“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” So said the author Henry James, whose works included the 19th-century novel, The Portrait of a Lady.

If you agree with Mr James, you’ll be pleased to learn that it’s now possible to have a traditional English-style afternoon tea in Mallorca’s capital, Palma. It’s even served in a palace, to add to the civilized nature of this break in an afternoon of shopping or sightseeing.

The palace in question is the 5-star grand luxe hotel, Palacio Can Marqués, home to the independent restaurant, The Merchants, which has a stylish interior and a beautiful courtyard for alfresco dining – or afternoon tea.

The Merchants Afternoon Tea is served on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and is the luxury experience you’d expect in the beautiful surroundings. The weather was good, so we sat in the courtyard enjoying the peaceful setting amid trees and lush greenery.

‘Do we get all this food?’ The Boss asked, reading the menu with eyes wide like tea-cup saucers. Yes. My advice? Skip lunch and save yourself for the savoury and sweet indulgences of The Merchants’ afternoon tea.

The beverage included in the afternoon tea price (50€ per person) is one of seven types of tea on offer. I have to admit that, even though I’m a Brit, traditional tea is not my cuppa of choice, but the delicate pink infusion named Goji Secrets was delicious. Of course, you can add to the opulence of the afternoon by having a glass of cava or champagne or a sparkling tea.

The food arrived on a stand, loaded with three plates, with an additonal plate on the side. At the bottom of the stand were the sandwiches or, as described at The Merchants, tramezzini. They’re posh finger sandwiches made with soft, Italian white bread. The savouries also included smoked salmon on brioche, mini-croissant with crab, avocado, guacamole, and lime, a mini smoked chicken sandwich with Mahon cheese, bacon, and lettuce. My absolute favourite of these was the mini-croissant.

The sweet treats had been calling out ‘Eat me’ since they arrived at the table and so we did. Scones, with clotted cream and a selection of jams, and rich chocolate and sea salt cookies were on the additional plate. I don’t remember when I last ate and enjoyed so many sweet temptations!

As far as I know, this is the only place in the middle of Palma that serves a traditional afternoon tea. If you want to try it, book through The Merchants’ website.

Jan Edwards @2024