Once upon a time, on a fateful evening, OTT giant- Netflix premiered the first season of Bridgerton, a captivating saga of steamy romances and dramatic plotlines dipped in the decadence of pastel-hued charms of Regency-era England. Since then, people have come to love every single salacious bit of this masterpiece; and truth be told, many of us who have already binge-watched the show's recent installment in one sitting now seem to be in withdrawal and crave more. So if you also burn for all things Bridgerton (pun intended), here’s a list of some of the most aesthetic and elegant spots in India's major metropolitan cities that you must visit to immerse yourself in a High tea experience so sophisticated that even Lady Whistledown wouldn't be able to find fault with.
Decked up in pastel blue and pink hues with fresh blooms adorning every table, this pretty Victorian-style cafe is just the idyllic spot to enjoy a completely royal-Esque high tea experience. Located in the bylanes of Saidulajab in South Delhi, this quaint eatery has everything you would want from a cafe- aesthetic appeal for those perfect Instagram-worthy pictures, a beautiful outdoor patio, and superb European grub you just can't get enough of. They offer delicious finger sandwiches, Chilli Cheese Toasts, delish tarts, scones and an extensive beverage menu with over ten varieties of teas to choose from.
Must-haves: Rose Tea, Spiced Black Tea, Chamomile Tea, French Toast, Caprese Sandwich, Tangy Lemon Cake, Carrot Cake with Orange Glaze, Salted Caramel & Chocolate Tart, and Scones.
Warm and welcoming, Elma’s Bakery is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in a fancy afternoon high tea affair that's worthy of a Bridgerton. reminiscent of a British tea room with its floral curtains, elegant ambiance, beautiful cutlery and charming all-white aesthetics, this place is quite popular for its delightful high tea spread featuring a host of teas, and an assortment of finger sandwiches with numerous fillings, homemade cakes, scones with in-house special preserves. Plus, the spread is served on a classic three-tiered tray, which combined with the charming interiors and presentation of the place, is sure to delight you.
Must-haves: Earl Grey Tea, Chrysanthemum Tea, Cream Cheese & Cucumber Finger Sandwich, Honey Glazed Ham Finger Sandwich, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Victoria Sponge Cake, Sweet Tartlets, and Scones with cream & home-made berry jam.
Dripping with elegance, Pickwicks is Claridges' multicuisine restaurant that is most popular for offering a classic high tea experience. In fact, this plush eaterie is one of the very few places in Delhi NCR where you can enjoy a traditional British High Tea. The platter here is the ritualistic three-tier with scones, cupcakes, sandwiches, biscuits and many more delights. Plus they have a wide array of teas ranging from Indian classics like Darjeeling Tea to the East’s pride like Jasmine Tea.
Must-haves: Masala Tea, Pain au Chocolat, Lemon Poppy Muffin, French Toast, Salmon Dill & Sour Cream Waffles, Choco Chip Pancakes, Bagels, Lemon Meringue Pie, Pannacotta.
The Atrium Lounge, which looks a little as though it has been lifted bodily from Singapore's Raffles Hotel and brought to Janpath, epitomizes the elegance that the Imperial's guests seek. It serves tea, coffee and light snacks and if you ever find yourself in the neighborhood, this is the one place in Delhi you must head to for a delightful afternoon tea experience, which is really their specialty! Their lavish tea menu features everything from regular to a variety of extraordinary tea flavors to choose from. And the high tea platter comes with cookies, sandwiches, tarts, cupcakes and an assortment of fresh fruits.
Must-haves: Crystal Flush Tea, Darj-oolong Tea, Silver Tips Imperial Tea, Kashmiri Kawa Tea, Bruschetta with Olivata, Parma Ham with Basil Mayonnaise, Lamb Dumplings, Lobster Panini, Millefeuille, and Fruit Tart Brownies.
With a name so regal, you'll not be amiss to expect an elegantly royal High tea experience with this culinary gem of a place! A popular tea room in South Mumbai, Queen's Deck is a regular haunt frequented by tea connoisseurs from all over the city. Their afternoon tea menu is carefully crafted by their in-house chefs and curates an array of delectable savories and of course, their range of bespoke teas sourced directly from their very own tea gardens in Darjeeling.
