While studying abroad in Europe this past fall, my goal was to attend a high tea in London. After two months of booking flights, hotels and reservations, I finally made it to my first real English tea room. Crumpets and clotted cream lined the little pastry trays that stood tiered with finger sandwiches and cakes. Once back in New Jersey, I was desperately missing my rose petal tea and the tea room experience. Little did I know, when my plane landed, how many places there were to get afternoon tea in the Garden State. Grab your English fascinator, an appetite and get ready for high tea at these New Jersey tea rooms.
Sweet Tease Tea Room – Belmar, NJ
Sweet Tease Tea Room is a place that feels like home. From the mismatched teapots and cups to the colorful atmosphere, you won’t be able to leave without having a scone or two. Sweet Tease has teas from all over the world for you to choose such as peach apricot, pai mu tan and assam. You can also accompany your tea with some of their exquisite desserts. Blueberry scones, coconut cake cupcakes and banana cream pie are just a few treats you might feel tempted to leave with.
In addition, you can also attend their high teas for $35 per person. This experience includes a bottomless pot of tea with four different courses. If you love a particular pot of tea, Sweet Tease also gives you the option to order any one of their organic teas to take home!
The Secret Tea Room- Summit, NJ
Who doesn’t love a secret tea party? Hidden in the Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a pop-up tea party that would fulfill the dreams of any tea lover. The Secret Tea Room specifically takes inspiration from a number of tea rooms in London, but specifically the Savoy. What makes this particular tea room unique is that it has no fixed location or storefront. It also hosts events and workshops, which are both online and in person.
Currently, The Secret Tea Room has a number of upcoming events including: Tea & Scones, Coffee & Croissants and Afternoon Tea. Members of the Reeves-Reed Arboretum can receive a discount on all three events and workshops. Keep up with @secret.tearoom on Instagram for updates.
Harmony Tea Room- Westwood, NJ
Not only does Harmony Tea Room replicate an elegant English tea experience, but it also has received numerous accolades for the experience. Harmony Tea Room offers an extensive tea menu such as the classic Irish breakfast and earl gray to unique teas like chestnut and cinnamon hazelnut crème. Their teas haven’t been the only item receiving raving reviews, but their food also received very high marks.
From their sweet potato soup with caramelized onions to their special Harmony salad with toasted pecans, apples, cinnamon cranberry goat cheese and cider vinaigrette, you really cannot choose wrong. However, one cannot leave Harmony Tea Room without trying one of their scones, as one happy customer wrote, “We had a lovely lunch and the most delicious cranberry scone I’ve ever tasted.”
High SocieTea House- Wayne, NJ
Want to be transported back in time to old high society? Well, High SocieTea House may just be the perfect place for you. This tea house is located in the first official post office, as listed by the Wayne Historical Society, which dates back to 1895. Each guest is treated to their own pot of tea in a handmade cozy. Also, depending on what afternoon tea package you choose, you could be served quiches, scones with lemon curd and clotted cream and a plated dessert. While at the tea house, you can even purchase your own scone mix and tea leaves to have afternoon tea at your own home.
The Parisian Tea Room- Morganville, NJ
Unlike the other tea rooms that emulate an English high tea, The Parisian Tea Room makes you feel like a 1920s aristocrat in Paris. Award-winning French chefs prepare Parisian classics daily for tea room guests. If you book a reservation, you will be served a green salad, tea sandwiches served on croissants, macarons, plated desserts and a number of French teas. All teas are imported from France, and they will make you feel like a Parisian in no time.
Are you ready to join high society with a cup of tea and a plate of tea cookies? These New Jersey tea rooms are waiting for you to indulge in them!
Main image by Jill Wellington
