Afternoon tea takes a sunny, sparkling turn this season at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, where The Lounge is presenting the Madame Clicquot Summer Afternoon Tea—a refined and effervescent experience that blends tradition with a touch of seasonal whimsy. Available weekends through September 14, 2025, this limited-time event invites guests to unwind with strawberries and Champagne in one of the city’s most elegant settings.
The experience begins with a chilled glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, a rich and silky Champagne that sets the tone for an indulgent afternoon. Guests are then invited to choose from an assortment of premium teas, perfectly steeped and served alongside a tiered presentation of savory and sweet bites that celebrate California’s summer bounty.
The menu is thoughtfully composed to reflect both the season and The Ritz-Carlton’s impeccable attention to detail. Delicate sandwiches include roasted summer squash, a coastal claw roll, and a vibrant pairing of grilled peach and prosciutto—each one balancing freshness with just the right touch of decadence. On the sweet side, pastry delights range from a strawberry/guava tartlet to summer berry scones served with strawberry curd and Devonshire cream, and a show stopping pineapple dulce de leche cake topped with a strawberry pineapple compote.
Held in The Lounge, an award-winning destination within the hotel known for its creative cocktail program and timeless sophistication, the event provides a setting as polished as the tea service itself. With its soaring ceilings, refined interiors, and city views, The Lounge has earned a reputation as one of San Francisco’s premier spots for cocktails and conversation, equally favored by locals and international travelers alike.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco—a historic landmark that exudes Old World glamour—provides a fitting backdrop for this elevated take on afternoon tea. Nestled in a stately neoclassical building in the heart of Nob Hill, the hotel is a jewel of the city’s luxury landscape. Its reputation for hospitality and culinary excellence makes it a natural home for a celebration of Madame Clicquot, the pioneering grande dame of Champagne herself.
The Madame Clicquot Summer Afternoon Tea is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and is priced at $125 per guest, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Advanced reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance and can be made online at ritzcarlton.com/sanfrancisco.
Photos courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco