With the arrival of autumn, I found myself called to something other than the traditional brown beverage: tea.
Established in 1991 as a tea shop and cafe, A Taste of Britain offers 50 loose leaf teas as well as lunch, dessert and special children’s menus featuring British delicacies. The building houses both a dining space and a vibrant retail area with items including British groceries and teas.
Joined by a couple of companions, I set up a reservation online for a Sunday afternoon as the waiting times to be served on the weekends are often longer. Amid the busy dining area, the staff welcomed us kindly and walked us through the menu.
The matching wooden furniture and painted walls, paired with chandeliers and British styled decor, brought a cozy atmosphere as we waited. I ordered the Frittata of the Day for $18, which came with a soup or the Windsor garden salad, and the experience of a full afternoon tea for $40. Full afternoon tea is a British custom in which people gather to drink tea with sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries. The shop’s option included eight pieces of tea sandwiches with flavors to choose; a warm scone of choice with clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry preserves; three assorted mini pastries; and a pot of loose leaf tea, iced tea or french press coffee.
The servings, although deceptively small, were perfect for our group. The frittata was spongy, with the tomato butter on the side providing a unique sweet note. Fresh and crunchy, the salad I chose was also a welcomed change.
Our group found that certain dishes fit the flavors of our different teas extremely well. Of the sandwiches, we especially liked the light turkey with fruity cranberry spread. We also found the pastries — sticky toffee pudding, smores tart and cinnamon apple posset — a great way to try all the flavors.
However, the cherry and almond scone, as well as our hot tea, were our clear favorites. The pastry tasted delicious, combining crumble and airiness. With a one hour and 45 minute seating limit, we stayed the entire time as I refilled my beverage: Scottish Highlands, which offered a fruity tang to a lighter black tea.
We left thoroughly content, with tea, teapots and plans to come back in mind. Although not as discussed as the average coffee shop, A Taste of Britain is sure to transforms an afternoon into a timeless experience for groups looking for a unique cafe spin true to tradition.
Faith Zantua can be reached at [email protected].
