tea Company, to serve a selection of sustainably sourced tea from producers all over the world. Reservations are required for the tea service, which is served from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on the weekends. Tea sandwiches include a matcha green tea crêpe with smoked salmon and crème fraîche and a peach molasses sandwich with chicken and onion profiterole. Sweet treat highlights include white chocolate dipped strawberries, Battenburg pistachio cake and a lemon verbena meringue tart.
The Getty Villa or Center
Take a step back in time and enjoy afternoon tea by the sea at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. The tea service was inspired by the Getty Villa’s authentically recreated, first-century Roman gardens and by visitors’ fond memories of the beloved Tea Room, which closed in 1997. The sandwiches and pastries feature flavors of the Mediterranean herbs, vegetables and fruits that grow at the Villa. Tea is served at the Villa every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 1-3 p.m. If you are searching for something a little closer to home, The Getty Center in Brentwood also offers a tea service from 2-3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays on the restaurant terrace. Enjoy a selection of savory and sweet snacks as you gaze at the panoramic view. Reservations are required for both services.
