Crafting a New Chapter of Afternoon Tea at The Plaza with TEALEAVES

August 6, 2026

For generations, Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court has been a cherished New York tradition, welcoming locals and travelers alike to experience one of the city’s most iconic culinary rituals. As The Plaza celebrates its 119th anniversary, a new chapter begins with the introduction of TEALEAVES, a luxury tea company renowned for creating bespoke collections for some of the world’s most celebrated hotels and culinary destinations. We sat down with the TEALEAVES team to discuss the inspiration behind the partnership, the creation of The Plaza’s exclusive signature blends, and the artistry that goes into every cup.

For readers who may be discovering TEALEAVES for the first time, can you tell us about the brand’s philosophy and what makes your teas unique?

There is so much that makes TEALEAVES unique, but let’s start with the teas themselves. We source the world’s finest teas and botanicals, full stop. For us, that means considering not only flavor, but also how ingredients are grown and harvested. Over the years, many of the world’s most prestigious hotels, such as The Plaza, as well as some of the globe’s most discerning chefs, have trusted us to create signature tea collections.

Our mission is to blend for excellence and exceptional taste while creating teas that belong to a place. The teas we created for The Plaza couldn’t exist anywhere else.

The Palm Court has a rich history of Afternoon Tea and remains one of New York City’s most iconic destinations. Where did you begin when developing a tea collection for this legendary setting?

Because every collection begins with a sense of place, we started by getting to know The Plaza. Working alongside Executive Chef Mo, Director of Food & Beverage Iliana, and The Plaza team, we explored the hotel’s rich history, culinary philosophy, and the traditions that have made Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court a beloved New York experience for generations.

From there, we created a collection that feels true to that legacy while offering guests something fresh and exciting.

What excited you most about partnering with The Plaza and becoming part of such a storied Afternoon Tea tradition?

We were thrilled by the opportunity to become part of a tradition that has delighted guests for generations. As The Plaza celebrates its 119th anniversary, our goal wasn’t to reinvent Afternoon Tea. It was to honor what makes it so special while creating a collection that feels fresh, memorable, and unmistakably at home in The Palm Court for today’s guests and, we hope, for generations to come.

One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is The Plaza Blend No. 1907. Can you share the inspiration behind this exclusive tea and how it reflects the spirit of The Plaza?

Exciting is certainly one word for it. The inspiration came from Executive Chef Mo, whose vision combined classic black tea with rooibos, apple, citrus, and rose. It isn’t an obvious blend, and it sparked plenty of lively debate and experimentation among our Master Blenders.

In the end, that’s exactly what made it feel right. It reflects The Plaza itself, deeply respectful of tradition while always willing to surprise and delight.

Alongside the signature blend, you’ll also be introducing The Petite Plaza Blend. What inspired the creation of a tea specifically designed for younger guests?

We wanted younger guests to have a tea that felt every bit as thoughtful and celebratory as the rest of the collection. Rather than relying on sweetness alone, we created a blend with layers of flavor that children could genuinely enjoy.

Wild berry brings a sense of familiarity, Madagascar vanilla adds warmth, and because it is naturally caffeine-free, every child can take part in the full Afternoon Tea experience alongside the adults at the table.

Sustainability and thoughtful sourcing are important aspects of the TEALEAVES philosophy. How do those values influence the ingredients and blends you create?

For TEALEAVES, sustainability is part of deliciousness. We don’t believe a tea can truly be exceptional if we’re indifferent to how its ingredients are grown or to the people who grow them.

A wonderful example is the Himalayan gob-chi berries found in both The Plaza Blend No. 1907 and The Petite Plaza Blend. They are wild-harvested by women in Samagaun, Nepal through TEALEAVES’ work with the United Nations Development Programme and Tergar Charity Nepal.

Every ingredient brings more than flavor to a blend. It carries the story of its origin, the care with which it was grown, and the people behind it. We believe all of that becomes part of the perfect cup of tea.

Experience TEALEAVES at The Palm Court

On August 12, guests are invited to enjoy an elevated Afternoon Tea experience featuring a special guest residency by a TEALEAVES Co-Founder.

Throughout the afternoon, guests will have the unique opportunity to discover the artistry and craftsmanship behind each blend while learning about the inspiration, sourcing, and traditions that define the world of fine tea.

Reserve your seat

Unable to join us on August 12? Guests can continue to enjoy The Plaza’s exclusive TEALEAVES collection, including The Plaza Blend No. 1907 and The Petite Plaza Blend, as part of the Afternoon Tea experience at The Palm Court throughout the year.