Olde English Tea Room & Gift Shoppe

01/06/2008 Posted by kassi

An excellent selection of loose-leaf teas accompanies a traditional afternoon tea service and small additional menu. Be warned, the food is extremely rich! The scones and small desserts in an afternoon tea service can be overwhelming, though the tastiness of the offerings often lures me into eating more than is wise. In the summer they had a delicious cold strawberry soup that delighted my palate. The gift shop downstairs is nice but I'm enamored of the variety of tea accoutrements they offer upstairs -- many beautiful patterns of tea services, infusers, gifts, books, and even these elusive drip-guards that hook over a teapot lid and hold it on as well as catch drips from the spout. A box full of beautiful vintage hats at the top of the stairs always catches my eye.

Pros: Food, ambience, gifts

10/06/2007 Posted by fireflyflame

A very pretty dining area, though cramped (people kept bumping my chair), and a similarly cramped gift shop in the basement (beware the trecherous stairway - I slipped and fell, but caught myself before too much damage was done). The place was so noisy that even sitting at a small table, we had to yell to hear each other. Yes, they welcome children. Which is great if you plan to bring children. I have two little girls, so I know it's wonderful to find family-friendly places. But if you want to leave the little girls at home & have "adult time" this isn't the place. At least, not on a Saturday. The afternoon tea was four finger sandwiches (1/4-sandwich each of cucumber and cream cheese, egg salad, tuna and children salad) one scone, tea and cookies, for $12.00 a person. Or you can choose from a menu of sandwiches, shepherd pie, chicken divan, desserts, scones, muffins, coffee & of course tea. At V's Teas & Treasures in Raleigh - which has much better lemonade & serves lemon curd - everyone HAS to get the high tea for $20 a person. So we appreciated having the various menu (& budget) options here. Most of the employees were incredible nice. Our server, however, while attentive and efficient, was very cold & brusque. Example: "I'm going to tell you all the scone flavors now," she says, "cranberry chocolate chip butterscotch walnut and plain." So, I ask, is that butterscotch - comma - walnut, or is that butterscotch AND walnut? And she gave me a look like I was a pile of dirty socks. I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy myself, I actually did. Yes, I would like to go back & take my little girls for tea and dessert. No, I would not return with a group of adults to have afternoon tea. Also, be aware that all of the lovely little gift shops & galleries along the street close at 4 or 5 in the afternoon, even on Saturday.

Pros: Family-friendly, many menu choices beyond just "high tea," pretty

Cons: Family-friendly, noisy, cramped, only one toilet in women's bathroom

02/17/2007 Posted by kelliblackmon

I want to clarify the comment that this is not a good place for kids - IT IS - so long as your child is into "tea parties". They have hats and scarves and beads and gloves for the little darlings to play dress up with and they even have PB&J on the menu. It is definitely a place to start introducing your daughter (or son) to the finer aspects of "manners" and "proper" tea. My daughters are 3 (I have twins) and 7 (only 1) and they love it love it love it! It is a time for mommy and them to go be GIRLS! And I love seeing my normally heathen children actually acting like ladies. IT's nice! As a realtor, I find it is a wonderful place for a lunch meeting or to entertain clients. Highly highly highly recommend!!!! (Can you tell that I can't say enough nice things about this place?) Go, relax, sit back, and be pampered!

Pros: Brings the values of the olden days back to life!

Cons: Seating is a little crowded - would prefer more space between tables

07/18/2003 Posted by leahelizabeth

the tea room may not have a wide selection of entrees- but all are prepared fresh and served with a smile. the atmosphere is so sweet and it is the perfect place to bring visiting friends, family, or anyone else that you want to be able to just take tea with and talk. come for lunch just after the rush and you can sit and enjoy the ambience all day with a gracious staff, a gift shop downstairs and a Delicious dessert menu- the tea room is the perfect place for a social meal or a great place to just take a few minutes to sit and enjoy the classical music with a scone and tea or coffee.

Pros: service, atmosphere, relaxing

Cons: value