Afternoon Tea -- Where to Go?

[Anonymous]

WhT is the $90/person for?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WhT is the $90/person for?

Tea, food, and atmosphere. Details regarding all of the food are in a pp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Peacock Alley at the Willard.

Went there recently and it was terrible. Do not recommend!

Really? I'm the OP who was there today. We enjoyed it a lot.

I do admit service wasn't great (they didn't bring cream for the tea and it took me forever to flag someone down to ask for it, and when I asked for it the waiter snottily told me that cream doesn't go with the tea I ordered and I had to show him I'd ordered black tea and then he said "Oh, yes, you can have it with that kind" and went and got it, so yeah, that was super weird and annoying--I think I know whether or not I want cream in my tea). And I was thirsty and drank my water pretty much right after sitting down and they didn't refill it until I was about to leave. So I wasn't crazy about the service, but it certainly wasn't terrible. The scones were fantastic, the clotted cream/jams/lemon curd were excellent, the tea sandwiches fine (nothing to write home about) and the dessert pastries fine (again nothing to write home about).

Honestly, for $90/pp, I’d expect superb service. $90 for tea, tiny tea sandwiches, scones and some mini desserts? Sounds like a rip off to me. I’d be disappointed and would not sign up for Christmas. Seriously, almost $200 for 2 people for some tea. I could find much better ways to spend my money with better food and service.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't serve cream with tea, you add milk

+1000

It’s afternoon tea, it’s served with milk!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Peacock Alley at the Willard.

Went there recently and it was terrible. Do not recommend!

Really? I'm the OP who was there today. We enjoyed it a lot.

I do admit service wasn't great (they didn't bring cream for the tea and it took me forever to flag someone down to ask for it, and when I asked for it the waiter snottily told me that cream doesn't go with the tea I ordered and I had to show him I'd ordered black tea and then he said "Oh, yes, you can have it with that kind" and went and got it, so yeah, that was super weird and annoying--I think I know whether or not I want cream in my tea). And I was thirsty and drank my water pretty much right after sitting down and they didn't refill it until I was about to leave. So I wasn't crazy about the service, but it certainly wasn't terrible. The scones were fantastic, the clotted cream/jams/lemon curd were excellent, the tea sandwiches fine (nothing to write home about) and the dessert pastries fine (again nothing to write home about).

Honestly, for $90/pp, I’d expect superb service. $90 for tea, tiny tea sandwiches, scones and some mini desserts? Sounds like a rip off to me. I’d be disappointed and would not sign up for Christmas. Seriously, almost $200 for 2 people for some tea. I could find much better ways to spend my money with better food and service.

One is paying for the experience of having afternoon tea at The Willard. The tables are very pretty and there is a harpist. They have a large menu of teas to choose from. The Christmas decorations are going to be magical. If that doesn't interest you and you feel like there are better ways to spend your money, then by all means don't go. DH and I made an afternoon of it, strolling past the White House and then going for tea. It as fun. We don't have a problem spending $200 on a novel afternoon activity on a Saturday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's a lovely place in Annapolis if you are interested in driving that far. I like it because it is more casual than the fancy hotel teas.

Reynolds Tavern
https://reynoldstavern.org/afternoon-tea-lunch-menu

Love this place. It’s definitely a casual experience but the selection of teas is great and the regular entrees were good too.

Yes... And the price is much more affordadable!

[Anonymous]

My mom and daughter just went to the Willard. It was excellent. The service was incredible. There was an odd incident with another guest that was totally out of the venue’s control, but the server noticed on her own accord and really went above to ensure it remained a perfect experience.

[Anonymous]

I can’t believe I just said the Willard. The St Regis!!! Not the Willard (I don’t love the hall set up)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Peacock Alley at the Willard.

Went there recently and it was terrible. Do not recommend!

Really? I'm the OP who was there today. We enjoyed it a lot.

