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Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea

Where to Have Afternoon Tea in San Diego

Delicious sandwiches and delicate pastries await

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Is there a more archetypal English institution than taking afternoon tea? Tiered towers of dainty yet deliciously moreish finger-sandwiches and savories followed by petite-fours for dessert — it’s the best way to spend time between lunch and cocktails.

From a classic Cream Tea of scones, jam, and clotted cream (correct placement of the latter depends on whether adopting the Cornish or Devonian method) to luxurious High Tea affairs accented with a glass of champagne, here are 10 spots around San Diego to savor this great British treat.

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The Grand Tea Room

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Located in Escondido’s historic downtown district, Louisa Magoon’s elegant yet cozy salon serves five types of afternoon teas – from a simple Cream Tea to the two-hour Grand Tea – ranging in price from $14 to $33. Sandwiches and savory pastries, scones with cream, lemon curd, and preserves, and petite desserts can all be ordered a la carte. Over 40 gourmet loose-leaf teas also feature.

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The London Bakery

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A transplant from London’s East End, Joanne Bennett opened up shop just under four years ago in Ramona. Jams, lemon curd, and clotted creams are all made in house while her high tea menu is modeled on the Ritz and includes finger sandwiches, mini pastries, scones, and a pot of fresh steeped tea.

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Marlene's Tea & Cakes

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Less than 20 minutes east of Solana Beach, Marlene’s serves afternoon tea from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Priced at $35 per person or $30 for children 12 and under, highlights include cucumber sandwiches, a mini-beef Wellington, plus dainty desserts like tiramisu parfait. 

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Fairmont Grand Del Mar

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Afternoon tea in the Library or Lobby at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a luxury worth treating oneself to. The three-course service includes scones and jam, fluffy petite pastries and dainty finger sandwiches, plus gourmet Tea Forté selections. Priced at $54 per person, or $65 for the “Royal” experience, which includes a glass of champagne, service is available every Friday through Sunday between 2 and 4 p.m. Reservations require 24 hours in advance.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

La Valencia Hotel

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Currently on hiatus, La Valencia’s tea service resumes with six spring dates from April 4 through May 9 (to coincide with Easter and Mother’s Day weekends). Available each Saturday afternoon tea will be served from 2 to 4 p.m. in The Med. The service can also be booked as a special event; however, some menu restrictions will apply based on seasonal availability and group size. 

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Aubrey Rose Tea Room

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Nestled in the La Mesa Antiques district AubreyRose has been serving its English-style tea since 2003. The Queen Victoria ($31.95) and Lady Anne ($28.95) each come with a selection of sandwiches, savories, seasonal fruit, scones, and petite sweets, plus unlimited loose-leaf tea. There’s a walk-in only cream tea too ($16.95) while a glass of Champagne can be added for $7. 

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Coral Tree Tea House

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Relax in Victorian-era splendor at the historic 1887 McConaughy House in Old Town while tucking into assorted miniature sandwiches, warm savories, freshly baked scones and as many pots of fresh-steeped tea as you can handle. Reservations for Afternoon Tea, the Princess Tea, and Queen’s High Tea cost between $22 and $42 and are taken Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. 

Yelp

Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe

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Hands down the most authentic British afternoon tea in town, Shakespeare’s generous spread includes sausage rolls with Branston pickle and scones with real Devon double cream. In addition to the afternoon tea ($29.95) and cream tea ($14.95), special event teas based on English themes, like Agatha Christie, Dr. Who and Harry Potter, are held throughout the year. Perfect for picnics, afternoon and cream teas can also be ordered ahead and boxed up to go. 

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Morning Glory

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CH Projects ode to non-basic breakfast might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking about afternoon tea, but their midday tiered tower of sweet and savory treats is a feast for the senses. Pair with a pot of tea (there’s chamomile and Earl Grey among others) or a Pimm’s Cup from the cocktail list.

