Best Spots to Sip Piping Hot Afternoon Tea in Dublin
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Instgram
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Instgram
Did you know there’s a whole week-long celebration dedicated to the ritual of afternoon tea? Well, there is, and it’s happening right now. The last day of Afternoon Tea Week is Sunday so we still have time to make a rezzie and raise a fine china cup and celebrate the occasion. So why not take a look at these beautiful spots to treat yourself to a hot gossip session over piping hot pots of tea and a selection of delectable sweet and savoury snacks?
History of Afternoon Tea
This tradition of afternoon tea began in the early 1840s. Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, is alleged to have kickstarted the trend when she found herself feeling a bit peckish between lunch and dinner and needed something to tide her over.
Girl, same.
To sort out her tummy rumbles, she started sneaking in a little snack at around 4 p.m. every day, accompanied by a spot of tea to wash it all down and give her a bit of a pick-me-up. Soon, all the hot girls in town were merrily munching on daily culinary delights of savoury sandwiches and indulgent sweet treats. It’s a tradition that endures, although now it’s more of a special treat than an everyday affair.
Chester Beatty Library
This is afternoon tea with a twist. Inspired by the Eastern art and artefacts on display at the Chester Beatty, there are none of the traditional afternoon tea signatures. No bland cucumber sandwiches or dry scones and clotted cream here. You can expect savoury dishes like Palestinian chicken and falafel, alongside sweet treats like Indian burfi and Persian love cakes. It’s not an afternoon tea that you’ll find anywhere else, and it’s also the most affordable offering on this list.
The Teas & Cs
Afternoon tea is served on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with sittings at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. They can accommodate most dietary requirements, just let them know when you purchase your tea. Unfortunatly they cannot guarantee safety if you have a nut allergy.
The Coins:
€35 pp
Clontarf, Howth, Tara Street
When you think of afternoon tea, you might picture very posh, over-the-top luxury hotels and tea rooms. At Póg, you’re not getting white glove service, but you are getting great food and hospitality — just without the awkward stuffiness. Plus, the afternoon tea here is a proper feed. Falafel wraps and chorizo chicken flatbreads fill you up and satisfy. As you work your way up the tiered layers, you’ll find yourself faced with sweet and savoury loaded toasts that segue nicely into the desserts. Along with unlimited tea and coffee, you can refresh with superfood smoothie shots, so you’ll feel healthy about having cakes for lunch. Plus, there is a vegan menu and the option for bottomless fizz, which is a big “yes please” from me.
The Teas & Cs
Afternoon tea is served in Póg’s branches in Tara Street, Howth, and Clontarf all day on weekdays and from 2 p.m. on weekends. You must book 48 hours in advance.
The Coins:
€38 pp
€45 pp with a glass of bubbles
€55 bottomless
Balfe Street
The Westbury
Balfe Street
One of Dublin’s iconic historic hotels, The Westbury really This is a bucket-list afternoon tea experience. What makes this experience truly special is the location and the view. If you get a seat by the window and peer down over the hustle and bustle of the Grafton Street area, it makes the moment even more serene. The tea service pays homage to Lady Augusta Gregory, the co-founder of the Abbey Theatre. The team of chefs here create desserts inspired by her plays that have graced the boards of the Abbey over the last 120 years. This is the ultimate old-school, boujee afternoon tea, with quaint silver teapots and a champagne trolley service. It’s giving Titanic—without the water and tragedy.
The Teas & Cs
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus are available. Afternoon tea is served from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday. Book on their website.
The Coins:
€70 pp
€93 pp with champagne
Grafton Street
We all have special memories of Bewley’s. The Dublin icon has been keeping hungry and tired shoppers fed up for decades. I get my life watching the boujee Betties swoop into Bewley’s, desperate to rest their weary Louboutin-clad feet in a moment of respite from a Sex and the City-style manic shopping frenzy. My Bank of Ireland app says this is not my future, but I can get a little fancy treat in Bewley’s alonside my more affluent sisters to make feel closer to the lifestyle. The tea service at Bewley’s is still a little spenny, but it’s cheaper than other spots on this list, placing it at a mid-range level cost, meaning I can work it into my budget when I need a little moment of self-love. Obviously, Bewley’s knows how to do tea. It’s kind of their thing, and you’re in good hands with the baked goods too. The savoury and sweet treats are prepared in their in-house bakery, so it’s all freshly made.
The Teas & Cs
Tea is served Monday to Sunday with sittings at 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. Advance booking is required.
The Coins:
€49 pp
St Stephen’s Green
The Shelbourne is ‘That Girl’ when it comes to ultimate Dublin luxury. She is the icon, she is the moment, she is the diva. Reserved for the most special of occasions, The Shelbourne turns it out with the silver service. The Lord Mayor’s Lounge is the most opulent and quintessential setting for a posh tea. Overlooking St Stephen’s Green, it really is something special. You feel the history in the air here. And in fact, right now, they’re celebrating their big 200th birthday with a special line-up of treats inspired by recipes from the 1800s. The Peach Melba-inspired number, for example, includes a peach compote and raspberry gel enclosed in vanilla mascarpone cream atop a buttery rich shortbread base. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Teas & Cs
Tea is served Monday to Sunday with sittings at 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5p.m. Advance booking is required.
The Coins:
€68 pp
From €88 pp with champagne
Merrion Street Upper
The drawing room of The Merrion is bright and elegant, with all the glamour of high-end luxury but still really chic and contemporary. But it’s the tea service itself that really makes this one spcial. The afternoon tea here is a work of art. Literally. The pastries and cakes served are inspired by masterpieces of the 19th and 20th centuries by the likes of J.B. Yeats and William Scott. The treats are the most visually impressive and stimulating dishes I’ve ever had the pleasure to munch on. So delicate and detailed, you’ll be scratching your head wondering, “How the hell did the pastry chef pull this off?” And they taste as good as they look, of course.
The Teas & Cs
Art Tea is served daily at 12:30pm, 1pm, 3:30pm and 4pm. Modifications can be made to accommodate gluten free diners. Book online in advance
The Coins:
€62.50 pp
€82.50 pp with champagne
