Reid’s Palace in Funchal is one of the world’s most famous hotels. Without doubt, it has been setting the standards for luxury hotels on Madeira for over a century. Over the years it has had its fair share of famous guests. Names such as Roger Moore, Winston Churchill and even the deposed Austrian emperor, Karl von Habsburg have all stayed here. For those who are not (yet) fortunate enough to stay at the hotel as a guest, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy its many facilities. You can relax by the pool, or treat yourself to an indulgent spa treatment. Of course, you can also experience Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace.
It was the latter that brought me to Reid’s Palace during my stay in Madeira. As a Brit and committed Afternoon Tea lover, I felt that it was my duty to ‘force’ myself to experience the atmosphere. If you are looking to experience a bit of pampering whilst in Funchal, here is all you need to know.
Afternoon Tea Reid’s Palace Funchal | One Incredible Experience
Planning Your Trip to Reid’s Palace
“Afternoon Tea at Belmond Reid’s Palace remains a truly special, elegant affair.”
Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace has become quite an institution in itself. It is popular with the island’s many visitors and even the locals join in. Who can possibly resist enjoying plenty of cakes and sandwiches whilst looking across the sea?
Before you get into Reid’s Palace and enjoy your food, there are some things you need to know. First up is the dress code. The hotel insists on a smart casual attire, with no flip-flops or hiking boots allowed. Next, I would recommend booking in advance. Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace is legendary and it gets busy each day.
Lastly is the cost. As you would expect, it is not a cheap affair. In fact, the entire event will set you back €50.00, or about £42.00 at the time of writing (December 2024), per person. This includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, jam, homemade pastries and your choice of tea. For this price the entire thing may seem extravagant. However, it is easily one of the most iconic things to do in the country and it is definitely worth it.
My Experience
Our visit to Reid’s Palace was on the final Sunday of our trip. Apparently this was one of the quieter days and we were easily able to get a table. Whilst we waited (we arrived a few minutes early), we could actually explore part of the famous hotel. If you ask the (many) friendly staff, they can point you to the gift shops and the beautiful rooms open to visitors.
Once we were called in, we took a seat at our table and had a waiter explain the menu. Be prepared as there are well over twenty different types of tea on the menu to choose from. It took us a while but we eventually decided. The selection here is easily one of the best I have ever seen, up there with specialised tea-tasting places such as Bois Cheri in Mauritius!
There really wasn’t much of a wait before the food and tea arrived. In fact, very soon after ordering, our generous pots of jasmine and Ceylon tea arrived. This was along with a tiered stand offering an amazing selection of sandwiches. We also had a delicious selection of cakes as well as traditional English scones. In terms of presentation – 10/10.
We started with the sandwich selection. I would say that it was a generous portion, and was easily enough for the two of us. Most excitingly though was the variety of flavours. We had avocado, shrimp, smoked salmon, cheese and cucumber – all excellent in their own right. Next up were the scones with lashings of cream and locally produced jams. Delicious.
It came as a very nice surprise when we were actually offered a second helping of the sandwiches, scones and more pots of tea. Of course, we did not refuse!
Lastly, it was time to divide up the petits-fours, and when they looked as pretty as this, it was a difficult task.
Reid’s Palace: The Grounds
When we had finished our Afternoon Tea, we enjoyed some time just sat on the terrace enjoying the views of the azure coloured sea, the sapphire-blue sky and the lush green hills which shot up from the coast, heading inland.
Before we left the hotel, we just had to explore the grounds. The garden is full of exotic plants, palm trees and peaceful seats and benches looking out over the sea and to the town. If you have time, I think that this is definitely worth a look around. You get some incredible views and the gardens are well looked after.
Final Thoughts | Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace Funchal
Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace comes in at €50 per person and for the generous portions, high quality ingredients and ‘second-helpings’ along with that view, I think that it is a very fair price.
The Hotel serves Afternoon Tea every day of the week between 3 and 4.30pm.
For more information, a look at the menu, or to book (which is recommended), visit Reid’s website.
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Other posts that may help you:
- What To See and Do in Funchal, Madeira
- The Painted Doors of Rua de Santa Maria, Funchal
- 7 Reasons To Visit Madeira
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed my post on Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace Funchal. If you have any questions, please do get in touch in the comments below!
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Love, Victoria X
