The tradition of English Afternoon Tea has been carried on since Victoria Empress Frederick moved into Schloss Friedrichshof - now Schlosshotel Kronberg - just 130 years ago.
Previously, the legendary experience took place in the castle's library. Now there is a spectacular innovation: starting this fall, the Empress Suite will be open to the public for the first time, and afternoon tea can be taken in part of the Empress's private chambers!
In this room today, much of the furniture still stands exactly as she herself placed it there at the time, and the paintings she chose show her loved ones. A heavy curtain covers an antique radiator - this luxury was understandably reserved for only a handful of rooms in the castle. An old gramophone looks as if it would have contributed to the empress's entertainment not so long ago. The room impressively shows how Empress Frederick lived at the turn of the century at Friedrichshof Castle and conveys a maximum of atmosphere and authenticity.
You enter the suite devoutly, to soft music, the small number of tables, set with dishes and glasses of high-quality manufactures, conveys exclusivity.
It's time to open the lovingly designed menu: it follows the traditional combination of sweet and savory with homemade scones, sandwiches and tartes prepared fresh daily by chef Christoph Hesse and team. A glass of Lagensekt of the vineyard prince of Hessen attunes to the different finger sandwiches with among other things Carpaccio of the Wagyu beef or traditional cucumber.
In the center however naturally the tea stands itself: With twelve selected tea varieties from the house of Ronnefeldt, everyone will find an excellent arrangement that perfectly complements their dishes. (The Frankfurt tradition house Ronnefeldt celebrates this year, by the way, its 200-year anniversary and exists thus already longer than the castle hotel.)
While you spread clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam on the freshly baked scones, your gaze wanders to the beautiful park with old trees and the Frankfurt skyline in the distance.
An afternoon here feels like a vacation at an English castle outside London - 2 ½ hours after this little time out, however, you find yourself back in the FrankfurtRhineMain metropolitan region!
We have brought you our impressions here compiled in a reel.
Reservations are possible for Thursday and Friday at 16.00 clock with house tour and Saturday and Sunday each at 14.00 clock and 16.30 clock (at 14.00 clock with house tour).
Address: Schlosshotel Kronberg, Hainstraße 25, 61476 Kronberg im Taunus
Bookings: By phone, e-mail or via the Ticketshop.
