Afternoon Tea at Fleur de Thé: A Charming Experience with Room for Improvement
Our visit to Fleur de Thé came shortly after experiencing afternoon tea in London—a memory we’ll cherish forever and eagerly anticipate recreating. While we weren’t expecting the same unparalleled quality, the five-star reviews and premium pricing set our expectations high. Unfortunately, while Fleur de Thé delivers charm in abundance, it falls short in other areas.
The setting itself is delightful, made even more enchanting by the warm, family-run atmosphere. The owners, with their lovely accents and friendly demeanor, create an experience that is unique to St. Louis. For anyone looking to indulge in high tea locally, Fleur de Thé is worth visiting at least once for its sheer charm and novelty.
However, beyond the ambiance, the food and drink offerings didn’t quite justify the price. The scones were a highlight—fresh, warm, and perfectly complemented by butter, jam, and cream. We could happily enjoy them every day. The tea itself was good but lacked the magic or complexity that would make it truly memorable. As for the rest of the menu, it left us underwhelmed.
The desserts were serviceable but uninspiring, akin to something you might find in a grocery store’s frozen aisle. While edible, they didn’t feel special or indulgent. The savory selection, a key element of any high tea, was even more disappointing. The sandwiches were visually charming but ultimately bland and served uncomfortably cold, as though they had been waiting too long in the refrigerator. The bread bordered on stale—far from the light, fluffy texture we fondly remembered from London. The fillings, including peri peri chicken, cauliflower potato, cucumber, and salmon, lacked seasoning and vibrancy, leaving us wanting more in terms of flavor.
Portion sizes also felt modest for the price point, making this more of a light snack than a meal. Unlike our London experience, where we were offered additional servings of the sandwiches, no such option was presented here—not that we would have eagerly accepted given the overall quality.
Despite these shortcomings, Fleur de Thé is a special place that fills a unique niche in St. Louis. Its charm and the care of the family who runs it make it worth a visit, especially for those who have never experienced afternoon tea before. With improvements to the menu, particularly the savory and dessert offerings, this could become a repeat destination for tea enthusiasts in the area.
For now, we rate Fleur de Thé four stars, recommending it as a charming introduction to high tea while hoping for refinements that elevate the food to match...
Read moreA High Tea Experience to Remember at Fleur de Thé High tea has always been a treasured ritual for me, a moment to celebrate life's special occasions. My first experience was in London at the iconic Brown’s Hotel, followed by equally memorable visits to the Savoy, Fortnum & Mason, and the Atheneum. I was absolutely delighted to discover a high tea experience in St. Louis that rivals these esteemed establishments—Fleur de Thé. Teapreneur Colleen Vucinovich has truly mastered the art of high tea, offering four exquisitely curated menus paired with four thoughtfully selected teas, or any of the 21 teas available on the menu. On my first visit, I indulged in the Versailles menu, perfectly complemented by the bold, smoky Lapsang Souchong. My second visit was equally enchanting, as I enjoyed the Windsor menu, paired with the refined elegance of Darjeeling. The atmosphere was filled with joy—every table buzzing with guests savoring their special moments. The company I shared made the experience all the more memorable. I first brought my daughter, her husband, and his mother visiting from South Africa—whose discerning expectations for high tea were not just met, but exceeded. On my next visit, I introduced a business colleague, who left thoroughly impressed. I also brought my two sons, and our lively conversation about Artificial Intelligence’s impact on marketing paired wonderfully with the delicate richness of Darjeeling. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or hosting an important meeting, Fleur de Thé is the perfect destination to elevate your occasion. You’ll be captivated by the artistry of the tea, the warmth of the setting, and the undeniable love that fills the room. I wholeheartedly recommend Fleur de Thé for your next special gathering—because every cup tells a story, and here, your story will be one...
Read moreThis was an incredible experience. I took my mother and grandmother here as a late mothers day treat, and we absolutely will be returning. My grandmother uses a walker and my mother has limited motion, so in the reservation request I asked for a table with easy access and noted we had one handicapped person. Upon arrival they showed us our table right away and made note of the best accessibility, and even put the walker out of our way. Both of them get nervous about accessibility at places, and they had 0 concerns and felt so comfortable.
What I absolutely LOVED though, was the kindness shown. My grandmother is hard of hearing (even with a hearing aid) and they got down on her level and deepend their voices just so she could understand EVERYTHING they were saying. They gave thorough explanations and we're incredibly personable. The owner and her daughter are so sweet and fun, we absolutely loved the conversations and moments we had together.
On to the food and tea. Impeccable. I'll be thinking of those scones and the Lapsang tea until I come back. Not one item was something I wouldn't eat again. Tatjana recommended us all doing a different High Tea and sharing, and this was definitely the way to go to get a little bit over everything. The price for what you get is perfect and 100000/10 would recommend and we'll be...
Read more