There’s something undeniably charming about a formal afternoon tea. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to treat yourself, these three Birmingham-area establishments are offering tea services with the works — a delicious selection of teas (or something stronger, if you’re in the mood) and delicate nibbles like scones and finger sandwiches. With Mother’s Day and graduation season just around the corner, there’s no better excuse to make reservations!
The Anvil Pub & Grill
611 Doug Baker Boulevard, Unit 103, Birmingham, AL 35242 • (205) 637-7100
Chef Sedesh Boodram was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. After moving to the United States, he worked in Michelin-star kitchens in New York City before eventually making his way to Birmingham. When he opened his own Magic City restaurant in 2020, Chef Boodram chose to pay homage to his British roots (Trinidad and Tobago is part of the Commonwealth of England) by offering the quintessentially English tradition: afternoon tea.
The Anvil Pub & Grill hosts a monthly afternoon tea that speaks to the beloved British tradition. Image: The Anvil Pub & Grill
The Anvil Pub & Grill’s afternoon tea menu runs the gamut with the finest of finger foods, such as smoked salmon, scones, and muffins with jam, tartlets, French macaroons, trifles, cookies, and truffles. In addition, Chef Boodram also gives a nod to his newfound home, the South, with other popular additions like pimento cheese sandwiches on sourdough, ham and cheese with onions on a biscuit, and chicken salad on white bread.
The Anvil typically hosts high tea once per month, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and reservations are required. High tea is $60 per person and includes a complimentary glass of champagne.
The Anvil’s high tea menu includes a variety of delicious finger foods, including tartlets, French macaroons, scones, and truffles. Image: The Anvil Pub & Grill
Olexa’s
2838 Culver Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 • (205) 871-2060
Olexa’s is a longstanding Mountain Brook institution. Though it doesn’t host an official afternoon tea, it provides the most delightful dining room and a customizable menu.
In addition to hot and iced Tazo teas, Olexa’s also offers its popular raspberry iced tea, fresh coffee, lemonade, mimosas, champagne, and prosecco. The hot and cold beverage selections are complemented by savory selections such as Quiche Lorraine, a buttery crust stuffed with egg, ham, and Swiss cheese, smoked almond chicken salad, Morning Glory muffins, and fresh fruit.
The dining room is open from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., during which you can make reservations to host an afternoon tea. You can also schedule a private tea party after hours.
Olexa’s dining room offers a quaint and charming backdrop for catching up over tea and cakes! Image: Olexa’s
Shugah’s
3187 Lee Street, Pelham, AL 35124 • (314) 703-3098
Setting the tone for a fun or formal afternoon tea at Shugah’s is easy. A historic home built in the early 1900s, Shugah’s hosts public and private events, including tea parties.
Afternoon tea can be set up in one of Shugah’s many dining rooms — the beautifully decorated structure includes one main dining room and three smaller dining rooms — or even utilize all of the spaces depending on the size of your party. The menu is as charming as the eclectic home. The quaint restaurant offers hot and iced tea, and it’s served alongside traditional mini tea sandwiches, including chicken salad and cucumber with cream cheese, sweet mini treats such as chocolate chip cookies, sandwich cookies, or mini cheesecakes, and classic scones or biscuits.
Ensuring guests get the full feel of an afternoon tea experience, the tables are decked with fancy tablecloths, linens, and proper china.
A formal yet cozy afternoon tea is easily enjoyed at Shugah’s. Image: Shugah’s
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To explore more of the Birmingham culinary scene, check out our local restaurant guide.
