Willard InterContinental
Washington, DC
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW • Washington, DC 20004
202-628-9100 • washington.intercontinental.com
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, only a 5-minute walk from The White House, Willard InterContinental has stood tall and proud since 1818 as a luxurious “home away from home” for presidents, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities. The gorgeous hotel boasts stately marbleized columns, gilded ceilings, stylish furnishings, and opulent touches, while affording guests picturesque views of the city. Fortunately for us tea lovers, one of Willard Inter-Continental’s most cherished traditions is taking tea in their newly reimagined Peacock Alley—a must for those who appreciate teatime in a refined setting.
Afternoon tea has been a treasured staple at this esteemed location since the 1920s. Envision the harmonious sounds of a harp filing the air mingling with excited chatter from the guests who “ooh and ahh” at the gilded tiered stands placed before them on white tablecloths. The elegant blue room is bursting with history, as people for more than a century have enjoyed the art of tea in this very locale. “Our afternoon tea is classic and decadent,” notes Luca De Marchis, director of food and beverage at Willard InterContinental. “At the same time, there is a modern twist when it comes to the presentation of savories and desserts.” Luca is extremely passionate about upholding the integrity of the tea ritual at the hotel and maintaining the gold standard that has been established for decades. He started at Willard InterContinental five years ago after working all over Europe (Italy, France, Spain, etc.) in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. “I was impressed by the history of the building,” Luca states. “It reminded me of hotels back in Europe.”
The beautiful venue offers afternoon tea on weekends, by reservation only, for the cost of $90 for adults ($102 with an added glass of Champagne) and $65 for children. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus are available upon request, which is suggested to be mentioned at booking. Guests can choose between an enticing selection of loose-leaf teas procured by J’enwey Tea Company, a boutique company based in Boston, Massachusetts. The hotel and tea company collaborate on exclusive blends offered at Willard InterContinental’s tea service, like the Willard Signature Blend, which highlights a black tea with notes of bergamot, rose petal, and sweet orange zest. Seasonal blends, such as a Spiced Bourbon Vanilla Rooibos, are also quite popular during the holidays and pair perfectly with the scones course.
The scrumptious fare to nibble on between sips of tea include five tea sandwiches, two different kinds of scones served with four condiments (Devonshire cream, lemon curd, raspberry jam, and apricot jam), and five miniature pastries. The menu changes seasonally five times annually to keep afternoon tea both fresh and appropriately themed for the time of year. However, the delicious vanilla scones and cucumber tea sandwiches grace the table year-round. The exquisite desserts are not to be soon forgotten, with creamy choux pastry (pâte à choux) being the star of the show for mini éclairs and beyond. It is safe to say that one will not go hungry after consuming this delectable and elaborate three-course feast.
Luca views Willard’s afternoon-tea ritual as much more than just serving another meal at the hotel. “It has become almost a point of reunion for people. When people don’t have much interaction with others these days, they enjoy the slower pace and finally talking with someone. You can see the building of relationships,” he says. Whether you decide to stop by Willard InterContinental for its storied grandeur, exemplary tea service, or simply to catch up with a loved one, there will absolutely be no regrets when visiting this memorable DC establishment.
Willard InterContinental DC’s afternoon-tea service is available Friday through Sunday with seatings at 1:00 and 3:30 p.m.
