Restaurant Review: Tea Time the British Way

As the Royal Wedding approaches I think back to my own time in England. Years ago (in my old life) I had the opportunity to go study calcium imaging at Aston University in Birmingham, England (second largest city in the UK). I was prepared for driving on the opposite side of the road, I knew a couple of Britishisms--loo (toilet), crisps (potato chips), lift (elevator), lorry (truck) and I was excited to travel via the highly efficient and clean 'tube' (their subway). But what I was looking forward to the most was having tea, the proper way.

On the advice of my professor's wife, I went to the Hyatt hotel for their tea service and it was fantastic. There were a myriad of teas, the sandwiches were delicious and refined, the pastries were elegant and there was such a dignified atmosphere. 

When I returned to the states I sought out similar tea services and found them at places like Lady Mendl's, Takashimaya (now closed) and Alice's Tea Cup in NYC and the Ritz-Carlton (all of them). Imagine my surprise when my editor suggested a bona fide tea salon in Media.

is a wonderful place to enjoy a spot of tea (breakfast, or lunch) alone or with your friends. I went in on a late afternoon (proper tea time is officially 4 p.m. but it can also be enjoyed between 3 and 5 p.m.) and marveled at the decor. I was transported back to the UK as soon as I set foot in the place. There are containers of Irish oatmeal, mini red telephone booths, British signage, British flags and a coziness to the place that made you feel right at home. Each table is set with a distinctive cup and saucer, flowers and brightly colored tablecloths. It is such an inviting space.

My friend arrived and she had the Baroness of Media and I ordered the Duchess of Blue Bell. My selection had a pot of tea (a variant of Earl Grey--so tasty!), tea sandwiches and a scone with satin cream and lemon curd. My friend enjoyed her pot of tea, tea sandwiches and sweet cake.

The sandwiches came in ham salad, pimento and cream cheese and egg salad varieties. The ham salad was dressed in a whole grain mustard dressing which provided a nice contrast. The pimento and cream cheese was interesting and flavorful. Egg salad is always a favorite. What I loved the most was that each sandwich was made with both white and wheat bread for a particularly striking look.

My butterscotch scone was heavenly. It was rich, buttery and warm. I preferred the satin cream to the lemon curd although both were good. The "sweet cakes" were carrot, a yellow cake and a petit four. The carrot cake was one of the best I've tried. 

The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. When my friend was running quite late, they cracked all sorts of jokes about how she had bailed on me. They answered any and all questions we had about menu items or tea selections and made us feel so comfortable.

We talked about the upcoming Royal Wedding (April 29) and they mentioned a post-wedding party on Sunday which is unfortunately sold out. At the party they will be enjoying the same tea the Royals drink, champagne, live entertainment and so much more.

I can't say enough about what a wonderful time we had here, it is a unique space with both delicious food and drink and a sincerely friendly staff. It is a perfect place to catch up with a friend, have a mother-daughter outing or escape your crazy work day for an hour or two.

Tea and Cakes Tea room is a first rate tea salon where you can enjoy a proper tea service at a fraction of the cost (we paid less for the two of us ($22.68 without tip) than I paid for myself at any of the aforementioned places) without having to drive into the city.