I do admit service wasn't great (they didn't bring cream for the tea and it took me forever to flag someone down to ask for it, and when I asked for it the waiter snottily told me that cream doesn't go with the tea I ordered and I had to show him I'd ordered black tea and then he said "Oh, yes, you can have it with that kind" and went and got it, so yeah, that was super weird and annoying--I think I know whether or not I want cream in my tea). And I was thirsty and drank my water pretty much right after sitting down and they didn't refill it until I was about to leave. So I wasn't crazy about the service, but it certainly wasn't terrible. The scones were fantastic, the clotted cream/jams/lemon curd were excellent, the tea sandwiches fine (nothing to write home about) and the dessert pastries fine (again nothing to write home about).

Honestly, for $90/pp, I’d expect superb service. $90 for tea, tiny tea sandwiches, scones and some mini desserts? Sounds like a rip off to me. I’d be disappointed and would not sign up for Christmas. Seriously, almost $200 for 2 people for some tea. I could find much better ways to spend my money with better food and service.

That’s nice. So you should do you.

As for me, I have a few delightfully happy memories of tea at the Willard (plus a few holiday dinners), a few luncheons at Lord and Taylor’s tea rooms, and other special-to-me outings with my parents. I’m glad that they decided that these experiences were worth it.

[Anonymous]

My in-laws do tea as a holiday tradition and were just able to get reservations at the Four Seasons. I think they weren't available online but my MIL called and got a table. Just an FYI for anyone who might want holiday reservation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Peacock Alley at the Willard.

Went there recently and it was terrible. Do not recommend!

Really? I'm the OP who was there today. We enjoyed it a lot.

I do admit service wasn't great (they didn't bring cream for the tea and it took me forever to flag someone down to ask for it, and when I asked for it the waiter snottily told me that cream doesn't go with the tea I ordered and I had to show him I'd ordered black tea and then he said "Oh, yes, you can have it with that kind" and went and got it, so yeah, that was super weird and annoying--I think I know whether or not I want cream in my tea). And I was thirsty and drank my water pretty much right after sitting down and they didn't refill it until I was about to leave. So I wasn't crazy about the service, but it certainly wasn't terrible. The scones were fantastic, the clotted cream/jams/lemon curd were excellent, the tea sandwiches fine (nothing to write home about) and the dessert pastries fine (again nothing to write home about).

Tea.with cream is blasphemy. But of course I'm an anglo lifelong tea drinker.

NP. Then why is it consistently served with cream and sugar?

Also, you’re pretty uppity for someone who can’t manage a single sentence without a punctuation error.

Where is tea ever served with cream? Honest question. I've never had tea served with cream. Milk, yes, but never cream.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Peacock Alley at the Willard.

Went there recently and it was terrible. Do not recommend!

Really? I'm the OP who was there today. We enjoyed it a lot.

I do admit service wasn't great (they didn't bring cream for the tea and it took me forever to flag someone down to ask for it, and when I asked for it the waiter snottily told me that cream doesn't go with the tea I ordered and I had to show him I'd ordered black tea and then he said "Oh, yes, you can have it with that kind" and went and got it, so yeah, that was super weird and annoying--I think I know whether or not I want cream in my tea). And I was thirsty and drank my water pretty much right after sitting down and they didn't refill it until I was about to leave. So I wasn't crazy about the service, but it certainly wasn't terrible. The scones were fantastic, the clotted cream/jams/lemon curd were excellent, the tea sandwiches fine (nothing to write home about) and the dessert pastries fine (again nothing to write home about).

Honestly, for $90/pp, I’d expect superb service. $90 for tea, tiny tea sandwiches, scones and some mini desserts? Sounds like a rip off to me. I’d be disappointed and would not sign up for Christmas. Seriously, almost $200 for 2 people for some tea. I could find much better ways to spend my money with better food and service.

That’s nice. So you should do you.

As for me, I have a few delightfully happy memories of tea at the Willard (plus a few holiday dinners), a few luncheons at Lord and Taylor’s tea rooms, and other special-to-me outings with my parents. I’m glad that they decided that these experiences were worth it.

It probably cost a lot less back then. $90 is such a waste

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Peacock Alley at the Willard.

