Afternoon Tea at The Merrion Hotel – A Masterpiece of Culinary & Artistic Excellence
Step into a world where fine art meets culinary indulgence with The Merrion Hotel’s renowned Art Afternoon Tea. Set within the elegant Drawing Rooms, this multi-award-winning afternoon tea in Dublin is inspired by The Merrion’s private art collection, making it a visual and gastronomic masterpiece.
Each delicacy on the menu is crafted to reflect the work of famous Irish artists, transforming afternoon tea into an edible gallery experience. Whether you’re a lover of fine patisserie, a connoisseur of Irish culture, or simply seeking an exceptional afternoon tea, The Merrion delivers a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
The Setting: The Drawing Rooms – A Haven of Georgian Elegance
Afternoon tea is served in The Drawing Rooms, a sophisticated and tranquil space adorned with period furnishings, roaring log fires, and soft natural light. The atmosphere is both intimate and refined, perfect for those looking to escape the city’s buzz and indulge in pure relaxation.
As you sip on perfectly brewed tea and savour delicate pastries, you’ll be surrounded by one of Ireland’s finest private art collections, featuring works by renowned artists such as Jack B. Yeats and William Scott.
A Work of Art on a Plate: The Art Afternoon Tea Menu
Inspired by the hotel’s impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century Irish artwork, The Merrion’s Afternoon Tea menu transforms iconic paintings into exquisite pastries.
Savoury Delights – A Classic Introduction
Irish smoked salmon on homemade soda bread Coronation chicken on spiced brioche Cucumber & mint cream cheese on white bread Free-range egg mayonnaise & mustard cress on brown bread
These beautifully balanced flavours set the stage for the sweet centrepiece of the experience.
Freshly Baked Scones with Classic Accompaniments Traditional buttermilk & fruit scones Served with clotted cream, lemon curd & homemade raspberry jam
Light, warm, and melt-in-the-mouth delicious, these scones are a perfect harmony of texture and flavour.
Edible Masterpieces – The Art-Inspired Pastries
Each sweet treat is directly inspired by a painting in The Merrion’s collection, carefully recreated in pastry form by the hotel’s expert pâtissiers.
Pastries include: J.B. Yeats’ Raspberry Macaron – A vibrant tribute to the artist’s expressive colour palette William Scott’s Chocolate & Hazelnut Tart – Inspired by Scott’s bold, abstract compositions Louis Le Brocquy’s Lemon Meringue Éclair – A delicate, airy delight with a sharp citrus twist Patrick Scott’s Vanilla & Passionfruit Dome – A perfectly balanced blend of smooth and tangy flavours
Each pastry is as much a work of art as the paintings themselves, making this a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea experience.
A Premium Tea & Champagne Selection
To accompany this extraordinary menu, The Merrion offers an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas, sourced from some of the world’s finest tea estates.
The Merrion Blend – A signature house blend, smooth and well-balanced Darjeeling First Flush – A delicate, floral tea with muscatel notes Jasmine Pearl Green Tea – Light, fragrant, and refreshing Chamomile & Lemongrass Infusion – A soothing, caffeine-free option
For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, The Merrion offers a Champagne Afternoon Tea, featuring a glass of: Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne
Tailored Afternoon Tea Experiences
To accommodate all guests, The Merrion offers: Vegetarian Afternoon Tea Vegan Afternoon Tea Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea
Each variation is crafted with the same attention to detail and artistic flair, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this exquisite experience.
Who is This Afternoon Tea Perfect For? Art lovers looking for an immersive culinary-meets-art experience Visitors to Dublin seeking an award-winning afternoon tea Couples celebrating a special occasion in an elegant setting Friends and families enjoying a luxurious, slow afternoon together Afternoon tea connoisseurs looking for something truly unique
Booking & Information
Location: The Drawing Rooms, The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Availability: Served daily (advance booking highly recommended)
Pricing: From €75 per person, with Champagne upgrades available
A Refined Afternoon Tea Inspired by Irish Culture
Afternoon Tea at The Merrion Hotel is more than just a meal—it’s a journey through art, flavour, and luxury. Whether you’re admiring masterpieces on the walls or on your plate, this immersive and elegant afternoon tea experience is one of Dublin’s most treasured culinary traditions.
Book your Art Afternoon Tea at The Merrion today and experience a harmonious blend of creativity, indulgence, and impeccable service. 
