Afternoon tea has come a long way since the 19th century. What was once a snack eaten by famished ladies-in-waiting is now a quintessentially British pastime and celebration of all things jam, cream and cake.

But while the UK is home to many traditional teas, this list of nine high teas looks around the world, from London and Dubai to New York and Hong Kong, for experiences with a twist.

American-Inspired Tea At The Beaumont

Enjoy the best of both sides of the pond with The Beaumont’s transatlantic tea. The twist? Typical British flavors have been swapped for American alternatives: chicken sandwiches are Caesar and not coronation, Victoria sponge makes way for vanilla cheesecake, and a delicate macaron borrows flavors from the Chicago-born Snickers. The newly refurbished Gatsby Lounge is an opulent place to tuck into it too. A live pianist tinkles away in the corner while an eclectic array of portraits watch you squabble over whether it’s jam, cream or New York blackout cake first…

Jurassic Afternoon Tea At The Ampersand Hotel

After five years touring the UK, Dippy the Diplodocus has returned to the Natural History Museum, a comeback that inspired The Ampersand Hotel’s Jurassic-themed tea. Launched in August, the quirky affair includes a raspberry and lemon volcano, chocolate dinosaur nest and macaron imprinted with a T-Rex footprint. For children, the tea is arranged atop a lurid green dinosaur, while adults can choose from a selection of on-theme cocktails. Particularly appealing is the Dino Sour – a tropical gin, white wine and pineapple mix served in a dinosaur egg cup.

Winemakers’ Afternoon Tea At 28°–50°

There’s no tea to be found at this Marylebone bar, but there are many under-the-radar wines from female vintners. Accordingly, its afternoon tea is all about wine. Expert sommeliers guide guests through five rare tipples paired with miniature versions of 28°–50°’s European dishes; think salmon ceviche, chocolate madeleines and truffle arancini. You’ll leave filled with female-produced wines from Austria, Spain and Sicily – and perhaps with a new favorite winemaker too.

Afternoon Sea At Seabird

Afternoon tea might seem out of place at a seafood restaurant, so Seabird has swapped it for ‘afternoon sea’: three towering tiers of shellfish platters. The almost intimidating selection includes 10 chef-selected oysters and half a lobster alongside razor clams, scallops, crab legs and langoustine. You’ll need to order it 48 hours in advance and, while you’re at it, ask for a pre-dinner reservation on the cocktail terrace – the views over the Houses of Parliament and The Shard are unbeatable.

Prêt-à-Portea At The Berkeley

Afternoon tea is often a high-fashion affair, but none more so than at The Berkeley. Its Prêt-à-Portea is an edible edit of spring–summer 2022 catwalks from around the globe, with guests tucking into Oscar de la Renta’s orange gown (apricot bavarois and meringue), a Gucci pink tuxedo crafted out of vanilla mousse and rosy icing, and a Michael Kors handbag rendered from Victoria sponge. Plus, it’s presented on Wedgewood fine-bone China. Dressing up never tasted – or looked – so good.

Asian–American Tea At Kitsby

Afternoon tea is often nostalgic, but none more so than that at Kitsby. The family run bakery recently launched its Asian–American-inspired afternoon tea, which draws on flavors familiar to those who grew up in this diaspora. It features 10 homemade treats, including a salted egg scone, five-spice shortbread and matcha almond bar. If that isn’t enough, you can also choose one bigger entrée – and you should absolutely make it the gently spiced Thai tea lava cake.

Chocolate Afternoon Tea At Mariebelle

You smell Mariebelle before you see it. The sumptuously decorated chocolate shop is choc-full of bars, truffles and cakes, plus the odd feather boa for added flamboyance. Follow your nose to the Cacao Bar for afternoon tea on a marble-topped table. There’s a distinct theme; it starts with a shot of iced hot chocolate, then to flavored teas include chocolate rose, and the final round is an indulgent chocolate fondue. To balance all that sugar, there’s also a good selection of toasted sandwiches, a walnut salad and a daily changing soup.

Afternoon Tea On An Abra

Dubai has no shortage of sky-high teas, but take your tea to the sea for something more private. Every day from 4pm, a made-for-two abra departs along the Madinat Jumeirah waterways laden with all manner of Arabian-inspired treats. Expect hummus sandwiches, mango saffron macarons, plenty of pistachios and a discreet waiter who will top up your tea – or champagne – while you ebb along the canals.

Bobo Afternoon Tea At The Ritz-Carlton

This panda-inspired tea is also Hong Kong’s highest. Created in partnership with luxury jeweler Qeelin, the ‘Bobo Gastronomy Journey’ takes place on the 103rd floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel as a window seat to garner the best views of the harbor. Savories nod to Asian flavors – such as sesame balls with barbecue pork – and scones have been skipped in favor of pink guava choux, red bean tarts and lemon black tea verrine.

This story was first published by Quintessentially.com and is republished with kind permission. For more information, please go to Quintessentially.com