The Blue Willow Tea Room
(51 reviews)104 W Old St, Petersburg, VA 23803, USA 804-733-7605 Website Suggest Changes
Located in Historic Old Towne Petersburg and situated inside Penniston's Alley Antiques www.pennistonsalley.com at 102-104 W. Old St. The Blue Willow Tea Room invites you to join us for "A spot of tea" as you sit and dine "amongst the antiques" in this c.1815 Federal townhouse. We offer a traditional english tea service which consists of cream tea, luncheon tea, victorian tea, or full afternoon tea. We also offer a wide variety of desserts, soups and salads. Reservation suggested.
Recent reviews
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Shannon Webb
This is an amazing tea room! My now husband and I first visited on a date a few years back and were giving a seat at the coveted front door table. The staff is super friendly. I quite enjoy the tea selection. The food is delightful as well; you MUST get the scones.
I've seen some complaints about the presentation. It is perfectly adequate and makes sense for the environment. This location is a small tea room in a historic location, not a grand service in a palatial sitting room.
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Amy Stallings
I drive an hour and a half from Newport News to have tea at Blue Willow whenever I have a special occasion to celebrate. It provides unique and delicious offerings, friendly and attentive service, and a classy, historical atmosphere. Definitely my favorite tea room within striking distance of my home!
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Michelle Morneau
Superb! We spotted this tea room as we were driving down the street to view a property and decided to pop in. Wow, are we ever glad we did! The food and service were fantastic and such friendly ladies they are. We ordered the full tea so we could sample everything. It was so much food. Two of us shared and we still had food to take home. This will be a regular stop for us whenever we visit Petersburg. Thanks for the great experience, ladies!
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S.K. Williams
This is a delightful tearoom. The food is delicious and the service is stellar. I am fortunate to live in the area, so I am a frequent visitor. And even better, the tearoom is adjacent to their antique store.
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V. Sullivan
VISITED TODAY WITH TWO FRIENDS. great FOOD, SERVICE, AMBIENCE. I PLAN TO RETURN--OFTEN!.
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Allison W.
Amazing! I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place. Our server Kirsti was fantastic, the food was inventive and delicious, the atmosphere was classy and dainty, and the tea....oh the tea--spectacular. I will definitely be returning on a regular basis.
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Melissa Ray
I love the Blue Willow Tea Room. The food is excellent as well as the service. I've taken many friends there and they all have loved it.
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Leah Branford
Love this place!!! The staff is extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and accomodating. They treat you like family; we went there 3 times and every time was as great as the first! The atmosphere is beautiful; it takes one visit to kind of take in the whole place! I would go there at least once a week if we lived in VA. The food is amazing and the tea as well. I can't say enough about this wonderful place! The antique store connected to it is really nice as well. A true gem in Petersburg!
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Cindy Hamlin
The Blue Willow is my favorite lunch spot. The food is served and presented on your plate, the service is awesome and the desserts could not be better or more tasty. There is not a better tea spot in town!
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Teresa Webner
I recently celebrated my birthday at the Blue Willow with 8 friends and family members. I could not have made a better choice of venue. The atmosphere was wonderful and the service by Pam and Kirsti was excellent. They made me feel so special! They went out of their way. The food and presentation was wonderful. I had several friends who had not been there before and they were so impressed. They are now planning on their own gathering there. Thanks to the Blue Willow Tea Room I can say I had a wonderful birthday!
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Williamsburg Lover
We were there last week - - it is a good idea to make reservations if you have more than 2 as space is limited - - this was the first time that we had been to a tearoom - - the experience was well worth it - - the cinnamon spice tea was excellent as well the sandwiches - - and the atmosphere was relaxing and enjoyable - - we there about 2 hours so don't expect fast service
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Maya M
Lovely atmosphere, friendly female waitstaff, yummy food. Wish I hadn't gone alone, but the ladies there made me feel welcome. The one gentleman I met made it clear that helping answer my questions about teapots was less important than chatting with other customers. His attitude lost the sale of a gorgeous teapot that I saw as I left. The ladies and the tea and food were lovely, though, and I'll go back with my daughter.
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Belinda Evans
The Blue Willow Tea Room is a fine place to go. We had the, 'Victorian Tea' that was on the menu. I loved it. Fresh, delicious sandwiches, pastries,scones, jams and devonshire cream. You won't be disappointed visiting this tea room.
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Susan Hannan
What a lovely time we had. My guest from New York loved it. The wait staff was gracious and the chef was wonderful. The atmosphere was lovely.
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Mary Paitsel
Absolutely exquisite! The food, service,and atmosphere were lovely. Will visit again-often
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Carolyn Brooks
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Quantity and quality of food - excellent! Look forward to going back.
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E Wills
My trip to the Blue Willow was a delightful surprise. I am always looking for the perfect tea room and decided to travel from Hampton Roads for a visit. The service was outstanding, the scone and soup were delicious. The tower was the biggest surprise with a nice variety of sandwiches, savories and desserts. The setting was comfortable and the atmosphere gorgeous. Our afternoon was complete with a walk through the antique shop. I can not wait to return with my 'tea peeps,' a trip well worth it!
