Even in OKC, high tea never goes out of fashion. But at The National, there’s something extra-special about sharing lavender goat cheese biscuits and raspberry cream puffs in an ornate lobby, originally built as a bank building in 1931, reminiscent of a European palace.
The grandiosity of the Great Hall is what makes high tea at The National such a spectacle, even as the pricing stays affordable. And from lobster salad to funfetti, it’s the perfect blend of novelty and nostalgia, displayed on tiered platters that are just as decadent as the soaring columns lining the hall.
“We don’t have a lot of spaces like this in Oklahoma,” explained Mac Barnes, food and beverage manager. “Being able to sit in the Great Hall, with the giant columns, and have a leisurely tea time with your friends—it’s special.”
While the high tea offerings rotate throughout the year to fit different themes and seasons, guests can always expect a bit of pageantry and pomp. For winter, a recent tea service had the theme “BesTEA Era,” complete with DIY friendship bracelets, heart-shaped sunglasses and Valentine’s-inspired treats like raspberry-chocolate bonbons. Other themed teas have included a Wicked-inspired Defying Gravi-Tea, where costumes were encouraged, and the popular Holiday Tea, made all the more magical by the giant Christmas tree in the Great Hall. Next up, spring kicks off a Princess Royal-Tea, with princess visits and fairytale-inspired treats, set to run through May 9.
No matter the theme, guests are made to feel like royalty, starting with Prosecco for adults and blood orange lemonade for kids, before they’re greeted with tiered trays of scratch-made savories and sweets. These include lobster salad, lavender goat cheese biscuits, caprese skewers and fig and brie tartlets, while confections include macarons, cream puffs, salted caramel tarts and vanilla and lemon scones. Guests get two pots (per pair) of their tea of choice, and they can also order anything off the Tellers menu, including cocktails.
View this post on Instagram
