A Classic British Tea Time Tradition
You are cordially invited to join us for an elegant, classic Afternoon Tea fine-dining experience featuring our Fall menu!
Walk-ins accepted, subject to availability. Call to inquire.
Our mission is to Promote, Encourage, and Cultivate social relationships through a unique experience in a beautiful, welcoming space.
Our Autumn Menu Is Here!
Cozy up to the flavors of the season with our new Autumn menu! From warm, spiced sweets to hearty, comforting savories, every bite is a celebration of autumn’s best.
Introducing High Tea GR’s Lunch Menu!
Enjoy your choice of two savories, two sweets, a scone and a pot of tea (including refills) for $25! Available Wednesday through Friday from 11am to 2pm.
Upcoming events
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Victorian Christmas Tea
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with High Tea GR's second annual Victorian Christmas Tea! Immerse yourself in the festive flavors of our Winter Menu and the warmth of the holiday cheer.
Make your holiday season special and create cherished memories by joining us for a special Afternoon Tea, included for all reservations December 1-31, 2024. The cost is $45 per person or $30 for children 9 and older.
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Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and Tea
Join us for our highly anticipated annual reading of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, “A Christmas Carol,” where we gather to celebrate this timeless holiday tale. Each ticket purchased includes a full afternoon tea service, featuring our Winter menu.
The event will run from 7 PM to 8:30 PM on December 15th and 22nd.
About
High Tea Has Come to Grand Rapids!!
History of High Tea and Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea started in England with Anne, the Duchess of Bedford, in 1840. Aristocracy (or the upper class) did not have their formal dinner until after 8pm in the evenings, which made for a lengthy stretch between luncheon and dinner, leaving people quite hungry. The Duchess of Bedford took up the idea of having a “light” meal sitting on her couches with the food set up on her coffee tables. This meal was taken at 4pm as a way to satisfy her hunger and get her through to dinner. She began inviting her friends to her afternoon “tea,” which firmly rooted this experience into British culture.
This “light” meal consisted of a pot of tea, scones, finger sandwiches, and petite desserts. If you visit England, you will see that tea time remains at 4pm.
High Tea is traditionally a more hearty meal and often is taken at tables with a more savory selection of foods. While “High Tea” began as a working class meal, it was adopted by the upper class as well to provide sustenance while servants were unavailable to prepare a larger meal.
We acknowledge the difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea but for sentimental reasons, we have chosen to call our restaurant High Tea. We have also added Grand Rapids because we are proud of our town and community.
High Tea Grand Rapids is proud to present our version of Afternoon Tea in an elegant setting following the English tradition.
What to Expect
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our gracious host who will show you to your table and will provide you with a menu. You will then place your High Tea tray order consisting of a custom selection of finger sandwiches, savory choices, in-house crafted sweets, handmade scones, and more. (Gluten free, vegetarian options are also available. Please, provide notice when you make your reservation). Your tray will be delivered on our custom stands and then it will be time to “tuck in” (that is British for “dig in.”)
Please enjoy this time with your friends and family in our beautiful dining room and be sure to check out the retail area and take-away bakery case on your way out.
In our retail space, you will be able to purchase tea, tea sets and merchandise that will enhance your own tea time at home along with our hand-crafted desserts and treats. We know you’ll want to take home a memory of your visit!
Tea
Food
Connection