Eater San Diego

The Westgate Hotel

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French interiors, crystal chandeliers, and a live harpist set the scene for an elegant afternoon tea at The Westgate. Choose from a dozen tea selections before devouring handmade savories, including housesmoked salmon sandwiches, buttermilk scones and assorted petite-fours. Served Friday through Sunday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. it’s priced at $39 or $42 with a glass of Champagne.

Courtesy Photo

The Grand Tea Room

Located in Escondido’s historic downtown district, Louisa Magoon’s elegant yet cozy salon serves five types of afternoon teas – from a simple Cream Tea to the two-hour Grand Tea – ranging in price from $14 to $33. Sandwiches and savory pastries, scones with cream, lemon curd, and preserves, and petite desserts can all be ordered a la carte. Over 40 gourmet loose-leaf teas also feature.

Facebook

The London Bakery

A transplant from London’s East End, Joanne Bennett opened up shop just under four years ago in Ramona. Jams, lemon curd, and clotted creams are all made in house while her high tea menu is modeled on the Ritz and includes finger sandwiches, mini pastries, scones, and a pot of fresh steeped tea.

Yelp

Marlene's Tea & Cakes

Less than 20 minutes east of Solana Beach, Marlene’s serves afternoon tea from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Priced at $35 per person or $30 for children 12 and under, highlights include cucumber sandwiches, a mini-beef Wellington, plus dainty desserts like tiramisu parfait. 

Facebook

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Afternoon tea in the Library or Lobby at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a luxury worth treating oneself to. The three-course service includes scones and jam, fluffy petite pastries and dainty finger sandwiches, plus gourmet Tea Forté selections. Priced at $54 per person, or $65 for the “Royal” experience, which includes a glass of champagne, service is available every Friday through Sunday between 2 and 4 p.m. Reservations require 24 hours in advance.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

La Valencia Hotel

Currently on hiatus, La Valencia’s tea service resumes with six spring dates from April 4 through May 9 (to coincide with Easter and Mother’s Day weekends). Available each Saturday afternoon tea will be served from 2 to 4 p.m. in The Med. The service can also be booked as a special event; however, some menu restrictions will apply based on seasonal availability and group size. 

Courtesy Photo

Aubrey Rose Tea Room

Nestled in the La Mesa Antiques district AubreyRose has been serving its English-style tea since 2003. The Queen Victoria ($31.95) and Lady Anne ($28.95) each come with a selection of sandwiches, savories, seasonal fruit, scones, and petite sweets, plus unlimited loose-leaf tea. There’s a walk-in only cream tea too ($16.95) while a glass of Champagne can be added for $7. 

Facebook

Coral Tree Tea House

Relax in Victorian-era splendor at the historic 1887 McConaughy House in Old Town while tucking into assorted miniature sandwiches, warm savories, freshly baked scones and as many pots of fresh-steeped tea as you can handle. Reservations for Afternoon Tea, the Princess Tea, and Queen’s High Tea cost between $22 and $42 and are taken Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. 

Yelp

Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe

Hands down the most authentic British afternoon tea in town, Shakespeare’s generous spread includes sausage rolls with Branston pickle and scones with real Devon double cream. In addition to the afternoon tea ($29.95) and cream tea ($14.95), special event teas based on English themes, like Agatha Christie, Dr. Who and Harry Potter, are held throughout the year. Perfect for picnics, afternoon and cream teas can also be ordered ahead and boxed up to go. 

Facebook

Morning Glory

CH Projects ode to non-basic breakfast might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking about afternoon tea, but their midday tiered tower of sweet and savory treats is a feast for the senses. Pair with a pot of tea (there’s chamomile and Earl Grey among others) or a Pimm’s Cup from the cocktail list.

Eater San Diego

The Westgate Hotel

French interiors, crystal chandeliers, and a live harpist set the scene for an elegant afternoon tea at The Westgate. Choose from a dozen tea selections before devouring handmade savories, including housesmoked salmon sandwiches, buttermilk scones and assorted petite-fours. Served Friday through Sunday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. it’s priced at $39 or $42 with a glass of Champagne.

Courtesy Photo

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