YOUR CUP OF TEA

Channel your inner royal at one of these local high teas

BY Christina Orlovsky Page & Brianne Brown

The latest royal wedding may have come and gone, but the appeal of an old-fashioned English tea is everlasting. Thankfully, there’s no need to book a flight across the pond to take in an upscale high tea. From La Mesa to Escondido and Old Town to Downtown, tea rooms beckon San Diegans looking for a taste of old country charm right in their own backyard. Perfect for bridal or baby showers, a girls’ day out or simply an upscale afternoon outing, tea houses offer a wide assortment of teas and a traditional menu of sweet and savory food items. And while finger sandwiches and bite-sized scones may seem fit only for a light snack, you’re almost certain to leave with a full belly and a happy heart. Cheerio!

CORAL TREE TEA HOUSE
Imagine your ideal childhood dollhouse. Now imagine it surrounded by a row of picture-perfect dollhouses—and better yet, it comes complete with a full tea service. A little girl’s imaginary tea party come true, the Coral Tree Tea House is whimsy personified. Located in historic Heritage County Park, a row of restored Victorian homes in Old Town San Diego, Coral Tree Tea House and the Old Town Gift Emporium occupy the first floor of the reportedly haunted McConaughy House, which dates back to 1887. Open Thursday through Sunday, the tea room hosts light lunch Thursdays and Fridays and reservation-only seatings on weekends. Options range from the Queen’s High Tea and Afternoon Tea to Tea & Scones only and Princess & Prince Tea for mini royals. Coral Tree also hosts special events, including Mad Hatter Days, October 6 and 7. 2490 Heritage Park Row, San Diego 619.291.5464 coraltreeteahouse.com

AUBREY ROSE TEA ROOM
Downtown La Mesa may not be reminiscent of a quaint English village, but one step inside the quaint Aubrey Rose Tea Room feels like stepping back in time—or at least into your dear grandmother’s fancy dining room. Serving English-style afternoon tea since 2003, the cozy tea room is decked out with charming décor, antique china sets and perfectly placed table settings. Choose from two lavish prix fixe menus—the Queen Victoria or the Lady Anne—and enjoy beautifully plated three-tiered trays full of assorted finger sandwiches and savories, fruit and scones, “petite treats and sweets” and unlimited premium loose-leaf tea. Here, “unlimited” truly means unlimited pots of tea—arriving at your discretion for the duration of your reservation. Walk-ins can take part in the limited Cream Tea option, while little ladies or lads—ages 5 to 10—can partake in the Princess Sophia. Forget your fascinator? Have no fear. Choose a hat and accompanying accessories from the tea room’s collection. And if you’re feeling inspired to recreate the experience at home, purchase your own tea set and all the accoutrements in the shop in back. 8362 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa 619.461.4832 theaubreyrosetearoom.com

SHAKESPEARE’S CORNER SHOPPE AND AFTERNOON TEA
Located downtown just minutes from the airport off of India Street, Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe and Afternoon Tea brings British elegance to San Diego. Originally from Surrey, just south of London, owner Selina Stockley has created an authentic English tea experience that is inspired by her Grandma Lucy’s recipes and tips. Approximately every six weeks, the shoppe hosts a themed tea party. Past themes have included Alice in Wonderland, Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes and the Bard himself. October’s Harry Potter-themed tea is immensely popular and sells out quickly, so call to make your reservation as soon as possible. 3719 India Street, San Diego 619.683.2748 sandiegoafternoontea.com

THE GRAND TEA ROOM
Nestled amongst the shops and restaurants that dot historic Grand Avenue in Escondido is The Grand Tea Room, where an elegant and unique experience awaits. With menu options ranging from a simple Cream Tea to the aptly-named Grand Tea, The Grand Tea Room has something for everyone, including wine served by the glass or by the bottle. Owner Louisa Magoon and her daughter, Leola, the tea room’s chef, have recently partnered with The 413 Project to bring full-length drama productions to the shop for a dinner theatre experience like no other. Recent productions have included “Sense & Sensibility,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Anne of Green Gables,” “Emma” and “Pride & Prejudice.” Equipped with all the trappings for high tea dress up—think feather boas, gloves and fascinators—you’ll find yourself with your pinkies up in no time. 145 W. Grand Avenue, Escondido 760.233.9500 thegrandtearoom.com

So whether you prefer a grand high tea experience or tea for two, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at one of these fun and frilly tea rooms.

There are many other tea rooms around San Diego. Find one near you:

SANTALUZ
Marlene’s Tea and Cakes
14677 Via Bettona
858.756.4320
marlenesteaandcakes.com

CHULA VISTA
My Cup of Tea
242 Third Avenue
619.691.1347
mycupofteachulavista.com

CARMEL VALLEY
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Court
858.314.2000
fairmont.com/san-diego/dining/afternoon-tea

DOWNTOWN
The Westgate Hotel
1055 Second Avenue
619.238.1818