Destination Tea: Raffles Boston

Where:  Boston, Massachusetts
Style: Classic-modern swank
Tea Selection: 12 loose leaf teas by Palais des Thés
Teatimes:  Daily, 2 to 4
Reservations:  Reservations required
Contact: Reserve here
Cost: $95 Royal Afternoon Tea; $75 Afternoon Tea; $45 Children’s Afternoon Tea
Destination Tea Tip: You will take the elevator to the 17th floor to find The Long Bar where afternoon tea is served.

Prices and teatimes are subject to change. Please see our Massachusetts Afternoon Tea Directory for the latest details.

Raffles Boston for afternoon tea

Destination Tea Notes: In 2023, historic luxury hotel group Raffles opened its first North American hotel in Boston’s Back Bay area. The brand originated in 1887 with Raffles Singapore, named for British colonialist Sir Stamford Raffles, whose negotiations led to the island becoming a British colony in 1867. Raffles’ website describes the hotels’ reputation for a “unique blend of British etiquette, tropical magnificence and Asian grace.” The design for The Long Bar in Raffles Boston strives for a sense of timelessness, by weaving classic materials and patterns with custom fixtures and sumptuous moss green banquettes. Peer out the two-story-high windows of this 17th-floor lounge for a view of the Boston skyline, and you will rightly anticipate a refined afternoon tea experience. We hadn’t known about Boston’s significant Portuguese community — which inspired Raffles to bring on first-generation Portuguese American Chef George Mendes to oversee the hotel’s dining — but one of the desserts on this menu clued us in. We noted our server’s professionalism – knowing just when to pop by to check on us, while mostly leaving us to converse. Raffles Boston is your spot if you are looking for a beautifully presented, delicious afternoon tea in a sophisticated, stylish setting.

lobby of Raffles Boston
Artful lobby of Raffles Boston
Take the elevator to the 17th floor for afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
Go to the 17th floor to find The Long Bar
Stunning bas relief wall covering hand sculpted by MJ Atelier at Raffles Boston
The Sky Lounge’s amazing bas relief design (the white is raised off the wall) was hand sculpted by MJ Atelier. You’ll go left after exiting the elevators here to find The Long Bar host stand.
The Long Bar at Raffles Boston for afternoon tea
So many design elements to appreciate in this cocktail lounge.
Beautiful views inside and out at The Long Bar at Raffles Boston
Stylish and comfortable seating
Semi-private alcoves at Raffles Boston's The Long Bar
Velvety seating in the semi-private alcoves
Setting the table for afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
Our table being set for afternoon tea

Tea Selection

Starting with champagne at our royal afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
We start with champagne at this royal afternoon tea.
Palais des Thes teas at royal afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
We spy Palais des Thés tea blends; each guest chooses their tea.
pouring the tea at royal afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
Tea sachets were left in the pots, so we removed ours to the drip plate, and our server kindly provided a second infusion later in the meal.

Scones & Spreads, Savories and Sweets

the three-tiered tray arrives at royal afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
This pretty china pattern reminded us of the one used at The Cavalier Hotel in Virginia. Happily, our round table was just large enough to fit all our afternoon tea goodies.
finger sandwiches at royal afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
Of the tea sandwiches, we best liked the Allendale Farm Egg Salad on Brioche and the Smoked Salmon with Dill Pickle and Sour Cream. While the Vermont Cheddar & Tomato Chutney on Pullman was unexpectedly bland, the Cucumber, Avocado Puree & Red Onion was a creative take on the traditional cucumber sandwich.
scones and pastry at royal afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
Currant & Orange and Buttermilk Vanilla Bean Scones were perfectly baked, served with housemade apricot jam and clotted cream. We don’t usually manage to put away two scones per person, but this time we couldn’t resist.
delicious choux pastry at royal afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
A heart in the fabulous Raspberry Matcha Choux, filled with cream.
desserts at royal afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
Five desserts in total are served, each expertly crafted: A Fruit Gelée, Meyer Lemon Tartelette, Chocolate Vegan Ganache Cake and Pastel de Nata (traditional Portuguese egg custard tart).
Destination Tea reviewing royal afternoon tea at Raffles Boston
Our favorite part – catching up with someone you love.
DestinationTea
Tea Voyageuse, discovering the world of afternoon tea, based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We love comments! Destination Tea's comment policy shares a guiding principle with afternoon tea etiquette: please be gracious. We welcome honest comments that are not rude or scathing.