When you sit down to Afternoon Tea, it isn’t just about tea—it’s about how it makes you feel. Our world today is built around convenience and hurry-culture, constant connectivity, but Afternoon Tea invites us to pause. There is no rush. Courses arrive slowly. Conversation takes center stage, and every detail, from selecting the tea blend to savoring the last bite of pastry, encourages presence.
But let’s step back to understand where the ritual of Afternoon Tea started, shall we?
The History of Afternoon Tea
The tradition of Afternoon Tea is most commonly attributed to Anna Maria Russell in the 1840s. During Victorian England, it became fashionable for the upper classes to eat a late dinner, often around 8 p.m. The long gap between lunch and dinner left the Duchess feeling hungry in the late afternoon, so she began requesting tea, bread, butter, and cake to be served around 4 p.m. What started as a private snack soon evolved into a social gathering with friends and a beloved British tradition was born.
As the practice spread through British society, Afternoon Tea became an elegant social occasion featuring:
- Fine teas
- Finger sandwiches
- Freshly baked scones with jam and cream
- Pastries and sweets
- Beautiful china and silver service
By the late Victorian era, Afternoon Tea had become a symbol of refinement and hospitality.
In the 1980s and 1990s, luxury hotels in cities like London began reviving the ritual as a way to celebrate British heritage and create a distinctive guest experience, elevating Afternoon Tea into a signature attraction. What had been a fading tradition became an elegant indulgence once again.
Then, the rise of Instagram and visual storytelling made tiered trays, ornate china, floral décor, and beautifully crafted pastries highly shareable and the aesthetic more desirable. Afternoon Tea became an “Instagrammable” dining experience.
Plus, consumer attitudes started shifting to “affordable luxury.” People wanted small indulgences that felt special: A spa day, a weekend staycation, a crafted cocktail, or an elegant Afternoon Tea. Tea service offered the feeling of luxury without requiring a major splurge.
Afternoon Tea has endured not because it stayed the same, but because it evolved—transforming from a Victorian social custom into one of today’s most sought-after experiences, where slowing down has become the ultimate luxury.
What to Expect During an Afternoon Tea Experience
When sitting down to enjoy Afternoon Tea, guests can expect to slow down, reconnect, and savor an experience that blends British heritage with contemporary sophistication.
You’ll be presented with a variety of teas, typically including black, green, herbal, white, oolong, and rooibos teas. A true Afternoon Tea experience will also include a selection of savory snacks including small sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.
Expect to take your time, enjoying being present, while slowly sipping and nibbling until your heart is content.
A Modern Yorkville – Toronto Tea Time
More than 180 years after the Duchess of Bedford first gathered friends for tea and conversation, Afternoon Tea remains one of hospitality’s most cherished rituals. Today, in the heart of Yorkville, that same centuries-old tradition is reimagined for today’s guests, honoring experiences, connections and moments worth savoring.
Once a historic village and now one of Toronto’s most sophisticated neighborhoods, Yorkville has long embraced the art of indulgence, whether through fashion, fine dining, galleries, or luxury hospitality.
Afternoon Tea with the Empress at the Royal Sonesta Hotel’s Signatures Restaurant offers a modern interpretation of a timeless tradition. The experience is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at $75 per person and includes a variety of black, green, herbal, white, oolong, and rooibos teas. Tea will also include a selection of savory snacks including truffle egg sandwiches, house baked scones, and a scrumptious array of sweet treats. Enhance your experience with prosecco or mimosa for when the occasion warrants some bubbly.
Your experience of Afternoon Tea isn’t so much a meal but more of a ritual: one that blends nostalgia, celebration, and a touch of everyday glamour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Afternoon Tea
What can you expect from an Afternoon Tea service?
- When sitting down to enjoy Afternoon Tea, guests can expect to be presented with a variety of teas, typically including black, green, herbal, white, oolong, and rooibos teas. A true Afternoon Tea experience will also include a selection of savory snacks including small sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.
What foods are traditionally served during Afternoon Tea?
- A true Afternoon Tea experience will also include a selection of savory snacks including small sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.
What teas pair best with Afternoon Tea?
- You’ll usually have a selection of a variety of teas, including black, green, herbal, white, oolong, and rooibos teas.
How long does an Afternoon Tea experience typically last?
- Ultimately, it’s up to you. The best way to experience it is to take your time, slowly sip a variety of teas, and enjoy bites of tea sandwiches and pastries. You can move through it quickly or take your time and relax for a couple hours.
What should you wear to Afternoon Tea?
- While Afternoon Tea has roots in Victorian elegance, today’s tea experiences are far more approachable. Most upscale hotels or Tea houses encourage guests to dress in smart, casual or elevated daytime attire—something polished enough to match the occasion, but comfortable enough to relax and enjoy. Unless otherwise specified by the venue, it’s generally best to skip athletic wear, gym clothes, flip flops, beachwear, or overly casual clothes.
What makes Yorkville the perfect neighborhood for Afternoon Tea?
- Once a historic village and now one of Toronto’s most sophisticated neighborhoods, Yorkville has long embraced the art of indulgence, whether through fashion, fine dining, galleries, or luxury hospitality. Today, in the heart of Yorkville, the centuries-old tradition of Afternoon Tea is reimagined for today’s guests, honoring experiences, connections and moments worth savoring.
Is Afternoon Tea a good bridal shower activity?
- Yes! If you’re searching for a bridal shower or baby shower idea that’s equal parts sophisticated and memorable, Afternoon Tea is a timeless choice. The experience offers a built-in sense of occasion, with beautifully presented tiered trays, delicate pastries, freshly baked scones, and a curated selection of teas creating an atmosphere that feels effortlessly special. Unlike louder group activities, Afternoon Tea encourages conversation and connection—giving the guest of honor an opportunity to truly spend time with the people celebrating alongside her. An Afternoon Tea bridal shower also lends itself to thoughtful touches, from champagne toasts and personalized favors to themed décor and keepsake photographs. In a neighborhood like Yorkville, guests can make an entire day of it by browsing boutiques, visiting local galleries, or enjoying a leisurely stroll before or after tea.
What makes hotel Afternoon Tea different from a café experience?
- While cafés offer a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of tea and a pastry, Afternoon Tea at a hotel transforms the occasion into an experience. Every detail is designed to feel intentional, including elegant table settings, attentive service, thoughtfully curated menus, and beautifully presented tiers of sandwiches, scones, and sweets to elevate what might otherwise be an ordinary afternoon. It’s less about grabbing a quick bite and more about savoring a moment. The difference isn’t just what’s on the menu. It’s how the experience makes you feel: welcomed, indulged, and invited to linger a little longer.
Reserve Your Afternoon Tea Experience at The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel, Signatures Restaurant.
Disclaimer: The suggested itinerary and points of interest are provided for informational and planning purposes only. Guests are encouraged to independently verify opening hours, availability, travel times, and any potential changes prior to visiting. The inclusion of any businesses, attractions, or destinations does not imply affiliation with or endorsement by Sonesta or its affiliates. Sonesta makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience or loss arising from the use of this information.