Address :
Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Opening Hours :
Daily
12:30pm to 4:00pm
Reviews
The difference between very good and great is the execution of the small things. Merrion is great! We had an early am flight and needed a "to go" breakfast at 3.45am. They were 100% there with a delicious and varied breakfast and hot drinks.They opened up a private room for us as well as served us (bringing water, etc.).
We came for the afternoon tea and were absolutely delighted. The seating rooms are lovely and cosy, and the staff was extremely friendly and welcoming, making sure that all our wishes were attended to. All drinks are included in the price and there's a great variety of teas, but also coffees to choose from. we were more than satisfied with this experience.
Went for afternoon tea in January 2024. Had been given a voucher for afternoon tea for 2. Nice atmosphere in the house. Eclectic furniture. Afternoon tea was substantial and the scones were delicious. My only negative would be that the staff who were doing the afternoon tea were not always visible so if you needed anything you had to wait for someone to appear.
Me and my husband had an afternoon tea today. It was very tasty, the pastries were very detailed, and the scones tasted very fresh. The sandwiches were also nice, the egg mayo sandwich was the best, because the brioche looked homemade. Huge tea selection which is also amazing. Art themed 2 course desserts tasty paired with a nice art behind each dessert.
Terrible. Went for Champagne Afternoon tea on a Saturday. Arrived early and was put into a small room to the left and waited. Assumed this was a waiting room as we were early. A waiter finally showed up 20 minutes later and asked if we were there for the afternoon tea and then dropped two menus on the coffee table and walked away.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Located in historic Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa’s Afternoon Tea blends Georgian elegance with modern indulgence. Served in Montagu’s Mews or the secluded gardens, guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, and seasonal pastries like raspberry & pistachio tart and chocolate mousse.
A curated tea selection, including the Royal Crescent Blend, pairs perfectly with the menu. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting at £45 per person, with Champagne and children’s options available. Advance reservations recommended.
The Beaumont
Set in The Gatsby’s Room, The Beaumont Hotel’s Afternoon Tea offers classic British elegance with Art Deco charm. Guests enjoy smoked salmon on rye, truffle egg mayonnaise on brioche, and warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade preserves. The patisserie selection includes dark chocolate tart, lemon drizzle sponge, and vanilla & passionfruit macaron.
An expertly sourced tea selection complements the menu, with Champagne options available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus are also offered. A refined and intimate Mayfair experience, perfect for special occasions. Advance booking recommended.
The Dilly, London
Afternoon Tea at The Dilly, London is served daily from 12:30pm to 3:00pm and includes classic sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and handcrafted pastries, all paired with a wide tea selection. A special children’s menu is also available, featuring fun treats and kid-friendly drinks. Located at 21 Piccadilly, it’s ideal for families, celebrations, or relaxed afternoons. Priced at £49 for adults and £39 for children
The Park Tower Knightsbridge
Served in the elegant Knightsbridge Lounge, Afternoon Tea at Park Tower Knightsbridge features stunning décor, including a glass chandelier and hand-painted magnolia blossoms. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, such as smoked salmon on rye and chicken with tarragon mayonnaise, along with signature pastries like chocolate praline tart and raspberry & rose éclair.
An extensive tea selection complements the menu, with the option to add Champagne. Served daily from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, this refined experience is perfect for special occasions or leisurely afternoons. Reservations recommended.
The Ampersand Hotel
Inspired by The Science Museum, The Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel offers a fun, interactive twist on tradition. The menu features planet-shaped cakes, petri dish desserts, and “volcanic” scones, making it perfect for families and science lovers.
Guests enjoy savoury bites, chocolate dinosaur eggs with raspberry mousse, and a smoky dry ice cocktail. A selection of specialty loose-leaf teas is available. Vegetarian and gluten-free options can be requested. Served daily from 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Advance reservations recommended.
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a sky-high Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard, blending Eastern tradition with Western indulgence. The menu features handmade dumplings, Peking duck pancakes, savoury baos, finger sandwiches, and scones with an oriental twist.
Enjoy matcha cakes, yuzu tarts, sesame praline choux, and gold-leaf chocolate truffles, paired with premium Chinese and British teas. Guests can enhance the experience with Champagne or a Lunar New Year cocktail. Advance booking recommended for this limited-time celebration.
You can also follow us on Pinterest for more afternoon tea inspiration
Disclaimer : We often review or link to products & services from Amazon or other affiliate partners. If you click on one of our product links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commision.