Where: Downtown Marietta, Georgia Style: Elegant-industrial Tea Selection: 4 loose leaf teas by Taylors of Harrogate Teatimes: Select Tea Dates Reservations: Reservations required Contact: 770-238-1202 Cost: $65 Afternoon Tea; $35 (ages 15 and under) Destination Tea Tips: Parking is free on the square, where you may like to allow extra time for shopping or resting historic Glover Park. You will check in at the hostess stand and go upstairs for your afternoon tea seating.
Destination Tea Notes: Although Marietta Square was first laid out in the 1830s (when afternoon tea was born), almost all of its buildings were burned to the ground during the Civil War, then slowly rebuilt during the Victorian era, making the historic downtown a period-perfect setting for an afternoon tea. Don’t you agree that every historic American town needs a tearoom? Downtown Marietta did have one, from 2007 to 2020, where afternoon tea goers could take tea regularly at Vineyard Cafe. We were therefore very pleased to learn that three years after the cafe’s closing, nearby Mac’s Chophouse has launched a special event afternoon tea service. One of the coolest things that happens as you enter Mac’s upstairs event space is that you can see into the staging area where rows of afternoon tea goodies wait to be plated. We also loved our perch above the square, looking out onto the green during our teatime. We are immediately impressed at how proficiently the staff handles a full room sitting down all at once for afternoon tea (they offer two seatings on each afternoon tea date). From start to finish, servers are professional and caring, also allowing us plenty of uninterrupted time to reconnect over a delectable afternoon tea.
Check in with the hostess who will lead you up the stairs to the left for your afternoon tea seating.
Get a sneak peek at the day’s treats.
White linens and delicate china add a formal air to the industrial decor of this space.
Small and large groups equally welcome in this versatile, ample space
Afternoon tea overlooking Marietta’s picturesque Glover Park
Tea Selection
Mac’s Chophouse offers teas by British purveyor Taylors of Harrogate.
But first, would anyone like an adult beverage? Make yours a Royal Tea with champagne, or choose from a full bar. When we hear about the pineapple-infused vodka cocktail that is Pineapple Dreams, we feel we must go in that direction, and we are correct!
We begin with the Classic Chai…
And move on to the table favorite: Jasmine Green Tea. We are grateful for the extra tea plates in our settings, using one to discreetly remove the bagged loose leaf tea leaves after a couple of minutes to prevent oversteeping.
Scones & Spreads, Savories and Sweets
Very happily, we discover that Mac’s Chophouse has made their own crumpets!! Frankly, the cranberry scones are nearly crisp inside, so we much prefer spreading the proffered whipped butter, clotted cream, lemon curd and blueberry preserves on the softer, scrumptious crumpets.
The three-tiered tray arrives with the sandwiches and desserts.
Amongst the yummy savories, we are especially happy with the Chicken Salad with big chunks of chicken and cranberries, as well as the Smoked Salmon Toast. A Ham and Cheddar Croissant, Cucumber and Egg Salad Sandwich round out the course.
At this tea, desserts are brought in from neighbor Sugar Cakes Patisserie & Bistro (at others, Mac’s has also sourced baked goods from Alon’s Bakery). Our favorites are the decadent chocolate éclairs and chocolate macarons. The course also includes a freshly baked Fruit Tart, Coconut Cake and Red Velvet Cake.
Before we go, high-backed thrones are perfect for family, group or solo portraits.
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