Champagne Tea

Afternoon tea has always been a favorite of mine, whether it be in London, Boston, or Galway. I don’t go to tea nearly often enough, but I definitely have a list of teas that are must-tries on my life list.

Earlier this week, we intended to spend a balmy day wandering around Galway city. But, as it is in Ireland, and you can see four seasons in a day, the second we got into town, chilly rain started pelting our faces. On my long run earlier in the day, I had passed a sign for afternoon tea in the historic Hotel Meyrick in Eyre Square, and tea sounded like the perfect escape from the stormy spell.

The Hotel Meyrick is Galway’s oldest hotel and has certainly seen its share of history and famous visitors. If you have any interest, the history of the Meyrick can be found here.

Hotel Meyrick Galway

Into the Meyrick’s grand entry hall we went, and we found a seat right by the fire. I am not exaggerating when I say that nearly every establishment in Ireland has at least one fire, and I love it.

Hotel Meyrick Galway

The marble fireplace provided plenty of warmth and light as the day outside grew grayer and windier.

Hotel Meyrick Galway

We decided to have the Champagne Tea menu, being on holiday and all. It was actually quite reasonable, only 12 Euros to add two glasses of Champagne.

afternoon tea at the Hotel Meyrick Galway

Our table was quickly set with all that one needs for afternoon tea including lumps of sugar, cream, a large tea pot, delicate cups, and of course, tall, narrow flutes of bubbly.

 

 

Champagne Tea

To our delight, a tower of treats followed, the top layer bursting with strawberry custard tarts and apple cakes.

 

afternoon tea at the Hotel Meyrick Galway

The middle layer was the lunch portion, vegetable salad sandwiches and chicken salad sandwiches, along with a colorful portion of side salad, filled me up after hours of running.

afternoon tea at the Hotel Meyrick Galway

And the bottom portion was my favorite, fresh warm scones, served with a side of butter, jam, and clotted cream. As I sipped Champagne and tea, I went for the sandwiches and scones and actually left the desserts behind!

afternoon tea at the Hotel Meyrick Galway

The tea was an incredibly lovely and leisurely experience. For most of the afternoon we were the only patrons at the Meyrick, and they really took excellent care of us. It was the perfect way to warm up and to prepare for more wandering around town, listening to live traditional music, and shopping before we met the rest of the family for dinner.

The Hotel Meyrick has a spa that is rumored to be very nice, and I am adding it to the list for my next visit to Galway, hopefully this summer.

The top two afternoon tea spots on my Boston list are the Taj and Upstairs on the Square. Anyone care to join me? Winking smile 

Have you ever been to an afternoon tea? When it comes to your morning wake up, do you prefer tea or coffee?

Tags: afternoon tea, champagne, Eyre Square, Food, Galway, Ireland, scones, tea, tea sandwiches, Travel, wine

  1. Michelle’s avatar

    This tea looks wonderful and I would LOVE to join you for a tea date. BTW, I think Alicia has a fireplace in her house. Just saying!

    Reply

  2. Jean | Delightful Repast’s avatar

    Oh, yes, Meghan, I would love to join you! I’m always up for afternoon tea. My preferred morning wakeup is tea. I drink tea all day long. And, like my grandmother (from the Lake District) before me, I even drink tea in the middle of the night sometimes. Would love to go to Galway–had an uncle from there. So glad the weather on the East Coast did not ruin your travel plans.

    Reply

  3. Megan’s avatar

    I’d love to do tea with you. I have been wanting to do the one at Upstairs on the Square for years now. Let’s go!

    Reply

  4. Green Dog Wine’s avatar

    I grow increasingly jealous with every Ireland post. WHY are you torturing me like this? 😛

    Reply

  5. Emily’s avatar

    This looks so lovely! I usually drink tea on weekdays and coffee on weekends (no idea why!). I’d love to sit by the fireplace, snack and sip tea on a chilly afternoon!

    Reply

  6. Erin @ Big Girl Feats’s avatar

    I am so jealous of your trip! That tea set looks amazing and those eats! So good. It’s so cozy – makes me want to have tea and a fireplace right now!

    Reply

  7. Elizabeth’s avatar

    I am always up for tea! There was a British tea room around the corner from my old office; I loved popping down there for a pot of tea and a few cucumber sandwiches. One of my favorite indulgences! Hope you’re enjoying your holiday.

    Reply

  8. Raija’s avatar

    Yes, please. This sounds like heaven. You are going to be so depressed to be back state-side. Hope you have safe travels today.

    Reply

  9. Daisy’s avatar

    The afternoon tea at Upstairs on the Square is fabulous! I’d absolutely join you there or at the Taj! I’m a coffee drinker in the morning, but at night once in awhile I will prefer a cup of tea!

    Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing this.

    Reply

  10. Elina (Healthy and Sane)’s avatar

    I’ve never done that! I really wanted to go to this super famous place in Hong Kong but they wouldn’t let me in because my shoes were open toed or something. I actually looked for another pair to buy until I realized it was silly. I bet Boston has some good spots. We should do it sometime!! 🙂

    Reply

  11. Belinda @zomppa’s avatar

    Oh wow, this is a must stop – love everything about this! Especially the time to just sit back and take a moment to savor.

    Reply

  12. Amanda L.’s avatar

    When my husband and I went to London we had afternoon tea in the garden at Kensington Palace. It was great!

    Reply

  13. Joy’s avatar

    My father lived in Hong Kong during my teen years and I often went to visit him there and one memorable trip we had tea at the Peninsula Hotel. I didn’t have champagne that time but it was certainly an experience! I just realized Elina may have been trying to go to the same place I did, it was pretty swanky! Luckily my dad had planned the trip and my little piggies were safely stowed. 😉

    Reply

  14. Jill’s avatar

    Now this looks the ultimate holiday indulgence. Cheers to this one and many more Afternoon Teas in 2011!

    Reply

  15. Alicia’s avatar

    I love tea. I have gone to tea at Upstairs on the Square, and the Taj. I love it. I drink coffee to wake up in the morning, but my mid-day drink of choice is tea. When I moved in Rafe was a bit freaked out by my tea collection.

    Reply

  16. Kate’s avatar

    I’ve actually been to two afternoon teas! My summer workplaces apparently felt it was the ultimate “female bonding” exercise, better even than pedicures. Who am I to disagree! Your tea looks like it was lovely–I can almost feel that crackling fire!

    Reply

  17. Tiffany’s avatar

    Looks like you had a great time!

    Reply

  18. Julie’s avatar

    My roommates & I used to celebrate birthdays in college by going out for afternoon tea!! So civilized!! You’re tea looks very cool with the champers though!! Glad you had such a great time =)

    Reply

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