Went there recently and it was terrible. Do not recommend!

Really? I'm the OP who was there today. We enjoyed it a lot.

I do admit service wasn't great (they didn't bring cream for the tea and it took me forever to flag someone down to ask for it, and when I asked for it the waiter snottily told me that cream doesn't go with the tea I ordered and I had to show him I'd ordered black tea and then he said "Oh, yes, you can have it with that kind" and went and got it, so yeah, that was super weird and annoying--I think I know whether or not I want cream in my tea). And I was thirsty and drank my water pretty much right after sitting down and they didn't refill it until I was about to leave. So I wasn't crazy about the service, but it certainly wasn't terrible. The scones were fantastic, the clotted cream/jams/lemon curd were excellent, the tea sandwiches fine (nothing to write home about) and the dessert pastries fine (again nothing to write home about).

Honestly, for $90/pp, I’d expect superb service. $90 for tea, tiny tea sandwiches, scones and some mini desserts? Sounds like a rip off to me. I’d be disappointed and would not sign up for Christmas. Seriously, almost $200 for 2 people for some tea. I could find much better ways to spend my money with better food and service.

That’s nice. So you should do you.

As for me, I have a few delightfully happy memories of tea at the Willard (plus a few holiday dinners), a few luncheons at Lord and Taylor’s tea rooms, and other special-to-me outings with my parents. I’m glad that they decided that these experiences were worth it.

It probably cost a lot less back then. $90 is such a waste

It's $90 per person. So, $200 including tax and gratuity for a pot of tea and some tiny sandwiches and tiny pastries that are not even worth $5. Thin slices of cucumbers, egg salad, a mini eclair, etc. You could eat like a king at Ruth Chris and have great atmosphere and ambiance. It is a huge waste.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Peacock Alley at the Willard.

Went there recently and it was terrible. Do not recommend!

Really? I'm the OP who was there today. We enjoyed it a lot.

I do admit service wasn't great (they didn't bring cream for the tea and it took me forever to flag someone down to ask for it, and when I asked for it the waiter snottily told me that cream doesn't go with the tea I ordered and I had to show him I'd ordered black tea and then he said "Oh, yes, you can have it with that kind" and went and got it, so yeah, that was super weird and annoying--I think I know whether or not I want cream in my tea). And I was thirsty and drank my water pretty much right after sitting down and they didn't refill it until I was about to leave. So I wasn't crazy about the service, but it certainly wasn't terrible. The scones were fantastic, the clotted cream/jams/lemon curd were excellent, the tea sandwiches fine (nothing to write home about) and the dessert pastries fine (again nothing to write home about).

Honestly, for $90/pp, I’d expect superb service. $90 for tea, tiny tea sandwiches, scones and some mini desserts? Sounds like a rip off to me. I’d be disappointed and would not sign up for Christmas. Seriously, almost $200 for 2 people for some tea. I could find much better ways to spend my money with better food and service.

That’s nice. So you should do you.

As for me, I have a few delightfully happy memories of tea at the Willard (plus a few holiday dinners), a few luncheons at Lord and Taylor’s tea rooms, and other special-to-me outings with my parents. I’m glad that they decided that these experiences were worth it.

It probably cost a lot less back then. $90 is such a waste

It's $90 per person. So, $200 including tax and gratuity for a pot of tea and some tiny sandwiches and tiny pastries that are not even worth $5. Thin slices of cucumbers, egg salad, a mini eclair, etc. You could eat like a king at Ruth Chris and have great atmosphere and ambiance. It is a huge waste.

If Ruth's Chris is your idea of the ultimate indulgent meal, afternoon tea is not going to be your thing. That's fine, but why did you feel the need to tell us that people who do enjoy afternoon tea are somehow Doing It Wrong?

[Anonymous]

I did the "Cherry Blossom" tea with my sister and elderly mother last year. Yes, it's expensive and not something I would routinely do. But, my mother is now limited in what she's able to do when visiting so an easy afternoon in a lovely location, with pretty music, and good food was definitely worth it.