Think mini sandwiches, cream-filled scones and sweet treats galore served on a tiered cake stand and your mind conjures up that quintessential English afternoon tea experience. It’s a trend that has well and truly come to Florence and its environs this winter. Here’s our round-up.
Five-star afternoon tea experience
If you’re looking for creature comforts in cosy surroundings, take in the Tearoom by Iside De Cesare at Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi, a five-star hotel nestled between the Duomo, San Lorenzo and Santa Maria Novella station. The courtyard garden is said to have inspired John Milton to write Paradise Lost during his stay at this heritage-filled establishment. Nowadays, a doorman ushers you across the threshold of this cabinet of curiosities for a host of English-inspired activities. The newly opened tearoom has a distinctive Room with a View and Tea with Mussolini ambience, starting with the velvet upholstered vintage chairs calling for perfect posture, flickering candlelight and an antique tea cart laid with all the accoutrements. It’s very last century and steeped in charm. Equally steeped are the tea options by Florentine brand La Via del Tè and Iranian Blue Karavan saffron tea. Crustless cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon and grilled vegetable rolls complete the savoury experience, while the sweet treats consist of Earl Grey madeleines, chocolate cookies, vanilla shortbread, chocolate and lemon meringue tartlets, all of which can be savoured with a glass of Champagne. Perfect with a close friend or as somewhere to take family members over the holidays.
Luncheon tea in the Tuscan hills
Head for the hills to take part in Le Palaie Vecchie’s Luncheon Tea, a take on the British tradition of afternoon tea at a bucolic bed-and-breakfast and home restaurant near Pontassieve. Available on Saturdays and Sundays at 12.30pm, “hostess with the mostess” (and, for full disclosure, a close friend) Suzi Jenkins fills you up with sandwiches filled every which way, savoury delights like very British sausage rolls, scones with her own clotted cream, cakes and sweet treats galore (parkin gingerbread and tiffin chocolate bars when we were there). While prosecco is an option, the tea flows as much as the conversation, making it the perfect learning moment for Italians aching to improve their English and Brits in search of a home away from home this autumn and winter. Plus, board games are on hand for added entertainment! Booking required.
Other afternoon tea experiences in Florence
Champagne Afternoon Tea for two is also the thing to do (or to gift) at Lungarno Collection’s riverside Picteau Bistrot & Bar at Hotel Lungarno. The experience includes two glasses of bubbles, gourmet sandwiches, scones with jam, plus cakes and pastries.
The city’s newest five-star-luxury hotel, Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection, is serving an elegant Afternoon Tea in the Conservatorio from Monday to Saturday featuring a selection of signature pastries and desserts.
Sunday afternoons throughout the holidays at Café Ginori at St. Regis Florence, sumptuous bites, live music and tea blends crafted by a tea sommelier add a touch of magic and elegance.
The Tea Time Experience is back at Plaza Hotel Lucchesi for weekends through April from 4 to 6pm. Enjoy aromatic teas and special blends, plus a cocktail inspired by the world of infusions, paired with a sandwich or elevated toast, a trio of single-serve pastries and slices of cake.
