Where to Take Tea

Where to Take Tea

When afternoon arrives, Bermuda, like Britain, pauses for tea. Usually, tea is served between 3 and 5, but teatime can mean anything from an urn or thermos and cookies sitting on a sideboard to the more formal stiff-pinkie-presentation of brewed-to-order tea in a porcelain or silver teapot, served with cream and sugar on a tray, and accompanied by finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam.

Elbow Beach Hotel (Paget Parish, PG04. 441/236-3535) takes tea in the Veranda Bar. The $23 charge includes everything from cucumber and egg-and-tomato sandwiches to pound cake and French pastries. You can also have champagne tea for $35. Served 3-5 daily.

Fairmont Hamilton Princess (Hamilton, HM08. 441/295-3000 or 800/441-1414) serves a posh afternoon tea in its Heritage Court, adjacent to the lobby and Japanese koi pond. Fine Eastern teas are brought to your Italian linen-covered table in shining silver teapots and poured into delicate Belgian china. The cost is $34 for tea, miniature sandwiches, and cakes. Served 2:30-5 daily. Reservations are required.

The Willowbank (Sandys Parish, MA06. 441/234-1616) tearoom features a slightly ersatz collection of Victorian memorabilia. High tea for two arrives on a triple-tiered china tray and costs $28; à la carte options are also available. Served 2-5, except Monday.