Downton Abbey Tea at Crest Hill Antiques and Tearoom

Every true tea lover has standard tearooms that they like to return to. Mine is quickly becoming Crest Hill Antiques and Tearoom in the Plains, Va.  I first discovered Crest Hill last summer and was extremely pleased with my visit. I made sure to like their Facebook page so I would be in the loop for special events. I noticed back in January that they were throwing a Downton Abbey themed tea. I immediately called to reserve my spot and am so glad I did!

Since Downton Abbey is a staple Sunday night show in my family (even my dad enjoys it, although he pretends not to), we needed to find away to celebrate the third season's premiere. Crest Hill Antiques and Tearoom provided the opportunity that we needed with their "Downton Abbey Tea". My mom and I decided that we would invite some friends that are fellow Downton lovers. This was my second visit to the tearoom so I hopeful it would be as great as the first!

Since this was a specialty tea, there was a Downton Abbey inspired menu. All of the recipes came from The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook.  We were given the choice of soup or salad for our starter. I decided to go with the soup and found myself wishing I could have another bowl. For the sandwich course, we were served four different types of sandwiches.  My favorites were Lady Mary's Crab Canapés  and Grand Gougere with Cheese and Sweet Pimento. They were both extremely rich and utterly delicious. For desert, the choice was easy. We were given the option of Mrs. Patmore's Madeira Pound Cake or Tweeny's Tipsy Cake, a chocolate espressos treat. I went with the pound cake since I am not a fan of espresso. The cake was warm and heavenly.

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup 

Spinach Salad, with Pears, Cranberries, Walnuts, Crumbled Feta, and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Lady Mary's Crab Canapés
Cousin Isabel's Smoked Salmon
Classic Egg Salad Tea Sandwich
Grand Gougere with Cheese and Sweet Pimento 

Mrs. Patmore's Madeira Pound Cake

Tweeny's Tipsy Cake



The Downton Abbey Tea Selections

Overall, I was extremely delighted with the event. The tea and food were are extremely delicious, although everything on their menu is. Everyone in our group had a great time at the tea and Mary, the teahouse owner, provides with the perfect setting to celebrate the new season of Downton Abbey. If you are ever near the Washington, DC area, make sure to plan an afternoon at Crest Hill. You will not regret it!.

Jules