Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel

The Four Seasons offers the English tradition of afternoon tea. Tea time takes place from mid to late afternoon. The menu includes finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and lemon curd, and homemade preserves and pastries. Tea is served in the Swann Lounge where you sip your tea while listening to a pianist play on the baby grand piano. Request a table with couches. They are the type that you sink into which makes the experience even more relaxing.

On my last visit we were lucky enough to get a table at the front of the Swann Lounge overlooking Logan Square. I prefer this location because while I like listening to the pianist I prefer not to sit too close to the piano. It becomes hard to carry on a conversation over the music.

The Four Seasons offers a “Social Tea” or “Royal Tea,” both include loose-leaf tea (each guest gets to choose their own flavor), four different types of finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts. The “Royal Tea” includes the addition of an alcoholic beverage.

I’ve been to the Four Seasons for tea on several occasions. Each time has been pleasant and relaxing. Unfortunately, my last trip involved an issue with the food. Before we began eating my dining companion discovered a small fly on one of her sandwiches. I try to remember that this can happen at any restaurant. However, I do expect a little more attention from the kitchen at the Four Seasons. Once we apprised the server of our discovery she was quick to remedy the situation. She gave us our champagne (we did the Royal Tea) for free and brought out a new plate of sandwiches.

The food is good. Not great. The menu is secondary to the setting. The best setting for tea used to be at the Ritz Carlton. Unfortunately, they are no longer serving tea since renovating the rotunda to include the new restaurant 10 Arts by Eric Ripert. I’ve also been to tea at the Rittenhouse Hotel’s Mary Cassatt Tea Room and Garden. Don’t let the fact that they refer to it as a tea room fool you. It’s not memorable for the food or the setting. The area is too small and the food is below par.

All in all, I would recommend afternoon tea at the Four Seasons as a great way to relax and have a light meal in the city. The servers are very attentive but not overbearing. There is never any indication that they are trying to turn over the table. It’s not too stuffy. Dress is smart casual. Reservations are recommended.