In the heart of Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, a historic hotel, the Mary Cassatt Tea Room & Garden reopened its doors after two years thanks to the pandemic. The Rittenhouse Hotel opened in 1913 and has played host too many famous faces over the years and has definitely set the gold standard that other luxury hotels in Philadelphia are judged. Ranked #1 for Pennsylvania hotels according to U.S. News & World Report, this reopening is timed perfectly with the hotly anticipated release of the Downton Abbey, A New Era.
If you’re not familiar with the story, Downton Abbey is set in an English country estate at the beginning of the 20th century and chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. The show ran for six seasons on PBS and was a massive hit, garnering critical acclaim and winning numerous awards, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. In 2019, it hit the big screen and ended with Lady Mary (played by Michelle Dockery) preparing for her wedding to Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode).
Writer and creator Julian Fellowes, made certain that all the grandiose that fans had come to love remained. It seems the entire gang is back, from the servants to the countess’s and everyone in between and I am ready for it!
Whether you’re a fan of the show or not, tea at the Rittenhouse Hotel is an experience not to be missed. Upon entering the Mary Cassatt Tea Room & Garden, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to old-world England with beautiful tables set with fine china and white linens. In this intimate atmosphere you will indulge in deliciously crafted leaf teas along with perfect pairings of finger sandwiches and sweets.
Tea Time is from 12 pm – 3 pm Thursday – Sunday. Prices start from $70 per person. Reservations are highly encouraged. So if you find yourself in the mood to truly celebrate the release of Downton Abbey, a New Era, be sure to go enjoy an afternoon of tea at one of the city’s most iconic hotels. And who knows – maybe you’ll even spot a member of the Crawley family or just mine while you’re there…
What to Wear for Tea?
If you really want to get into the Downton Abbey spirit, make sure to dress the part. Ladies, that means wearing a pretty dress or skirt; gentlemen, a suit or sport coat will do nicely. And no matter what you’re wearing, don’t forget your hat! Hats were a staple of Edwardian fashion, and they’ll definitely help you get into the proper frame of mind for tea at the Rittenhouse.
Thanks to Focus Feature, I was ready with hat, tea cup and wrap. Such a great way to get in the mood and it paired beautifully with my pink dress and shoes.
Running time: 125 minutes. Rated PG (some suggestive references, language and thematic elements.)
