Afternoon Tea at the Lausanne Palace ; Tea Time

An afternoon tea at the Lausanne Palace is a “so British” tradition to discover, with tea, sandwiches and pastries, in a chic and cosy lounge.

Lausanne Palace ; A Historic Hotel

An Upmarket Tea Time

The Lausanne Palace is a historic hotel, opened in 1915 in the heart of Lausanne. It combines luxury, elegance and authenticity, everything you expect from a palace. Always on the move, the house offers an à la carte tea time at its Bar 1915. True to English tradition, it adds a few more modern touches. This rendezvous bears the sweet name of “L’heure du thé” (tea time).

Born in England in the 1840s, afternoon tea is said to be the idea of Anna, Duchess of Bedford. To wait until dinner, served late, she took tea with small snacks. The custom quickly spread through British high society. It now appeals to grand hotels all over the world, all the way to the shores of Lake Geneva.

The Lausanne Palace, a Historic Address

Opened in 1915, the Lausanne Palace quickly became one of the city’s grand hotels. It overlooks the lake from the centre, a stone’s throw from Place Saint-François. Over the century, it has hosted many celebrities and international conferences. Its bar is in fact named after its opening year. Tea time lets you enjoy this historic setting without staying there.

Afternoon Tea at the Lausanne Palace ; A Palace Afternoon

The idea of an English-style tea at this palace immediately makes you want to settle into its lounge. A three-tier stand and a good cup of hot tea promise a delicious moment. One Friday, in good company, the team accompanies guests to the Bar 1915 lounge. The choice falls on a classic Earl Grey, before the long-awaited tasting.

Afternoon Tea at the Lausanne Palace ; Chic and Cosy

When booking, the team asks about preferences and any allergies, for personalised service. A much-appreciated touch. Settled at the Bar 1915, this moment becomes a true timeless break. The stand brings a touch of modernity and a few variations on the classic model. The scones, for example, depart a little from the traditional recipe. Delicate sandwiches and refined pastries complete the whole. The undeniable quality of the products wins you over, and the address makes you want to return with renewed pleasure.

For comparison, the afternoon tea at the Hôtel d’Angleterre (in French) in Geneva and at the Montreux Palace (in French) offer other interpretations of this ritual.

Afternoon Tea at the Lausanne Palace