Pinkies Up
Afternoon tea at The Ivy Hotel is, dare we say, truly exceptional. It's a joyful indulgence in grace, flavor, and the elegant art of slowing down. It’s what happens when sophistication wraps itself in warmth, childhood tea party dreams grow up, take residence in a grand mansion, and begin serving pistachio scones alongside perfect finger sandwiches.
But first, a brief stroll through history: Legend credits the origin of afternoon tea to the 1840s, when Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, found herself regrettably peckish between lunch and dinner. Rather than endure the hunger in silence, she requested tea and a few delicate bites around four o’clock—and thus, the most charming meal of the day was born. It spread swiftly through aristocratic circles, as you might imagine. After all, who wouldn’t relish the excuse to pause, sip something warm, and enjoy a little cake in the middle of the day?
Of course, tea itself predates this tradition by millennia. The first recorded mention dates back to ancient China, around 2737 BCE. As the story goes, Emperor Shen Nung was seated beneath a tea tree while his servant boiled water. When a few leaves drifted into the pot, the emperor tasted the infusion—and the rest is history. We owe him more than a bit of gratitude.
Fast-forward nearly 5,000 years, and the ritual has reached its modern pinnacle—right here at The Ivy Hotel.
From the moment you sink into a settee by the fire, something subtle yet wonderful begins to unfold. Time seems to soften. The lighting flatters. The walls—each hand-painted—whisper of artistry and attention. Then, the tea arrives. Not merely a beverage, but a ceremony: your chosen blend served in a gleaming pot, accompanied by a charming bowl of sugar cubes with dainty silver tongs that practically insist on elegance. Our tea, a selection from Equitea, is thoughtfully sourced to match the grace and quiet grandeur of the setting—each sip a reflection of refined partnership.
Soon after comes the tiered tray—a miniature marvel of pastry and precision. On the lower tier, cucumber sandwiches (crusts, of course, discreetly removed), egg salad on buttery brioche, and perhaps a savory tartlet. Next, warm and golden scones are served with butter and jewel-toned jam. At the top, an ever-changing array of treats, from lemon tarts to madeleines to chocolate confections, you'll be tempted to guard from your companion. It is, in every sense, an Afternoon Tea of your delightful design.
The hotel hums softly in the background. In the library, a puzzle may be taking shape beneath the tall windows, where sunlight streams like a scene from a classic film. And when it’s time to rise—if you choose to—you’ll leave feeling cared for, indulged, and beautifully at ease. Perhaps you’ll wander upstairs for a nap. Perhaps you’ll stroll through Mount Vernon with a cookie tucked into your coat pocket.
At The Ivy, afternoon tea is a singular, memorable experience that combines heritage, comfort, and a hint of playful sophistication. Long live the Duchess, long live Shen Nung, and long live the tea tray.
Pinkies up, Baltimore.
