In a city best known for jazz, gumbo, and round-the-clock revelry, The Windsor Court offers a refined sanctuary that channels the charm of British aristocracy with a Southern twist. Tucked just steps from the French Quarter and Mississippi River, this grand hotel is a study in sophistication—and nowhere is that more evident than during its storied Afternoon Tea.
A British Tradition with a New Orleans Soul
At first glance, afternoon tea in New Orleans might seem like an unexpected pairing—like serving champagne at a crawfish boil. But inside The Windsor Court’s elegant Le Salon, the experience feels not only appropriate but absolutely essential. Beneath glittering chandeliers and among tapestries and floral arrangements, a daily tradition unfolds that would make even Queen Elizabeth nod in approval.
This isn’t a rushed cup of Earl Grey in a paper cup. This is a ceremony.
From the moment you arrive, time slows. A classical harpist plays in the background—often selections of Vivaldi, Chopin, or the occasional reimagined Beyoncé ballad—while white-gloved servers present a curated selection of teas and finger sandwiches that are as photogenic as they are flavorful. With a New Orleans twist on the tradition throughout the year, The Windsor Court has a series of specialty-themed teas.
What’s on the Table
The tea menu is extensive and global, featuring everything from robust Assam to delicate white peony, but the hotel’s signature Windsor Court Blend—a rich, smooth black tea with floral undertones—is a fan favorite. For those feeling extra indulgent, a glass of Champagne or a sparkling rosé is only a request away.
The tiered trays that follow are edible works of art:
- Savories like smoked salmon pinwheels, cucumber and dill cream cheese, and Southern-spun surprises such as pimento cheese on mini croissants.
- Scones, served warm, are accompanied by Devonshire cream, lemon curd, and seasonal jam.
- Sweets round out the experience, often including chocolate-dipped strawberries, petite éclairs, and miniature macarons that look straight out of a Parisian patisserie.
The portions are perfectly measured—not too dainty, not too heavy—leaving guests satisfied but still with room for a stroll through the nearby Warehouse District afterward.
Generations of Grace
Afternoon Tea at The Windsor Court isn’t just a delightful escape—it’s a local tradition. Generations of New Orleanians have made it a rite of passage for birthdays, bridal showers, and holiday season gatherings. In fact, come December, the hotel transforms its tea service into a magical Holiday Tea, complete with spirited décor, nutcracker motifs, and seasonal teas like spiced cinnamon and cranberry-orange.
What sets The Windsor Court apart is its ability to maintain this classic tradition while still making it approachable and fresh. There’s no pretension, only gracious hospitality. Children are welcomed with their own “Prince and Princess” tea menu, and dietary accommodations—gluten-free, vegan, nut-free—are seamlessly handled with prior notice.
A Setting Like No Other
Built on the premise of delivering revered service in a refined space, The Windsor Court greets guests with a classic, cloistered courtyard. Guests enjoy celebrated, grand guest rooms, suites, and an exclusive club level offering. Equally important as its polished accommodations are the culinary endeavors. Touting fine dining fare and weekend brunch, The Windsor Court also presents an iconic cocktail bar & lounge featuring live jazz. Offering a best-in-class spa with wellness offerings and a discerning curation of retail, The Windsor Court has a noteworthy art collection and a rooftop pool with an open-air bar.
With a $15 million renovation completed in recent years, The Windsor Court has polished its crown, bringing a modern sheen to its old-world bones. Suites are spacious, art is plentiful (much of it original British works from the 17th and 18th centuries), and service is intuitive.
Afternoon Tea may be the highlight for many guests, but it’s only one facet of the experience. The hotel also boasts a rooftop saltwater pool with panoramic views, a beloved corner coffee bar, Last Sunday Coffee Bar, featuring Lavazza coffee, espresso, and cappuccino, along with a variety of on-the-go, house-made pastries, desserts, sandwiches, and salads. An iconic New Orleans cocktail bar & lounge containing one of the largest Cognac collections in the city is admired for its esteemed English polo décor, fine art and live jazz, The Polo Club welcomes guests with its intimate, atmospheric bar and open lounge, original cocktail creations and reinvented classics, extensive wine collection and discerning spirits in company with exquisite cuisine and elevated bar snacks. Regarded as one of New Orleans’ ultimate fine dining destinations, The Grill Room at The Windsor Court combines elegance, an intimate ambiance, and unparalleled service and the most extensive wine collection in the city, for those who want to linger long after the last sip of tea.
The Final Sip
In a city where indulgence is usually loud, boisterous, and covered in powdered sugar, The Windsor Court’s Afternoon Tea offers a quieter luxury. It’s an elegant pause, a moment to savor the finer things, and a reminder that refinement still has its place in the modern South.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply escaping the bustle of Bourbon Street, afternoon tea at The Windsor Court is a beautifully brewed experience that belongs on every upscale traveler’s bucket list.
Afternoon Tea is served Friday through Sunday, with seatings at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Holiday Tea, November 28-December 31, is a centerpiece of the New Orleans holiday season. Holiday Tea in Le Salon serves up to 200 guests per day during this festive time of year. Each tea is $65 per adult and $45 per child, which includes tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made through thewindsorcourt.com and OpenTable.
