5 of the world's best high tea experiences

Raise your pinkies and don your best frock, because high tea is back in vogue. This timeless ritual is all about manners such as never leaving your teaspoon in the cup when you lift it to your lips. 

But it's also about stepping back in time, to an era of charm and grace; a time where cucumber sandwiches were king. So take a break, grab yourself a cuppa and let us take you to five of the world's best high tea experiences:

Mount Nelson, Cape Town, South Africa
Set among expansive, lush gardens is Mount Nelson - Cape Town's signature luxury hotel. Home to one of the most legendary high teas in the world, it is renowned among food critics, travel writers, tourists and locals alike.

Mount Nelson's history spans more than one hundred years, through three wars and an African renaissance. The Mount Nelson opened its doors on 1 March 1899,

Favourites include the raspberry vanilla ream cake, smoked salmon choux pastry puffs, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and preserves and South African milk tart. This indulgent experience is accompanied by tunes from the hotel's grand piano. You can also choose from over thirty loose leaf teas.

The Peninsula Hong Kong
This edible ritual is firmly rooted in the former British colony’s storied history. Once the hottest ticket in town for Governors, Generals and visiting royalty, it remains the height of luxury in Hong Kong and has changed little in the last eighty years.

Sip tea from cups of eggshell-thin bone china, as you gaze around the magnificent lobby with its celebrated classical columns, gilded furnishings and carved gargoyles.

The whole experience begins with savoury finger sandwiches like smoked salmon, egg salad, chicken salad, prawns and cucumber. Next up is warm, buttery scones made from a recipe over half a century old.  They’re served with glistening strawberry jam and satiny Devonshire clotted cream. 

The Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet 
Boasting a comforting mix of opulence and cosiness, this place is the perfect antidote to the bustling Sultanahmet. Located in the heart of the old city, it boasts stunning views of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, two of the most historically-significant and beautiful buildings in Istanbul.

The bright yellow walls and unique décor allow you to forget the building was once a prison – instead, you’ll feel like Ottoman royalty as you indulge in its specialty afternoon tea.

There are a few choices on offer here - traditionalists can go for a quaint English cream tea while those who want to savour a more authentic taste of Istanbul can order up the Turkish spread. 

The Plaza Hotel, New York
This grand old dame has undergone a $400million facelift, adding new life to a tradition that has been enjoyed by young and old alike since 1907.

High tea at the Plaza, New York is about more than just the food. It's the palm trees, harp music, the fabulous ladies who lunch here and the spirit of Eloise - that naughty little girl who lived at The Plaza in the famous children's book.

You'll still find cucumber on buttered white bread among the bite-size sandwiches - but now with fresh mint. You'll also find prosciutto and tomato confit on olive bread, a tender pink morsel of lamb on a tiny grilled pita, and a piquant puree of eggplant, goat cheese and basil, with a sliver of olive, in a tart.

Raffles Hotel, Singapore
For a truly classic high-tea that revives all the elegance and glamour of Singapore's colonial days, nothing beats the aristocratic Raffles.

The iconic Raffles Singapore has one of the most famous high tea experiences in the world. Every afternoon, between 3:30 and 5:30p, high tea is served in the Tiffin Room. This is an elegant, high-ceilinged room with chandeliers and ceiling fans.The tall arched windows look out to Palm Garden with its ornate cast-iron fountain. Enjoy a range of exquisite teas, finger sandwiches, chicken pies and pastries followed by the famed Singapore Sling cocktail which was created by a Raffles bartender at the turn of the 19th century.  

A talented musician plays the harp as gentle background music while uniformed waiters move quietly between the tables, tending to your every need.

Have you enjoyed high tea at any of the above destinations? Tell us about it in the comments section below. Then head to twitter and Facebook to upload photos and share them with other Peregrine travellers.

If you're keen to experience it for yourself, take a look through our list of destinations to find a trip that inspires you. Order a free brochure or read one online.

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