Skip Manhattan as a new high tea trend takes hold on Long Island

A new high-end tea experience is quietly gaining momentum across the Three Village area — and it’s bringing a taste of luxury hospitality into some of the North Shore’s most historic homes.

Rugby Reserve, founded by Miller Place’s Anita Solaman, is a seasonal, in-residence high tea series that transforms local properties into intimate, curated tea settings — offering a close-to-home alternative to the kind of experience typically found in Manhattan hotels.

“I thought about it for five, maybe 10 years,” Solaman said. “Why do we always feel like we have to go into the city for something like this? Why can’t we have it here?”

The concept has begun to take off following a series of recent events, including a spring sitting at the Setauket Neighborhood House that drew a multi-generational crowd.

A luxury experience, without the city trip

With a background in corporate hospitality, Solaman said she was familiar with the level of service offered at high-end tea destinations like The Garden City Hotel — often compared to iconic venues such as The Waldorf Astoria and The Ritz-Carlton.

But she saw an opportunity to recreate that experience locally.

“I’ve taken clients to high-end restaurants and tea salons,” she said. “But not everyone wants to travel into Manhattan.”

Her answer was Rugby Reserve — a rotating, seasonal series of tea events held throughout the year, each designed to reflect the time of year, from spring through the holidays.

Historic homes set the scene

From the beginning, Solaman said the setting was essential.

Her first event, held last December at the Bates House in Setauket, helped shape the concept: pairing traditional tea service with the character of historic North Shore homes.

“That’s when the idea became to partner with historic properties, because they already have that story,” she said.

Each location — including the Setauket Neighborhood House — becomes part of the experience, offering guests the feeling of stepping into another era.

“It’s like walking into a tea room in a hotel, but instead it’s right here,” she said.

Every detail is intentional. Solaman has sourced vintage china and teapots from thrift shops, churches and community donations, with pieces dating from the 1920s through the 1940s.

“These teapots have wonderful histories,” she said. “It’s so exciting to keep them in service.”

An intimate, curated experience

Guests are served a multi-course tea featuring organic, fair-trade blends alongside a menu of finger sandwiches, macarons, scones and pastries.

“We’re really trying to keep it high-end, including the food,” Solaman said.

Seatings are intentionally small, designed to create a more personal, relaxed atmosphere.

“You come in to take a moment to pause, enjoy with friends, share with loved ones, and be taken care of,” she said. “It’s about slowing down.”

That approach appears to be resonating. Solaman said recent events have drawn a wide range of guests, from milestone celebrations to first-time tea experiences.

“We’ve had everything from a 95th birthday to a little girl having her first tea,” she said.

Building buzz close to home

While still in its early stages, Rugby Reserve has started to build a following through social media and word of mouth, with each event generating new interest.

“It becomes a destination,” Solaman said. “Something different, something to celebrate.”

For Solaman, the venture also serves as a creative outlet alongside her corporate career.

“This is my creative,” she said.

As she continues to expand the concept season by season, her goal remains simple: offer a reason to slow down.

“In today’s world, everything is so fast,” she said. “This is about taking your time and just enjoying.” (Scroll down for more photos from Julianne Mosher)