The custom of enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea has been around for nearly two centuries. Here in the South, afternoon tea is still a favorite tradition and a fun excuse to dress up in your finest and treat yourself with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, graduation day, or a birthday, afternoon tea services at these Memphis establishments are a delightful way to mark your next special occasion!
17 Berkshire
2094 Trimble Pl, Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 729-7916
Tea times: Tuesday through Sunday. Visit 17berkshire.com to view availability and book a spot.
Tea for two, anyone? If you’re looking for an excellent spot for a light lunch with your best friend or a mommy-daughter date, the afternoon tea at 17 Berkshire is a real treat! The local pâtisserie in Overton Square hosts teas for adults and children. The menu features one pot of tea per couple and a mouthwatering array of flavorful sandwiches and freshly baked pastries.
Afternoon tea at 17 Berkshire comes with a pot of tea per couple and a mouthwatering array of flavorful sandwiches and freshly baked pastries. Image: Kim Thomas
Nosh on yummy bites like cream cheese crostini, turkey on honey wheat with raspberry balsamic mayo, or cucumbers and labneh on rye with dried mint. Save room for delicious scones with a side of lemon curd and a trio of petit pastries, including mini cakes, tarts, and 17 Berkshire’s signature French macarons. Kids can enjoy an abbreviated version of the adult menu and may substitute hot chocolate for tea if they wish!
Celebrate your next special occasion with afternoon tea at 17 Berkshire. Image: 17 Berkshire
Enchanted Tea Lounge
433 North Cleveland Street, Memphis, TN 38104 • (901) 337-7723
Tea times: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Savor a lovely afternoon of Southern hospitality with a British twist at Enchanted Tea Lounge, located next to Crosstown Concourse in Midtown. With its elegant Victorian sofas and marble-top coffee tables, the cozy lounge has a vintage feel that instantly transports you to a sophisticated time. Order from a lengthy menu of organic fair trade teas, including premium loose-leaf teas imported from England that boast enticing names like Buckingham Palace Garden Party (a delicate Earl Grey with jasmine notes) and Lady Londonderry (black tea with hints of strawberry and lemon).
Savor a lovely afternoon of Southern hospitality with a British twist at Enchanted Tea Lounge, located next to Crosstown Concourse in Midtown. Image: Enchanted Tea Lounge
Guests receive a carafe of tea, savory finger foods, scones, and desserts from local bakeries. The menu changes monthly! Upgrade to the “Royal Tea” to add a glass of champagne. Kids are welcome and may request hot chocolate or lemonade instead of tea. Sip on your cuppa choice while kicking back with friends and catching up on the latest gossip. There’s even Wifi and plenty of outlets if you want to plug in. Gift cards are also available.
Savor a lovely afternoon of Southern hospitality with a British twist at Enchanted Tea Lounge, located next to Crosstown Concourse in Midtown. Image: Enchanted Tea Lounge
Chez Philippe at The Peabody Memphis
2638, 149 Union Ave #4, Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 529-4000
Tea times: Thursday through Sunday, noon to 3:15 p.m.
One of the finer things at the South’s grand hotel is the traditional English afternoon tea served in The Peabody’s swanky flagship restaurant, Chez Philippe. Gussy up and reserve a table in the restaurant’s fine dining room for an elegant tea time with your girlfriends or significant other. Choose from a large selection of gourmet teas, from blended black and white to herbal, oolong, and green teas. Chefs prepare three courses of seasonal fare to complement tea selections, including savory sandwiches, assorted sweets, and warm, fluffy scones from the Peabody Pastry Shop.
Children under 12 can enjoy a “Duckie Tea” with decaffeinated, kid-friendly teas. Other add-ons include champagne for the grown-ups and a decadent white chocolate Peabody duck for both big and little kids. Another perk: Valet parking is complimentary with the presentation of your bill.
At Chez Philippe, chefs prepare three courses of seasonal fare to complement tea selections, including savory sandwiches, assorted sweets, and warm, fluffy scones from the Peabody Pastry Shop. Image: The Peabody Memphis. Image: Trey Clark
At Chez Philippe, children under 12 can enjoy a “Duckie Tea” served with decaffeinated, kid-friendly teas. Image: The Peabody Memphis Image: The Peabody Memphis
Snapdragon Floral
734 Mt Moriah Rd #4, Memphis, TN 38117 • (901) 464-7684
Tea times: Contact [email protected] with your desired date to book
Hosting a bridal tea, baby shower, ladies’ luncheon, or office meetup? Rent the tea room at Snapdragon Floral, an East Memphis floral shop, for a tea party-themed gathering. The tea room can accommodate up to eight adults or two adults and eight children. Afternoon tea is served on fine china with swoon-worthy centerpieces and includes three choices of tea, sandwiches, scones, and desserts.
Gluten-free treats are also available upon request. Tea for four starts at $150, with $25 for each additional guest. Tea party events are typically booked for two hours, but you can upgrade for extra time or high tea, which is a fuller meal with heartier dishes.
Rent the tea room at Snapdragon Floral, an East Memphis floral shop, for a tea party-themed gathering. Image: Snapdragon Floral
Afternoon tea at Snapdragon Floral is served on fine china with swoon-worthy centerpieces and includes three choices of tea, sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Image: Snapdragon Floral
Pinkies up, Memphis!
**********
To stay in the know on all things 901, subscribe to our daily emails.
