profile: tea at hotel bennett
In the Leaves
By SUE G. COLLINS
Afternoon tea is a burgeoning tradition for family and friends.
Is afternoon tea the new happy hour?
Judging by growth and demand, it just might be. Already a popular event and social media favorite for its Instagrammability, the hashtag #afternoontea revealed a whopping 7.1 million posts in 2023, compared to 6.2 million in 2022. Additionally, an increase in the number of sober events offered has meant friends and family have gravitated toward afternoon tea to eat, chat and drink-all without alcohol.
And if ever a place could gracefully marry the elegance of afternoon tea with in-demand visuals, it would be Hotel Bennett in Charleston, South Carolina specifically its Champagne lounge, Camellias, named the Most Instagrammable Bar in South Carolina by the Food Network.
Since opening in 2019, the hotel has held highly popular teas in Camellias and recently partnered with TEALEAVES to create its own blend of black teas.
The reimagined site of the former city library transformed into a luxurious refuge, Hotel Bennett features many stunning spaces. But, for many, one room remains a standout, Camellias is an experience, full of pink-hues, crystal chandeliers and reclaimed pink marble bars, a leftover from the library of the past. The room itself was inspired by Fabergé jewelry, giving the experience of stepping into a glittering ornament.
With this amazing space in mind, event planning takes on a creative edge and Camellias' tea service on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is no exception. There are three choices available. The children's version is simplified, with crustless sandwiches and other kid-friendly snacking options. Adults are treated to regular tea or crown tea, which includes a glass of sparkling rose for those who wish to imbibe. Charleston's Lowcountry grandeur is reflected in the cuisine: cranberry chicken salad croissants, truffled deviled eggs, and pimento cheese augmenting and representing local flavors.
Special tea events are on the schedule, like the hotel's extremely popular Santa teas, planned for the holidays. "Santa is there and reads a book to the kids, sending them home with little treats and goody bags. While they are at the tea, they fill out their Christmas lists with Santa," says Food and Beverage Director Alex Hernander.
Additionally, Camellias holds a variety of very popular Princess Teas, which, among other things, features Elsa from "Frozen," as well as Christmas in July where Santa wears a Hawaiian shirt, talks about visiting nearby Folly Beach and the hot chocolate is frosty.
Whether you prefer your tea hot or cold, there's no doubt afternoon tea is currently on fire.
A STORIED HISTORY
During the mid-19th century, the concept of afternoon tea first appeared in England when Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, would become hungry around 4 p.m. in the afternoon. Because dinner was not served until 8 p.m., the Duchess asked that a tray of tea, bread, butter (some time earlier, the Earl of Sandwich had the idea of putting a filling between two slices of bread) and cake be brought to her room in the late afternoon. Soon, she began inviting friends to join her until it became a fashionable social event.
During the 1880s, upper-class and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea, which was usually served in the drawing room between 4 and 5 p.m.
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