Elegant Afternoon tea in Copenhagen
High tea, afternoon tea, five o’clock tea – a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
Afternoon tea became a tradition among the British upper class in the early 19th Century, when dinner wasn’t served until around 8pm and therefore something was needed to keep your strength up in the afternoon. Even though times change, afternoon tea with cucumber sandwiches, scones and cakes is a steadfast institution that is also particularly suited to Copenhagen, where the climate, as in Britain, can be exceptionally wet. A cup of hot tea and tray of cakes in the dry really hits the spot.
Here are 5 locations that serve elegant afternoon tea in Copenhagen
Tea in Tivoli Gardens
Nimb Bar
On Saturdays and Sundays, you can treat yourself to a luxurious afternoon tea at the elegant Nimb. There’s a characterful pianist playing a grand piano, salmon rillettes, tartare, quail eggs and prawns among the savory treats, and then scones, petits fours, Danish pastries and cakes for the sweet toothed. And every 2nd Sunday each month, you can choose from an extraordinary and even more luxurious selection that includes Champagne, caviar and oysters. Advance booking recommended.
Classic tea room
A.C. Perchs Tehandel
Copenhagen’s finest tea purveyor Perchs, has been based on Kronprinsensgade since 1835 and in addition to supplying the royal court, is also the place to enjoy a classic English five o’clock tea with a pot of tea, a glass of crémant, small sandwiches, petits fours and scones with lemon curd, whipped cream and marmalade. Everything your inner Brit desires.
Champagne and tea at D’Angleterre
Hotel D’Angleterre
You can expect a really special Sunday, if you choose this luxury hotel version of afternoon tea, where it’s not tea that’s the main focus, but Krug Grande Cuvée from exclusive Champagne House Krug. The Michelin starred Marchal restaurant is behind three savory dishes including the likes of foie gras and king crab, and three sweet dishes such as quince macaroons, passion fruit curd and chocolate biscuits interleaved with gold. Tea is served with the sweet dishes, however.
A genuine delight
Café Royal i Radisson Collection Royal Hotel
At Arne Jacobsen’s completely renovated hotel, afternoon tea is a genuine delight, combining the best of Danish design with the classic British tea culture. Small open sandwiches, finger sandwiches, scones with cream, jams, marmalades and pastries inspired by the hotel’s design, such as the iconic spiral staircase in chocolate. Naturally, tea is served, and maybe a glass of prosecco?
Text by Lise Hannibal