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DEA
Once again the 'Johnson Street Gang' had a delightful tea room experience. The presentation and food was fantastic! This year we kicked off the Christmas season with a visit to the Blue Willow....and have to admit some of us didn't leave without a few ornaments for the tree! We have already made our reservation for next year!
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Cint
Do not expect the bottomless pot, there isn't one. Eight Harney and Sons variety teas (tea bags) to choose from. The tea was served with tea bag still inside the pot. Tea tier treats were plentiful and tasty, however, presentation was lacking. The Afternoon Tea was a bit $$$. The famous pound cake was not on this tier. The Victoria tea seems to be the better choice.
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Colleen and Sam Mattocks
This by far is the most elegant tea room we have experienced in our lifetime. Your atmosphere is
surrounded with lovely antiques, the wide variety of teas offered is complimented by delicious food and the inviting warmth glistening from Sid, Pam, Judy and Kirstie makes us want to stay forever!
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April Daulton
Fabulous tea room experience. It is in a great old building in historic Petersburg. This sets the stage for a great experience. The tea is just the icing on the cake at this beautiful place. The scones are wonderful and the Devonshire cream is to die for. You can't have too much. The two soups that I have had so far are spectacular and like nothing I have ever had. I always get the full afternoon tea and it comes with a 3 tier serving of little sandwiches, fruit, desserts, and other delights. By the time we were done we were all stuffed. The staff is very friendly and make you feel welcome. I will be coming back very soon.
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D Wagner
I have been to the top 2 rated tearooms in Virginia (plus many more) and they don't come close to this tearoom. This is a true english tearoom with the whole tea experience, not one you have to call 24 hours in advance. The service is far superior. Very friendly, they even remembered me from the last time I visited and everyone came to chat with me. The tea I had was Harney and Son's ( the Royals drink this brand) Hot Cinnamon Spice, it was so good that I bought some to take home. The food is wonderful!!! Fresh Fresh Fresh!!! And so delicious! The soups are a must! You really need to experience this yourselves. No words can express how enjoyable this experience is. By far the Best Tearoom in Va!
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Carolyn Peyton and Catherine Lundy
This is an great place the staff,food and hospitality is great,a must if you are visting the area and if local do not miss out on it.Thank you all the for helping us celebrate Ms Lundy's Birthday May 21,we all enjoyed the food and shopping next door. The smiles and hugs made all of us feel welcome.Thanks and God Bless you all!
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Stephanie
Recently I returned to my favorite Tea House to Blue Williow Tea Room in search of peace and inspiration. True to form I was not let down. Once again the staff greeted me with smiles and hugs as if welcoming old friends home after time apart. My mother and I ordered soup, I the lobster soup and my mother the Gumbo along with the Victorian Tea setting. As my mother and I tend to do we switched soups for a moment and as tasted the Gumbo I was transported back to my childhood to simple happiness in Louisiana, where I would eat the gumbo out on the front steps with a bottle of Coke sitting at my side. TO a time of firefly catching and base ball pitching; when the only worries I had was whether or not it would rain and wash out my T-ball game. As I returned to reality and to my Lobster soup I remembered sitting with my Godmother in Germany and eating Locke’s. As I left I felt my soul and imagination once again refreshed and my mind at ease. How is it that a place so simple can do so much for a weary soul.
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Mary C.
I've been twice and absolutely love the tea room and the antique shop. Everyone is very friendly, make you feel at home and yet it still feels elegant. The staff doesn't mind educating the newcomer about the variety of teas, tea sandwiches and other foods they serve. The owner is the chef and he is quite inventive! The first time I practically dragged my friend who didn't think a tea room was her idea of a sunday afternoon, and couldn't wait to go back which we did yesterday. We live 40 miles away but since deciding the 'draughty' table by the front window is 'our' table, we plan to make it a monthly outing.
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Kitty Cross
First time for my friend and I and loved everything about. Nice to have a tea room so close.
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R Allen
A small, cozy tea room with ornate ceilings and surrounded by antiques. With a little imagination you could easily be in a tea room attached to an English manor house. Like an old manor house I recommend you avoid the small table adjacent to the draughty and busy front door.
The selection of sandwiches and pastries are adequate (although limited) with attentive, if somewhat eccentric, service. The biggest disappointment for me was the selection of teas available. For a tea room it was poor. There was only one ‘brand’ on offer with one breakfast tea. I found the one on offer to be insipid. Despite allowing plenty of time to brew there was not the full well rounded flavor you would expect from a breakfast tea.
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Cindy and Leeanne
My best friend and I always celebrate our birthdays at a tea room. We found the Blue Willow on teamap.com and decided to try it.
The decor was warm and inviting, as was the staff and the owner. The food was scrumptious, especially the scones. Pomegranate oolong tea to die for!
We'll definitely return.
