AFTERNOON TEA I N PARI S

From caf au lait to salons de th, fnd out why Paris is a must-visit for the discerning tea drinker by passing an afternoon in one of its iconic
tea rooms. With both illustrious institutions and quirky hidden gems, theres something for fans of everything from gunpowder green to good
old-fashioned builders tea.
The French capital is well-known for its cafs, but within these quintessentially Parisian establishments youll fnd customers celebrating that
most English of pastimes: afternoon tea. If you feel in need of a refreshing break from shopping and sight-seeing, take a look at the best tea
rooms in the City of Light:
CAF POUCHKINE: MOSCOW-INSPIRED
PASTRIES
Inspired by the legendary Moscow caf of the
same name, Caf Pouchkine boasts one of the
citys fnest pastry collections. Combinations
like Russian cream cheese and Bourbon vanilla
pay subtle homage to the dual heritage of
the caf, creating pastries that are almost as
good to look at as they are to taste with gold
leaf designs and vibrant colours. The red fruit
and poppy seed sponge cake comes highly
recommended, especially when taken with a
cup of aromatic rooibos tea.
LADURE: WHERE TEA MEETS
MACARONS
With its fagship outlet on the Champs-
Elyses just a 25-minute walk from our
Radisson Blu Le Metropolitan Hotel, Paris
Eiffel, Ladures tea rooms are as famous
for macarons (not to be confused with
macaroons) as tea. Old favourites like salted
butter caramel and pistachio sit alongside
more unusual favours like fragrant rose petal,
with an impressive 135 tons of meringue-
based treats sold here every year. Although
you can order macarons to take away, its
worth reserving a table to really savour both
the treats and the opulent surroundings.
ANGELINA: THE PLACE TO BE SEEN
Named after the daughter-in-law of its
Austrian founder Antoine Rumpelmayer,
Angelina is a Parisian institution celebrated
for delectable desserts and terrifc teas. Once
frequented by Coco Chanel and Marcel
Proust, its Belle epoque interior refects the
golden age of Parisian high society. Angelinas
signature cake is the irresistible Mont Blanc;
a meringue ball encased in whipped cream
and chestnut cream vermicelli. It is best
accompanied by the light and aromatic
th mlange Angelina, a delicate blend of
pineapple and marigold with China oolong
tea.
VERLET: FAMILY-RUN CHARM
Famous for single-origin coffee beans and
fne teas, Verlet boasts one of the fnest hot
drinks menus in Paris and a rather tempting
lunch menu, too. Run by the same family for
three generations, its intimate atmosphere
has made it a favourite with Michelin-starred
chefs, celebrities and connoisseurs.
There are approximately 50 varieties of tea to
choose from - in addition to classic favours
and infusions, look out for gems like Wulong
Rui Gui, a rare blue green tea with a fruity
aroma.
MARIAGE FRRES: PARISS OLDEST
TEAHOUSE
Dating back to 1854, Mariage Frres treats
the ritual of afternoon tea with a respect
bordering on reverence. From the wall of
600 tea merchant tins behind the counter,
to a menu that covers over 30 nations, this
is nothing short of a tea lovers paradise. The
charming 19th-century atmosphere belies the
fact that Mariage Frres remains at the cutting
edge of tea development: if youve already
sipped plenty of Ceylon or drunk enough
Darjeeling, branch out with a rare and smooth
Saphir Himalaya from Nepal.