Suffering a Bridgerton hangover? Visit these tea houses for a taste of Regency London right here in India

Where, when and how to ace your high-tea game - Daphne style!

As the world entered another year of social distancing and staying at home, Netflix continued to be the platform we turned to for companionship The OTT giant kicked off 2021 on a regale note with the launch of one of it’s most intriguing shows, Bridgerton. Within 28 days of it’s release, it has become the most-watched series produced by Netflix, with 82 million households having watched it.

The show, based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling romance novels, follows the powerful Bridgerton family as they navigate London’s high society in the 1700s. The first season focuses on the fourth Bridgerton sibling, Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) who is declared by the imperious Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) as the season’s “incomparable.” We see her attend several balls, play the piano, take a stroll by the promenade, sipping tea with her family every afternoon and slowly fall for the Duke of Hastings, Simon Bassett (Regé-Jean Page).

If you haven’t seen it, we suggest you do. And if you have, then you’ll be able to relate to the suffering we’re experiencing from what is a massive Bridgerton hangover! As a palliative, we thought it might be a cute idea to scour for high-tea places that imbue the English aesthete, in the hope that a lovely luncheon with your girl gang or beau could help take the mind off the obsession until Season 2. You game?

Delhi

Rose Cafe

Nestled in the bylanes of Saidulajab, this Victorian-style cafe is where you can get your fill of Europe in Delhi. Following a colour palette of pastel blues and pinks with fresh blooms on every table, Rose Cafe is the ideal spot for gram-worthy snaps. Sip cups of brewing tea and their melt-in-the-mouth scones.

Address: 264, Westend Marg, Butterfly Park, Saiyad Ul Ajaib Extension, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi

Phone no: 098990 55665

The Atrium, The Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel’s The Atrium provides an idyllic English setting for one to enjoy a sunny winter afternoon. The glass-domed tea lounge has a high skylight and is surrounded by fountains, emblematic of that old-world charm. On your trip, go for the classic three-tiered high tea complemented with an array of teas to complete your culinary sojourn.

Address: Janpath Ln, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001

Phone no: 011-41116606

Bombay

Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea House

Taj Mahal Tea House is an old Goan bungalow converted into a charming cafe. An ideal nook for music enthusiasts, artistes and bibliophiles, this tea house has a calming vibe. From installations of Ustad Zakir Hussain’s table to a tea set collection, the eatery has it all. Add to that a splendid selection of Indian tea and tea blends curated by tea sommeliers, such as The Spice Tea, which comes with notes of Kashmiri chilies and black pepper andRoyal Saffron Tea with an unmistakable hint of saffron, and you’re set.

Address: Sanatan Pereira Bungalow, 36/A, St John Baptist Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Phone: 084339 53420

Gaylords

One of Mumbai’s iconic restaurants, Gaylords remains unchanged to this date. Old-world decor with red silk and ornate white chairs along with exposed walls transport you to a different era. While it’s known for its exceptional food, the restaurant also serves high tea and is the ideal when looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.

Address: Mayfair Building, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Phone: 022 2282 1259

Gallops

With the breathtaking views of the Mahalaxmi racecourse, Gallops can be your hideout in Mumbai. The high tea at Gallops is called Tea Charlies that offers a selection of teas, from masala chai to white shou mei and san-cha. Plus, there’s a mix of desi bites and English classics like, butter cookies, scones and chilli cheese toasts, khaari biscuits and lamb keema samosas.

Address: Inside Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Via, Gate, Lala Lajpatrai Marg, Haji Ali, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Phone: 022 2084 1234

Kolkata

The Tea Lounge

Looking for a luxurious escape in Kolkata? Walk into The Tea Lounge at the Lalit Great Eastern Hotel. Offering finely brewed teas, accompanied by mouth watering tea cakes and English biscuits, bitter chocolate eclairs, vanilla crème brûlée and apple cinnamon strudel, this diner is a great way to spruce up your daily chai time.

Address: The Tea Lounge, Waterloo St, Chowringhee North, Bow Barracks, Kolkata

Phone: +91 33 4444 7777

Flurys

Founded in 1927, Flurys is the historic tea house that one needs to visit for a tranquilising afternoon. Warm decor, exceptional service and its rich history, promise an exciting experience. The Flury’s cream tea platter comes with scones, preserve and whipped cream, while the Flury’s afternoon tea selection includes tea-time staples like cucumber sandwiches, buttercream pastry and a seasonal fruit parfait.

Address: 18A, Park Street, Park Street area, Kolkata

Phone: +91 33 4000 7453

Bengaluru

Infinitea Tea Room and Tea store

A quaint cafe offering infinite teas, this place is a must for all tea enthusiasts in Bengaluru.

Offering a selection of teas, from Oolongs to exotic herbal and fruity blends, Darjeeling to Assam, Green teas to white, flower teas to standard Kadhak chai--Infinitea has them all. Pro tip: You can also buy your favourite tea to brew at home at their store in the cafe.

Address: 6,ESI Hospital Road, 100 Feet Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Doopanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Phone: 080 4151 4100

Chaipatty Teafe

This chai joint is a one-of-kind teafe with vibrant decor and quirky furniture. The most populars teas served at Chaipatty are it’s classics - kulhad chai, masala chai and ice tea that are all perfect for Bengaluru’s windy weather. Other than their chai, you could also indulge in scrumptious savouries and desserts.

Address: 772, 2nd Floor, 100 Feet Road, Above Royal Enfield Showroom, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka