Looking for a traditional British Afternoon tea, then Mrs. Bridges Pantry is the place for you. Named for the cranky cook, in the Bellamy household, in the famed British television series, Upstairs, Downstairs, the pantry offers traditional UK fare, alongside a vast array of teas. The dwelling is dotted profusely with knickknacks from the British Isles, and makes one feel like they’ve been transported to a local eatery in a quaint village, somewhere in the heart of England. Great Scones, and Cornish Pasties.
A Tea lovers paradise. The owner, is one of the most friendly persons you’ll ever have the opportunity, to chat about Tea with. Extremely knowledgeable, and her shop is very quaint and relaxing. I go here to purchase a Pu-erh blend, that she makes herself. It’s outstanding!
Excellent selection of various styles of loose leaf tea. The caveat though, was talking tea, with the owner Phil. I’ve met a few Tea shop owners who thought they knew about all the teas they sold, but they all take a back seat to Phil. I could have talked to him for hours, his knowledge was so extensive. I will be going back again.
While on vacation a few weeks ago, my wife and I decided to do a day trip to Freeport, Maine. As I was perusing a location map outside of L.L. Bean, I noticed this tea shop. After we finished shopping, we stopped in and were pleasantly surprised at the decor and offerings. Jacqueline’s offers Afternoon Tea, by reservation only, and Cream Tea, which is offered if you walk in. Because we were walk ins, we had the Cream Tea option. Two pots of tea, both of our choosing, from a broad spectrum of teas and two homemade Scones, accompanied by Jam, Devonshire Cream and Lemon Curd. Jacqueline, the owner, is extremely knowledgeable in the various teas she offers and she makes the best Scones I’ve ever eaten. Don’t know if we’ll ever make it back to Freeport, but if we do, this is definitely going to be on the itinerary.
They are mostly known for the wonderful assortment of crêpes that they serve on their creative menu. They carry loose leaf teas from The Art of Tea, which you receive in a clear glass teapot, so you can watch your beverage steep. The service tends to be marginal at best, but it’s worth it for the food alone. One note: If you can’t stay to drink your tea, then I’d pass on this place until another time. They use to-go cups which are manufactured using recycled cardboard, and whatever process is used to make the cup, imparts a very unsettling taste to the delicate tea you’ve just purchased. If you have your own cup, they’ll gladly give you your tea in that, which is the only way I’d ever get a tea to-go again.
Nice little place on College Hill with a varied selection of loose teas. I tried a pot of their English Breakfast, which was OK. But the highlight of my visit was a Dragon Pearl that I took with me. I walked from College Hill, all the way to Federal Hill, and it tasted better with each sip. This is the first time I’ve had Dragon Pearls, and it definitely is now my favorite.
Nestled just off the East Bay Bike Path in Bristol, RI. They serve SerendipiTea in loose or bagged form. Their pastries and sandwiches are all very delicious and this cafe has become a regular stop for most people in the Bristol area. Whenever I venture over to ride the bike path, I make sure I stop in and have a cup of Jasmine Yin Hao, which makes the return trip ever so pleasurable.
More of a coffee shop than tea room, as they only carry a few bagged teas from Harney & Sons. Their coffee is good though, so if you’re into going that route, you’ll be satisfied. But if it’s solely tea you’re looking for, then you’ll be disappointed.
