Music is not the only cultural “British invasion” that has taken the country by storm. For the past few years, there has been a revival in the adoration of period pieces set in the UK – from Downton Abbey and Bridgerton to Outlander – and with it has come renewed interest in the beloved mid-day meal: afternoon tea.
Whether you’re nibbling on scones with your grandmother, having a mother-daughter day out, “spilling tea” over tea with your friends, or having a cozy date with your partner, afternoon tea is a versatile affair. In this guide to all things tea in Rhode Island, discover the joys of tea, from fancy services and elevated dates to homey cuppas and special events.
Specials:
Blithewold: The Bristol mansion is known for its community events celebrating the arts and nature. Blithewold also puts on special holiday afternoon teas, like this February’s Valentine’s Day Tea (now sold out) and a Children’s Teddy Bear Tea (February 24), where guests are treated to tea and treats in the elegant dining room.
Norman Bird Sanctuary CommuniTea: For more adventurous and rugged tea enthusiasts, community members are invited to join herbalist Maggie Hatzpanian for a foraged tea workshop (February 15). Sip on a seasonal winter blend while discussing the medicinal properties of native plants and how the ingredients in the tea work together for the desired effect.
Mapleville Farm: For a homey, welcoming experience, Mapleville Farm hosts the occasional tea service. This February, go to the farm for their Galentine’s Tea Party (February 11) for a full tea and luncheon. The menu includes four flavors of bottomless tea, and a three-course holiday special menu, from chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate cherry scones, to a goat cheese and heart beet salad, and conversation heart butter cookies, to name just a few options.
Stoneacre Brasserie: During Newport’s Winter Fest (February 16-25), Stoneacre Brasserie invites you to join them for a buy-one-get-one-free afternoon tea special. The tea service includes the iconic three-tier tower of traditional teatime snacks.
Staples:
Hotel Viking: An elevated tea experience, Hotel Viking’s Afternoon Tea Service returns in the Garden Room at One Bellevue. On weekends, herbal, white, and black loose-leaf tea is prepared tableside for each guest. Teatime here includes savory treats, patisserie, and if you choose, champagne or cocktails.
The Chinese Tea House at The Marble House: Take your tea as if you are living in the time of the iconic Newport Mansions and sip outside at the Chinese Tea House. Resuming in April, this seasonal tea service will be catered by Stoneacre Brasserie and will include scones, finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and entrees.
Kellie’s Café: This café is a slice of England, serving authentic British favorites (including beans on toast) for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, including afternoon tea for tea. At Kellie’s Café tea takers will enjoy an unlimited pot of English tea, assorted finger sandwiches, fresh scones with imported British jam and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes.
Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage: In the quaint heart of downtown Wickford, tea goers can find their special meal year-round at Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage. Served in a rustic modern cottage with mix-and-match vintage tea sets, the prix fixe menu includes four savory bites, three sweet treats, two scones, and bottomless tea. If you are feeling cheeky, add a cocktail or a glass of wine to the experience.
Trinity Confections: For special events, consider hosting your function at Trinity Confections Tea Room (reservations are required). Their signature high tea menu includes unlimited tea, served with milk, sugar, and lemon, as well as soup, canapes, scones, and sweet deserts like tea cookies and cakes, all made from family recipes.
Val’s English Tea Shop: “Kettle’s on – come have a cuppa” is the slogan of Val’s English Tea Shop, and indeed tea goers will feel right at home here. Made in honor of her Londoner mother, Val, Sharon Thompson’s tea shop serves tea the correct way (there are even etiquette guidelines on the website), from finger sandwiches and savory pastry to scones with clotted cream and jam, to sweets.
Tea in Sahara: Afternoon tea does not have to be a traditional British affair. For the truly adventurous, leave the scones behind for traditional Moroccan fare at Tea in the Sahara. Sip on traditional Moroccan mint tea, herbal blends, or even Turkish coffee. Order small bites like grape leaves or zaalouk to recall the British affair of light bites, or if you’re hungry, dive into loaded sandwiches or larger entrees.