When I was a child I loved to play dressup. I’d put on a fancy dress and slip my little feet into mommy’s shoes. I’d clippety clop across the floor with my little tea set to organize the perfect table. I also had my singing teapot to keep me company.
That feeling probably never goes away. That is probably why grown up ladies like to go out for tea. Tea in itself is an experience. We like to see the doilies, the fancy napkins, the crystal, the delicate china and accouterments that all have to be washed by hand, lest the dishwasher ruin the glaze on the china. Then, of course, there is the tea. I read another blog today on the different types of tea and how everything has become a specialty.
So if you are a fan of tea, there is lots for you in Prince Edward Island. However, beware of the term tea room. To me a tea room is a place where you go to dress up, put on a fancy hat, enjoy tea and scones or crumpets, and perhaps indulge in sweets and savouries. It seems today that several “restaurants” call themselves tea rooms and may only occasionally offer the delicacies noted above.
The Prince Edward Island Preserve Company has a tea shoppe where you can find all sorts of tea paraphernalia. Of course you can also enjoy a fine cup of tea in their restaurant.
I saw an ad for a dress up tea party in Charlottetown on May 15th. I wonder if there is room for me – sounds like a lot of fun.
The Kitchen Witch Tearoom is located just outside New London. They offer a full menu and a selection of gluten free products.
The Cardigan Tearoom is an elegant little eatery located in the craft centre. They offer a varied light lunch menu. The craft centre is located in what was the train station and offers some history of the rails on PEI.
In addition to those noted above and according to the tea guide, there are 6 active tea room in Prince Edward Island.
Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley is a good place to buy tea. They are among the tea suppliers to Island businesses. I see from their website that they won an award for innovative packaging. Of course you can also have a good cuppa tea there also.
In Dalvay by the Sea there is an elegant tearoom in a historic home. Only open for tea in the summertime, you can get the full Afternoon Tea Experience for $22 per person. They also offer an afternoon tea and tour. And yes, there is also a full service restaurant on the premises.
The Blue Winds Tea Room apparently serves high tea only one day a week. Their website may be down for the winter but you should check on their availability when the summer season arrives.
The Harbour Lights Guest House is located in North Lake, not far from Elmira which was the end of the railroad line. They offer an east-east tea tasting, gonfu style.
Mrs. Profitt’s Tea Room is located in Victoria by the sea. It is in the front of the Orient Hotel. From recollection, there are 6 tables and they offer a traditional English Style savouries, sandwiches, and sweets. There are no prices on their online menu. They are open from June to September.
In Winsloe, you will find Grandma’s Tea Room. They feature a tea sniffing bar where you can select your own interesting tea aroma. I found an good article there on the difference between high tea and afternoon tea. Their afternoon tea is $19.95 per person. Although they are open year round, they only have set hours in the summertime: other times by chance or appointment. This tea room is in the owner’s home and you should not be afraid to call. If they are at home, they can probably open for you. Note this is the same place I talked about yesterday with the scrapbooking and tea experience . . . and where I found my topic idea for today.
Tomorrow, more on Unique experiences in PEI.
Granny ~oo~