Willard Peacock Alley Tea

Review summary

1. K

   Kristy

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   Waited 50 min for children’s plates and an hour for the vegetarian option which was prearranged. Then the plates came out with missing components
   

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2. C

   Claire

   New York City

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   Christmas tea at the Willard has been a tradition in our family for years. This year was the first time we were disappointed. The savory bites were all very dry - like they had been sitting out all afternoon - and some seemed like they would have benefitted from an additional ingredient to add moisture. The dry lobster bite was almost inedible as was the roast beef on the pretzel spoon. The sweets were better and the scones were delicious. We have a family member with a food allergy and they usually do a very creative job with the substitutions but this year it was very sub-par. For the 4 of the 5 sweets she was given 2 identical small squares of chocolate and a fruit skewer - poor substitutes when you are paying that much for a meal. The savory bites were also subpar. And I’m sure that overall there was less food than previous years. Service was very slow to start and after taking our tea order we waited almost 40 minutes for food. There was also a wedding happening in the adjacent room and we were seated by the entrance and constantly had large groups of people standing next to our table which made conversation a little difficult. I would suggest the hotel not schedule weddings during Christmas tea. Peacock Alley is very tight and the additional people back and forth to the bathroom and the Peacock Suite and gathering by our table was too much. The holiday decor was gorgeous as always and we will be back next year but hopefully the food options will have been returned to their usual standard.
   

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3. N

   Nellie

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   If you are looking for an afternoon tea with white table cloths, beautiful place settings, and white table cloth service, the Willard is for you. Peacock Alley at the Willard has my favorite afternoon tea in the DC area. It is upscale without being pretentious. For the 2024 Holiday Season, it became a Winter Wonderland. It is not just the decor that attracted us. but we also came for the tea and the food. The gingerbread tea and the finger sandwiches were delicious. The scones were tasty, and the desserts did not disappoint. If you like champagne, they have that, too. When you make your reservation, let them know if you have a food allergy or intolerance. They are very good at preparing delectable pieces that meet your special needs. I never know what to wear to these teas, but at the Willard you can pretty much wear what you like. Even so, I didn't see any jeans or jogging attire, and a lot of the men at least wore sports or suit jackets. During this time of year, it's popular so be prepared for long waits as the valet (or parking garage attendent) retrieves your car. But it's worth it. Use the downstairs restrooms. They aren't crowded like the main level bathrooms.
   

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4. D

   Daryl

   Washington DC

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Staff was so friendly and helpful. They made us feel so comfortable. The holiday decorations were stunning. Finally, the food was beautiful and delicious.
   

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5. S

   Sally

   Washington DC

   45 reviews

   5.0

   45 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is a wonderful tea. Peacock Alley is beautiful; there was a harpist playing music. The food was simply outstanding. Best tea service I have had. Gingerbread scones were delicious! The tea selection was extensive. Service was attentive. It’s not cheap, but worth every penny. We had tea at The Plaza in New York last month: it was twice the price and the food was not nearly as good.
   

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6. H

   Holly

   VIP

   Washington DC

   36 reviews

   4.0

   36 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Tea sandwiches were stale and tasted a day old. Champagne was barely cool, not cold. Valet did not pull car up to covered walkway, but led us to our vehicle several vehicles away in the rain.
   

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7. P

   Patrick

   Washington DC

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Very festive and enjoyable afternoon tea. Great service and great food.
   

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8. D

   Donna

   Washington DC

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Always a lovely tea in an elegant setting...especially at Christmas time!
   

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9. V

   Victoria

   VIP

   Washington DC

   37 reviews

   4.0

   37 reviews

   Dined on 22 December 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We love our annual holiday tea in Peacock Alley, it’s always festive and magical. However, we were disappointed in the food selections this year. Not as tasty in years past. Everything else was wonderful.
   

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10. T

    Tracy

    VIP

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 22 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Very special holiday tea, totally worth having to book in advance as early as August.
    

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