Afternoon Tea at The Hermitage Hotel: Southern Hospitality on a Grand Scale
History, chandeliers, whiskey in teacups—and an afternoon tea to remember.
Some afternoon teas linger in your memory because of the food. Others because of the setting. And occasionally, you encounter one where the history, atmosphere, and hospitality are so memorable that the tea itself is almost a supporting character.
Such was our experience at The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, where we celebrated our anniversary in May 2026.
A Hotel with Stories to Tell
We arrived a little early for our reservation, which turned out to be one of the best decisions of the afternoon.
While we waited for our table, the hotel's wonderfully gregarious manager entertained us with stories about the remarkable building and the characters who had passed through its doors. And there were plenty of stories to tell.
Opened in 1910 as Nashville's first million-dollar hotel, The Hermitage quickly became a gathering place for the city's social and political elite. Over the years, its guest list has included presidents, entertainers, and countless other notable figures. Several Tennessee governors have even called it home.
But perhaps its most fascinating chapter unfolded in 1920, when Tennessee became the deciding battleground in the fight to ratify the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Both the suffragists and their opponents established headquarters at The Hermitage, turning its elegant corridors into a hotbed of political intrigue.
The hotel has a colorful Prohibition-era history as well. Its famous Oak Bar was reportedly caught serving whiskey disguised in teapots, an ingenious arrangement that eventually attracted the attention of the authorities. It certainly gives a new meaning to the expression "a spot of tea."
And then there's the hotel's famous Art Deco men's restroom, with its striking green-and-black tilework and a reputation that has made it something of a Nashville attraction in its own right. Yes, even the restroom has a story!
The hotel's fortunes eventually declined, and it closed in 1977, narrowly escaping demolition thanks to the efforts of local preservationists. In 2020, a century after its central role in the women's suffrage movement, The Hermitage was designated a National Historic Landmark.
All of which makes afternoon tea here more interesting than simply sitting down to a pot of Earl Grey.
An Afternoon in the Grand Lobby
Afternoon tea at The Hermitage Hotel is served in either the Veranda or the magnificent Grand Lobby. On the day of our visit, we were fortunate enough to be seated in the latter.
And what a setting it is.
The soaring Beaux-Arts room with elaborate architectural detailing, marble columns, a magnificent stained-glass ceiling, and glittering chandeliers suspended overhead manages to be grand without feeling forbidding.
A pianist provided a gentle musical accompaniment as we settled into our seats.
With a glass of champagne in one hand and a teacup in the other, surrounded by all that old-world elegance, it was difficult not to feel that we had stepped back in time.
I would strongly recommend arriving early enough to explore the hotel before your reservation. In particular, don't miss the opportunity to view the Grand Lobby from the mezzanine above. It's a wonderful vantage point from which to appreciate the room's architectural splendor.
Spillin' Tea with Draper James
The Hermitage offers a changing selection of afternoon tea experiences, with menus and themes that vary throughout the year.
Our visit coincided with Spillin' Tea with Draper James, a collaboration with Reese Witherspoon's Southern-inspired lifestyle brand, Draper James.
The partnership extends beyond the menu. Draper James designed custom linens and staff wardrobes for the hotel, adding a distinctly Southern touch to its historic elegance.
Our afternoon tea was inspired by Witherspoon's book Whiskey in a Teacup, with a selection of savory bites, scones, and delicate pastries served on a traditional three-tier stand.
The experience also included a choice of welcome drinks: champagne, a Whiskey in a Teacup cocktail, or a Tea Punch cocktail. Given that we were celebrating our anniversary, champagne seemed entirely appropriate.
I wish I could tell you that I remember every sandwich, scone, and pastry in exquisite detail. In truth, I don't. The food was part of the occasion, but it wasn't what left the strongest impression.
What I remember most vividly is the setting—and, even more importantly, the people.
Southern Hospitality at Its Finest
For all its grandeur, The Hermitage never felt stuffy or impersonal.
From the manager who so enthusiastically shared the hotel's history to the lovely servers who stopped by our table throughout the afternoon, the staff seemed genuinely interested in making our visit memorable.
They didn't simply ask whether we needed more tea. They took time to chat, share stories about the hotel, and learn a little about us.
When they discovered that we were celebrating our anniversary, they surprised us with an additional dessert, complete with a chocolate "Happy Anniversary" decoration.
It was a small gesture, but exactly the sort of thoughtful attention that transforms a luxurious afternoon tea into a lovely personal memory.
And I think that's what The Hermitage does brilliantly.
The surroundings may be spectacular, but the hospitality is warm, gracious, and unmistakably Southern.
A Special-Occasion Splurge
Let's be honest: afternoon tea at The Hermitage is an expensive indulgence.
If you're judging the experience solely by the sandwiches and pastries on the stand, you might find it difficult to justify the price.
But I don't think that's the right way to approach it.
You're also paying for the privilege of spending an unhurried afternoon in one of Nashville's most beautiful historic buildings, accompanied by live piano music and attended by a staff who understand that hospitality is about more than impeccable service.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely—particularly for a special occasion or for anyone who appreciates historic hotels.
The Grand Lobby alone is reason enough to visit.
And while I've enjoyed afternoon tea in some extraordinary places, what I will remember about The Hermitage isn't just its chandeliers or its history.
It's the feeling of being genuinely welcomed.
Southern hospitality on a grand scale.
At a Glance
Location: The Hermitage Hotel, 231 6th Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee
Our visit: May 2026
Setting: Afternoon tea is served in the historic Grand Lobby or Veranda, depending on the occasion.
The experience: Traditional afternoon tea with themed menus, a welcome beverage, live music, and complimentary valet parking.
Reservations: Required. Afternoon tea is generally offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m., with special events and seasonal themes throughout the year.
Price: This is a premium-priced afternoon tea, and rates vary depending on the event. As of October 2026, the hotel's website lists several experiences at approximately $117–$125 per adult. During our visit, a 20% gratuity was automatically added to the bill. I recommend confirming the current price, taxes, and gratuity when making a reservation.