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Tempy Barbru
Absolutely lovely experience - decor is accurate and tasteful. Staff were charming and we will definitely be back. The Pomegranate Oolong tea was perfect!
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Janice Brown
I have become a tea drinker now that I've visited The Blue Willow Tea Room! The tea, food, service and ambiance here were exceptional. The staff felt like old friends. I'm looking forward to another visit soon.
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Susan Rives Stowe
The atmosphere is charming, the staff is charming, the experience was charming and I will definitely return with friends.
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Elizabeth B
I have been twice and this is a great experience. The staff is very friendly.A must for a wonderful tea room adventure.
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Charlotte S.
What a delightful day we recently spent at the Blue Willow Tea Room! Seven girlfriends were looking for a special place to celebrate our friend's birthday and we definitely selected THE best spot ever! The atmosphere was lovely and perfect for our 'girly' celebration. The owners and staff very friendly and most helpful with our special event.
The food was absolutely delicious, generous, and beautifully presented.
You can be sure we will all be returning with more girlfriends soon!....and OFTEN!!!
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Glenn
Everything about the Blue Willow is perfection....superb food and impeccable service in a charming dining room. The owners, who are visible and friendly, have obviously put a lot of thought into every detail and have succeeded in getting it right. The servers seem happy to be there and make an effort to make sure you have a great dining experience. The Blue Willow tea room is clean and elegant without being pretentious, making it comfortable for everyone.
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Howard
While browsing Penniston's Alley Antiques in Old Town Petersburg on Old Street I was over taken by this wonderful smell of food along with spice, mummm , thats worth looking into. It was 'The Blue Willow Tea Room' in the next room several people were there having a nice time so I took a set. It was a very pleasent experience Tea with soup and sandwich in an elegant 1800 building with the orignal metal ceiling and antiques all around. The prices seemed reasonable and the three ladies that worked there treated me like family, It would be a great place to take your wife or your mother or the inlaws, I think I'll look for a girlfriend.
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kathy fields
If you haven't done so yet, check out the Blue Willow Tea Room. An elegant and cozy retreat for a pot of tea and a few delectable goodies! Had a soup special complimented by a selection of tea sandwiches - followed up by a killer pumpkin, cranberry layered delight! The staff and the owners will make you feel like family. :-) Next to Pennistons Alley in Old Towne. See ya there!
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Jennifer Vest
What a treasure we found in finding the Blue Willow Tea Room! The atmosphere was beautiful and relaxing. The staff were wonderful - friendly and paid personal attention to each guest. They even accomodated my daughters' requests for cucumber sandwiches and peanut butter and jelly! We sampled teas, hot chocolate, tea sandwiches, scones, pound cake, and fruit with fresh mint and every bit of everything we ate was delicious! I will be returning and telling all of my friends about this jewel!
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Linda Grant
I too am one of the Johnson Street Gang and we had a fabulous time. I called the 'Tower' the Tower of Terror was execellent! The Blue Willow welcomed us with open arms and all of our sillyness.. We dressed up, wore our hats and gloves. Truly a great experience I will never forget. Can't wait to go back for the 'Spring Fling'!
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Rhonda Ross
I was one of The 'Johnson Street Gang' who attended Dea Mitchem's tea and I must way it was a highlight of the holiday season. The food & tea were excellent and of course the other attendees are always great to be with. I look forward to returning to The Blue Willow Tea Room.
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The Carter Girls
Great food and atmosphere - visited with 4 of my sisters and none of us had ever had 'afternoon tea'. Wonderful experience and just right for that special occasion - each of us enjoyed our own pot of tea and 'fats'- full afternoon tea service. Since I am one of the locals - I will be going back for the wonderful orange and cranberry scones. One person in our group has a gluten allergy and her menu selections were tweaked with no trouble.
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Emily C
I enjoyed having tea at the Blue Willow on two occasions, and each time was wonderful. There was a nice variety of teas offered, and the food was delicious. I highly recommend the carrot ginger scones. Having lived in England and visited many tea rooms, sitting in the Blue Willow Tea Room and being surrounded by beautiful antiques was heaven to me. Sid, Chris, Pam and Judy made us feel very welcome. I can't wait to return!
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Diana Hunt
While antiquing in Petersburg with my sister, we discovered the Blue Willow Tea Room (which happens to be inside Penniston's Alley Antiques). What a treasure! We were transported back to jolly 'ole England with authentic scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and homemade desserts. The owners and staff are determined to make this tea room as close to the real English tea room as possible. We had such fun we made time the next day to return just to visit. It's also a great place to learn about Petersburg Civil War history and local current events. This is a definite destination place. I can't wait to return.
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Buff Sessions
The scones at The Blue WIllow Tea Room are exceptionally delicious! A gracious plenty of food was provided on the 'Full Afternoon Tea' for myself and my daughter, which we shared. The ambiance in the dining room is warm and inviting. There are lots of interesting antiques and treasures to look at and purchase if you so desire. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!