Afternoon Tea ; Hôtel d’Angleterre in Geneva

The Afternoon Tea at the Hôtel d’Angleterre in Geneva lives up to all its promises.

Afternoon Tea

Its History

Before discovering the Hôtel d’Angleterre in Geneva, a look at the history of this surprising tradition. Afternoon Tea was born in England in the 1840s. The idea is credited to Anna, Duchess of Bedford, who used it to fill the mid-afternoon lull. This special moment for high society was taken around 4 pm. Everyone dressed for the occasion to share this exclusive moment. Tea came with dainty treats: finger sandwiches, scones and pastries of all kinds. Everything was laid out on fine floral china and a three-tier stand. This custom served as a true meal.

Afternoon Tea at the Hôtel d’Angleterre

An Exceptional Tea Time

Photos of this Afternoon Tea regularly bloom on blogs. Enough to make you want to discover this moment of sweetness and pleasure. For those nostalgic for the United Kingdom (in French), it is the perfect occasion for a So British interlude. Off to Geneva, in good company, to step through the doors of the luxurious Hôtel d’Angleterre. Entering the very particular world of a palace hotel is always a pleasure.

The Windows Restaurant

Afternoon Tea at the Hôtel d’Angleterre

Inside, the table is set in the Windows restaurant, overlooking Lake Geneva. On the menu, the famous Afternoon Tea comes notably for two, with champagne. At the time of the visit, the teas come from Betjeman & Barton. The choice falls on the Thé des Amours to accompany the tray. This Chinese black tea blends passion fruit, mango, pineapple, orange and jasmine flowers. A lovely discovery that goes perfectly with tea time.

The three-tier stand brings together scones at the top, pastries in the middle and sandwiches at the bottom. A generous assortment devoured as much with the eyes as with a hearty appetite. It takes a little over an hour to finish almost the whole stand. Favourites: the cucumber finger sandwich, the panna cotta and the currant scone. The rest proves just as indulgent.

Afternoon Tea at the Hôtel d’Angleterre ; Tradition and Originality

The experience at the Hôtel d’Angleterre proves quite extraordinary. Simply stepping through the doors of this five-star hotel by the lake transports you. The black leather armchairs invite you to take your time. The service, professional and authentic, unfolds like a dance. A small regret: double cream replaces the real clotted cream for the scones. But Gruyère double cream is part of Swiss heritage, and this original touch is just as appealing. A pretty box even lets you take the last scone away. For a first Genevan Afternoon Tea, the moment is truly intoxicating. To compare with London, the Afternoon Tea at The Connaught (in French) is also worth a visit.

Afternoon Tea Hôtel d’Angleterre