Anyone for a spot of tea? Allow us to help you navigate the high teas for the low season with our list that’s guaranteed to suit your budget and satiate your sweet tooth.
As the weather gets colder and the days grow darker, it’s only fitting that we up our intake of hot tea… and cake, of course. The ritual of taking afternoon tea originated in the UK and is said to have been introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. As the duchess got peckish around 4pm and supper wasn’t served until the fashionably late 8pm – she asked for bread, butter and some cake be brought to her in the afternoon. This afternoon habit soon became a social event and during the late 1800s fashionable ladies would don special tea gowns with gloves and hats and take tea together between 4 and 5pm. Anything to justify a new wardrobe, eh?
If you’re wondering where in Stockholm you can partake in the sacred ritual of delicate sipping and nibbling, we have just the list for you. Whether you’re looking to splash out and treat yourself or you’re on a bite-sized budget, there are plenty of options in Sweden’s rapidly cooling capital to choose from.
Luxury:
Cadierbaren: Grand Hotel
On the menu: Tea sandwiches, baked goods, scones and other general yumminess.
Damage: 395 – 515 sek
Where: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8
When: 14:00 – 17:00 daily
Contact: 08-679 35 85 (Tables must be booked in advance )
Email: [email protected]
Tearoom at Svenskt Tenn
On the menu: sandwiches, salads, soups, scones, baked goods, great tea variety, other drinks
Damage: 230 – 360 sek
Where: Strandvägen 5
When: Mon – Fri 11:00-18:00
Sat 11:00-16:30
Sun 12:00-15:30
Contact: 08-670 16 98 (Mon-Sat 10-12)
Hotel Diplomat T/baren
On the menu: scones with marmalade & cream, sandwiches, cake, & tea
Damage: 265 – 380 sek
Where: Strandvägen 7C
When: 15:00-17:00 daily
Contact: 08-459 68 02
Medium:
Lady Hamilton Hotel
On the menu: Scones, finger sandwiches, baked goods, tea
Damage: 240 sek (children under ten: 120 sek, children under five eat free)
Where: Storkyrkobrinken 5, Gamla Stan
When: Sat and Sun: 1st sitting 12:30, 2nd sitting 15:00 (closed Dec 22 – Jan 11)
Contact: 08-506 401 04 (let them know at least four days in advance if there is gluten/lactose intolerance
Chaikhana
On the menu: sandwiches, scones, cakes, macaroons, desserts, teas
Damage: 150 – 310 sek
Where: Svartmansgatan 23
When: Mon – Fri: 11:00-19:00, Sat and Sun: 12.00-18.00
Contact: 08 244 500
Email: [email protected]
Tea and Garden
On the menu: scones with marmalade and cream, finger sandwiches, cake, fruit, sorbet, tea, coffee
Damage: 110 – 230 sek
Where: Dalagatan 36, Vasastan
When: Tues – Fri 11:00-18:30 (closed Mondays)
Sat – Sun 12:00-18:00
Contact: 07-612 727 65
Budget:
Vetekatten
On the menu: – scones, muffins, biscuits and choice of coffee or tea. Served with butter, cream cheese, cheese, cream, sandwiches, self-cooked jam, marmalade and lemon curd.
Damage: Contact Vetekatten for information on prices
Where: Kungsgatan 55
When: Mon – Fri 14:30-17:30
Contact: 08-208 405
Classic Tea Room
On the menu: Scones, cakes, finger sandwiches, tea, coffee, hot chocolate
Damage: 115 – 195 (children under 12: 45 sek)
Where: Rörstrandsgatan 25
When: 11:00-18:00 daily
Contact: 07-626 669 68
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Carmel Heiland and Kirsten Smart