The Parlor – Afternoon Tea

For Gathering & Conversation

Afternoon Tea is ritual introduced in Britain in the early 1840s. It evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal.

Fostering the continuation of this tradition, our tea partner, Steven Smith Teamaker, has collaborated with Grand Hotel to craft an experience featuring premium teas perfectly paired with tastes and bites curated by our exceptional culinary team — all accompanied by live classical music.

Something different, something traditional. Afternoon Tea at The Parlor.

History of Afternoon Tea at Grand Hotel

Afternoon tea first emerged in Great Britain during the early 1840s. At the time, with lunch served early and dinner late, Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, found herself hungry in the afternoon and requested a tray of tea and bread with butter. This simple custom soon gained popularity, with Queen Victoria elevating it into a fashionable social gathering in noble estate parlors and summer gardens throughout the 19th century.

Continuing this cherished Victorian tradition, Grand Hotel invites guests of all generations to partake in this timeless ritual in our elegant parlor. Accompanied by the enchanting melodies of our resident harpist, the experience captures the old-world charm that keeps guests returning year after year. In collaboration with our tea partner, Steven Smith Teamaker, we proudly present an exquisite selection of premium teas, thoughtfully paired with a delightful assortment of sweet and savory treats, expertly crafted by our culinary team.

Amelia’s Tea Experience

Afternoon Tea has been a cherished tradition at Grand Hotel since 1887. In 1919, Stuart Woodfill embraced the elegance of tea service, but it was Amelia Musser who shaped the Afternoon Tea Service we know today, inspired by traditional English customs. Her daughter, Mimi, fondly recalls her first job as a young girl, serving tea in the parlor. Later, she and Amelia would personally arrange the grand floral centerpiece for the Chippendale table in Parlor three times a week. Generations of the Musser family have gathered to enjoy this beloved ritual, ensuring its legacy endures. Today, we honor that dedication with Amelia’s Tea Experience—an elevated tribute to a timeless tradition

We hope you enjoy your visit to Grand Hotel and continue making special memories in a place where history is still in the making.

Afternoon Tea Menu 2025

Afternoon Tea Experience $65 per guest
Brewed Stephen Smith Hot or Iced Tea
Grand Hotel Blanc de Noir Brut
Amontilado Los Arcos Dry Sherry

Amelia’s Tea Experience $95 per guest
Brewed Stephen Smith Hot or Iced Tea
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne
Lustau, San Emilio, Pedro Ximenez Dry Sherry

Scones
Black Current, Orange Cranberry, Honey Chamomile
English Double Cream, Raspberry Preserves, Hon’s Honey

Tea Cakes & Pastries
Chocolate Pot du Crème, Toasted Marshmallow
Linzer Tart
Lemon Poppy Madeline
Pate de Fruits

Tea Sandwiches

Truffle Chicken Salad
Everything Spice, Green Onion, Profiterole

English Cucumber
Mint, Cream Cheese, Pickled Radish, White Bread

Egg Salas
Watercress, Togarashi, Whole Wheat

Smoked Salmon
Yuzu Creme Fraiche, Salmon Caviar, Rye

Premium Champagne by the Glass / Bottle
Dom Perignon Brut Champagne $600 Bottle
Veuve Clicquot Rosé $225 Bottle
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut $200 Bottle
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut 375ml Half Bottle $49 Glass / $100 Bottle
Chandon Brut Rosé Split 187ml CA $25 Bottle
Chandon Brut Split 187 ml CA $25 Bottle

Water
750ml Aqua Panna Mineral Water $8
750ml S. Pellegrino Sparkling Water $8
330ml Pierrer Sparkling Mineral Water $5

*Gluten Free Options Available, not all ingredients are listed. Please alert your server if you have any allergies. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. Please alert your server to any food allergies. Many of our dishes can be adjusted to be gluten free or vegetarian. Parties of 8 or more will automatically be charged 18% gratuity. Prices subject to 6% Michigan state sales tax, and 1.887% Historic Preservation Fund contribution

**Times and availability for The Parlor are subject to change. Please reference our Event Calendar for availability.