Must-haves: Castleton Oolong Tea, Thurbo Summer Tea, Bombay Masala Tea, Roasted Rose Tea, Turkish Mint Tea, Apple Pie with Custard, Lemon Meringue, Fruit Trifle, Mini Quiche, Cream Cheese & Cucumber Sandwich, and Lemon Tart.
If you are one of those adventurous foodies who can't get enough of new gastronomic experiences then this one is just the thing to satiate your hankerings. Shedding light on elaborate Chinese tea rituals complete with floral kimonos and traditional tea bowls instead of cups, Yauatcha offers an ultimate Asian High tea experience. Their tea menu is available from Monday to Friday and features a pot of tea of your choice, and three dim sum baskets and macarons. If you have a sweet tooth, you can also grub on their sinfully indulgent cakes, mousses and cheesecakes as well!
Must-haves: White Bud Yin Zhen Tea, Mint Tea, Jasmine Green Tea, Truffle Edamame Dumpling, Crystal Dumpling, Veg Chive Dumpling, Chocolate Raspberry Bon Bon, and Strawberry Compote Macaron.
Monèr - Bistro & Dessert Bar, Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
Known as a dessert bar that doles out the most Instagrammable and delicious grub in the city. In the true sense of an exquisite European dining destination, this gorgeous cafe blends delicate Parisian desserts with British elegance and offers the fanciest high tea experience like no other. Their tea platter comes with an assortment of finger sandwiches, cookies, mini tea cakes, scones, homemade jam, macarons and so much more. Plus, their extensive selection of teas is sourced from Anandini Himalayan Tea estates and comes straight from the farm to your cup.
Must-haves: Emerald Divine Tea, Indian Bouquet Tea, Gruyere and Mushroom Gougère, Cheese Choux Buns, Truffle & Egg Sandwiches, Scones, Butter Sable Cookies, Tea Cakes. There are also a host of local Indian teas to sip on as you sample the spread.
Sea Lounge is undoubtedly one of the most famed spots for afternoon tea in Mumbai. The entire space has a colonial old-world charm to it that makes it just the perfect venue for an elegant midday soiree of your dreams. Their Victorian Afternoon Tea experience comes with classic English delicacies like scones, finger sandwiches, tarts, macarons, and of course, a large selection of teas, including blends from Darjeeling and Assam.
Must-haves: Castleton Second Flush Rare Muscatel Tea, Duflating gold Tea, Darjeeling Oolong Tea, Akuri Toastie, Taj Club Sandwich, Chili Cheese Toast, Turkey & Provolone Sandwich, Victoria Tea Sponge Cake, and Scones.
An ultimate destination in Bengaluru to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea is Radisson's Tea and Wine Lounge. Located in the atrium lobby, the lounge features an exclusive collection of infused teas from around the world and an inviting display of pastries and gateaux. You can either go for a classic afternoon tea experience or opt for a Champagne afternoon tea, which is also among the options available at the lounge. Their plump high tea menu curates a lineup of delish offerings to go with the tea/champagne, like Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese Bagel, Masala Croissant, Red Velvet Pastry, Italian Tiramisu and so much more.
Must-haves: Castleton Second Flush Rare Muscatel Tea, Duflating gold Tea, Darjeeling Oolong Tea, Akuri Toastie, Taj Club Sandwich, Chili Cheese Toast, Turkey & Provolone Sandwich, Victoria Tea Sponge Cake, and Scones.
Four Season's Lobby Lounge & Terrace is what luxe dreams are made of. Offering a bespoke gourmet experience, their high tea is an elaborate affair, perfect for those leisurely afternoons with your squad featuring an assortment of tasty nibbles like sandwiches, scones with cream and berry preserves, along with a melange of varied pastries and macarons.
Gargi Bisht is an event copywriter/conceptualizer turned writer currently working with EazyDiner Pvt. Ltd. Compulsive eater, book hoarder, dog lover and pop culture enthusiast with an innate love for storytelling. Usually the quietest person in the room, Gargi is an introvert who loves her own company. When not eating, can be found in front of her laptop watching movies. Knows a thing or two about art and literature.
