The English afternoon tea tradition dates back to the early 19th century and is attributed to the Duchess of Bedford’s need to combat hunger between lunch and dinner. Soon, aristocrats adopted the practice, and it evolved into an elaborate affair with fine china. Decades later, the elegant tradition of indulging in freshly-brewed teas and crustless sandwiches shines at these nine Arizona afternoon tea spots.
The Phoenician
The Full Tea service at The Phoenician features finger sandwiches like soft poached lobster salad with lemon aioli, freshly baked scones, seasonal desserts, and fine tea blends. Guests can enhance their experience with options like sparkling wine, Champagne, or Royal Ossetra Caviar for an additional cost. Gluten-free and vegan menus are available with 48-hour notice. Seatings are from 2 to 3 p.m., Thursday to Sunday, with a live pianist playing from 2 to 5 p.m.
Cost: $100-plus per adult; $75 per child, ages 4 to 12.
For more information: www.thephoenician.com.
The Spicery in Our 1895 Home
Glendale
Known for its cozy atmosphere, the Three-Course Tea service at this historic West Valley tea room includes one course of bite-sized sandwiches, a second course of scones and shortbread with cream and lemon curd, and a third course of mini desserts. Guests can upgrade to add salad and soup. Nut allergies, vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated upon request. Reservation times are available Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and are required two days in advance. Plan on 90 minutes for the full experience.
Cost: $30 per adult ($33 to add soup or salad or $35 to add soup and salad); $21 per child, under 12.
For more information: www.1895spicery.com.
Himaya Garden
Tucson
This tranquil family-owned Tucson venue space just started offering high tea parties with a uniquely Filipino twist. Expect all of the elegance of a classic high tea with Filipino-inspired flavors, both savory and sweet, like chicken adobo bao buns with carrot and papaya pickled atchara. The sweets selection features local bakery Dragonfly Cakes. The next Filipino Inspired Tea Party is Sunday, Aug. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m., and reservations are required.
Cost: $49.99 per person for unlimited treats.
For more information: www.himayagarden.com.
English Rose Tea Room
Carefree
Pink decor, colorful flowers and British memorabilia adorn the walls of this quaint tea room in the North Valley. The Formal Afternoon Tea experience offers a three-tiered presentation of tea sandwiches, including chicken with nutmeg and tarragon, vanilla scones served with strawberry preserve or lemon curd, and a selection of petit fours. The experience is complemented by a small pot of tea, with options available for gluten-free guests. The tea room often hosts princess-themed tea parties and is open Tuesday to Friday, from 11 to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $40 per adult for Formal Afternoon Tea; $22 per adult for Just Desserts Tea; and $14 per child for Nursery Tea.
For more information: www.carefreetea.com.
Tea Time Scottsdale
Scottsdale
Full Tea Service during this Arizona afternoon tea focuses on premium loose tea and collaborations with local bakeries to provide savory eats like a hummus, pesto and basil croissant and sweet treats like blueberry-cornmeal scones. Reservations are required, and food allergies can be catered to upon request. Full Tea Service is offered daily with an 11:30 a.m. reservation as the earliest and 2:30 p.m. as the latest. Additionally, the Scottsdale tea shop hosts themed events and offers an afternoon tea box for at-home enjoyment.
Cost: $50 per person for groups of one to three guests; $45 per person for groups of four or more guests; and $65 for themed teas.
For more information: www.teatimeaz.com.
Lilibet’s Cakery and English Tea Room
Scottsdale
Formerly 21 Cakes, this new tea room and bakery now offers a charming afternoon tea experience, available Thursday through Sunday. During this Arizona afternoon tea, guests are treated to a tiered presentation featuring a selection of savory and sweet delights, including English sharp cheddar and fig jam sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and decadent brownies. The Just Cream tea serves warm homemade scones and tea, and the Kids Tea Party features kid-friendly sandwiches, cookies and fruit. Lilibet’s Cakery and English Tea Room is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $49.95 per person; $60 per person for the gluten-free menu; $19.95 per person for Just Cream Tea; and $20 per person for Kids Tea Party.
For more information: www.lilibetscakery.com.
The Pink Door Tea House
Glendale
Located in historic Downtown Glendale, this colorful tea house with a large garden patio offers several versions of afternoon tea. The Elegant High Tea comes with a stuffed tomato, an assortment of mini sandwiches, and sweets like white chocolate-covered strawberries and mini pastries. Ideal for special events like bridal showers and birthday parties, The Pink Door Tea House also provides tea-luncheon boxes for takeout. Walk-ins are welcome, and reservations are recommended for a personalized experience. The tea house is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $40 per person for Elegant High Tea; $20 per person for Kids Prince and Kids Princess High Tea; and $23.99 per person for Tea Luncheon.
For more information: www.thepinkdoorteahouse.com.
The Camby Hotel
Phoenix
On select Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m., tea and cocktail lovers can find their happy place at Tipsy Tea, held at The Camby Hotel’s The Bees Knees bar. Guests can share tea-inspired cocktails served from antique teapots including the Barefoot in Saint-Tropez, made with rum and mint tea. A tiered presentation of savory and sweets, such as chocolate éclairs and mini tarts, is also served. The experience is about 90 minutes.
Cost: $75 per person.
For more information: www.thecamby.com.
Crowning Glory Tea Room
Fountain Hills
Serving the Fountain Hills community since 2018, Full Tea at Crowning Glory Tea Room includes homemade savory and sweet treats and award-winning loose-leaf teas. The highlight of the experience is getting to choose from the various themed rooms like the pink-and-ivory-couch-adorned Lisieux, France room or the New York City room that evokes the feeling of fine dining in the 1800’s. Reservations are taken from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays only.
Cost: $55 per person.
For more information: www.crowningglorytearoom.com.