Whittard of Chelsea Brings British Afternoon Tea to New York’s Empire State Building in Celebration of Bridgerton’s New Season
A London icon meets a New York legend for a Bridgerton-inspired High Tea
This winter, British elegance ascends to new heights as Whittard of Chelsea, the 140-year-old London tea brand, partners with the Empire State Building’s STATE Grill & Bar,part of the World’s #1 Tourist Attraction*, to launch an exclusive Bridgerton-Themed English Afternoon Tea. Running from January 20 to February 13, 2026, the experience celebrates the highly anticipated new season of Bridgerton with a regal culinary affair that unites British tradition and New York sophistication.
Set within the Empire State Building’s Art Deco-inspired STATE Grill & Bar, the event offers a refined yet contemporary setting with warm wood finishes, geometric glass partitions, and a soft golden glow that evokes the glamour of 1930’s Manhattan. The space perfectly complements the Regency aesthetic of Bridgerton, blending old-world charm with modern elegance.
The afternoon tea, available to all visitors or as an add-on to Empire State Building Observatory tickets, allows guests to enjoy Whittard of Chelsea tea like royalty while taking in the city’s most celebrated skyline views.
Curated by Executive Chef Morgan Jarrett, the menu reimagines British classics for a cosmopolitan palate. Guests can savour delicate sandwiches such as Coronation Chicken Salad and Truffled Local King Mushroom, freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream and house-made market fruit jam, and exquisite pastries like Strawberries & Cream Choux, Valrhona Chocolate Mousse Tulips, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. Each course is paired with a selection of Whittard of Chelsea’s signature teas, including English Rose, Earl Grey, and Chelsea Breakfast.
Those seeking an added touch of indulgence can choose from a curated list of cocktails and Champagnes. The Elizabeth, a rose-petal gin and English rose tea tonic, brings a floral twist to the classic gin and tonic, while selections like Piper-Heidsieck Brut and Veuve Clicquot Rosé Brut provide a sparkling finish to an afternoon of decadence.
The collaboration coincides with the return of Bridgerton, Netflix’s hit series that continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its lavish costumes, romantic intrigue, and modern take on regency-era London society. The show’s newest season, premiering in January 2026, promises new storylines, sumptuous visuals, and the opulent charm that has made it a global cultural phenomenon.
The collaboration with STATE and Empire State Building also marks Whittard of Chelsea’s growing presence in the United States. Following a successful winter pop-up at Macy’s in New York City, the brand continues to expand its global footprint, introducing its quintessentially British tea culture to a new generation of American consumers.
The collaboration arrives amid a continued surge in America’s intrigue of British culture and afternoon tea experiences. US search interest for “afternoon tea” has risen by nearly 80% since 2022 (SevenRooms, 2024) – a testament to the enduring cultural connection between the two nations.
The Bridgerton Afternoon Tea is priced at $60.00 per person and is available as both a standalone reservation and an add-on to the Empire State Building Observatory Experience.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via STATE Grill & Bar or esbnyc.com.
