Devon H.
User's reviews
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Britain's Best
This isn't a tea shop, but a store that sells all things British. They do sell a few varieties of tea, namely Taylors of Harrogate, and china, candy, other food items from the UK. I'm not sure why this is listed for tea rooms.
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The Front Porch Tea Room
This is definitely one of the better tea rooms at which I have enjoyed high tea! A friend and I celebrated our birthdays there (a month apart, and she was visiting from out of state right in the middle of our birthdays), and we had such a wonderful time! My boss is a regular at this tea room and recommended it to me, so it was our first time. The food was stellar - I especially loved the chilled cherry soup! We had fun trying on hats when we came in, and the service was superb; we never felt rushed. My only complaints were the scones, which were quite delicious, seemed more like 'soft sugar cookie' texture rather than a traditional scone and a tad on the smallish size, and the tea sandwiches, which were four very small pieces that I understand add up to one whole, but they were so good that I would have loved more! I also loved being able to try both the iced and hot tea; however, we were told that only one variety of hot tea was being served, some type of coconut-flavored tea, which ended up being pretty good, it's just that I'm used to being able to choose from a tea menu at most places I've been to and prefer to order what I like. That being said, I HIGHLY recommend this tea room (make sure you come hungry!); however, if what you're looking for is a 'true' authentic British high tea, this is not it. I find this to me a more Americanized version; soup and salad are served, and 'real' full desserts (for instance, we were given the choice of carrot cake or a chocolate peanut trifle-like dessert, which were both delicious), with less emphasis on the traditional scone/tea sandwiches/small dessert high tea. The garden looked especially lovely when we were there, and I wished it wasn't so hot the day we came, as it would have been nice to have tea in the garden! The gift shop and items available for sale are also wonderful, so make sure you take a look around the shop and upstairs. This was definitely worth finding! (from Lancaster, PA)
Tearoom response:
Devon,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. You are correct in stating that what we serve is not the typical British Tea. My English patrons have informed me that what we serve is more of a Workingman's Tea which is the evening meal. I love to say that what we serve is a Pennsylvania Dutch Tea because I am always worried that folks will leave my tea room hungry. The tea type that you referred to is actually an Afternoon Tea and consists of fruit, scones, sandwiches, and sweets and savories. This is normally served on a three tier server.
As to my scones, I know that I do not make the best, I try however, but I do try to keep them moist as my preference is not dry scones.
Again, thank you so much and I look forward to seeing you again soon
Bonnie
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Sugarplums & Tea
I had my surprise bridal shower tea at the former location at Rockvale Square, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The food was delicious, as well as the large tea selection. I felt the price reasonable compared to other locations I've been to; however, for the quantity of food you get, I would expect a little more. Overall, worth going (especially for the Hawaiian chicken salad, which is phenomenal!).