Crest Hill Antiques and Tea Room

Since Pippa and I began to write this blog, my mom and I have committed to going to tea one a week when I am home from college. This week we decided on Crest Hill Antiques and Tea Room. A friend, who is quite the foodie, mentioned it and said she was interested in trying the tea room. I went online, read the reviews and knew that it was the place for us. Being the last minute planner that I have become this summer, I called at 10am for a 2pm tea reservation. The owner answered the phone and could not have been more accommodating.

Crest Hill is located in the charming little town of The Plains, Virginia. It is in a cottage like building and inviting from all angles. The parking is located in the back and a path has been made that leads tea goers to the front door. Along the porch steps are tea pot flower pots the brighten up the entrance. They are beyond adorable and a little taste on what to expect inside. The first things you notice once you enter the tea house are all of the antiques. With the prices ranging from high to low, there is something from everyone. 

After browsing for awhile, we were lead into the tearoom by the owner and seated at a corner table for two. The table had linen and china (that matched), which was a huge thumbs up for me. It also was decorated with a vase of fresh flowers and a tea lamp. Crest Hill has monthly tea specials that have about three different teas and different food selections that are special from the menu. The owner brought us out a selection of tea blends that we were able to explore. There are over 25 types of tea to select from, so there is something for everyone. I chose to go with the Diamond Jubilee Tea, which was listed a special, and my mom selected the Yorkshire Gold. Both were brought out in cozy covered teapots and were brewed to perfection.

A Table Set for Two

Since we went around lunch time, we chose to order off the lunch menu verse having the afternoon tea. I started out with a croissant sandwich which had smoked turkey, apple slices, and cranberry chutney, served along with veggies and pickles. My mom selected the curried chicken salad croissant sandwich which was also accompanied with the veggies and pickles. They both were so fantastic that we almost forgot to take a picture of them.  For our second course we went for the traditional scone. I selected a plain one and my mom had a one with currents. We were both delightfully surprised when the came out warm with powered sugar dusted on top. Along with the clotted cream and strawberry and lemon curd, we both agreed that they were some of the best scones we have ever had. Since the sandwich and scones were hug we were getting extremely full by this point but the owner tempted us into trying the homemade chocolate lava cake. Of course she made it sound so wonderful that we just had to try it. It was served warm with whip cream and fresh raspberries. It took us all of three minutes to eat it. We once again agreed that it was one of the most heavenly things we had ever eaten and we so glad that we decided to try it.

Turkey Croissant Sandwich

Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich

A Plain Scone

A Scone with Currents

Chocolate Lava Cake

Crest Hill is by far one of the best tea houses I have ever been too. From the relaxed atmosphere to the fantastic food it is a true gem. I plan on going back and having the full afternoon tea the first chance I get. I would recommend this tea room for anyone who truly wants a relaxing afternoon. Being only an hour from Washington, DC it is the perfect place to stop after a busy morning at the museums. The Darjeeling Darlings would give Crest Hill Antiques and Tea Room a 10 out of 10. 

Aylesbury Tea Room

Aylesbury Tea Room

When its over 100 degrees, what can you really do? Why go to tea (and shop) of course! That is exactly what my mom and I (and Lizzie of course) decided to do on this extremely hot day. We agreed that we wanted to try some place new and on our way to the outlets. With those to requirements, Aylesbury Tea Room was our place! Located in downtown Leesburg, Virginia and just ten minutes from our shopping destination, it seemed to be the perfect stop.

Since we decided to go on the spur of the moment, I was concerned that we would not be able to get a reservation. My worry was quickly put to rest when I called just two hours before my requested reservation time. Karen, the British owner, was extremely pleasant and accommodating. She politely explained that the tearoom was booked for a private party but she could accommodate us at 2:45.  Of course my mom and I were running late, being Greek we can’t help it, so I had to phone Karen and let her know that we would be arriving 20 minutes past our appointment time. She could not have been more understanding and told us not to rush.

The amazing William and Kate flag greeted us!

Upon arriving we were greeted by Prince William and Kate Middleton on a traditional British Flag. It was a warm welcome and was just a taste of what to expect inside. The tearoom is mainly a shop that specializes in imported British goods and tea related items. Being the antique lover that she is, my mother was in heaven. There were rooms upon rooms of items for purchase and they were all decorated extremely well.  Since the private event was still going on once we arrived, we took the opportunity to explore all that the shop had to offer. We found quite a few excellent piece of furniture that we decided we just had to have and plan on going back to purchase since they would not fit in our car! After our shopping adventure we had worked up an appetite and were more that ready to try all that Aylesbury had a reputation for.

Just a few of the goods available for purchase.

We were seated at a long table set for eight in a room adjacent from the private party. It seemed to be the only place vacant at the time. The modest table was set with two china teacups and matching plates along with a plastic tablecloth. The friendly hostess immediately explained the tea selection and took our order. Aylesbury only serves Yorkshire Tea, which was fine by me since that is one of my favorites.  I chose the earl grey and my mother selected the original to accompany the afternoon tea. Both were brought out immediately in teapots with unique tea cozies and were equally delicious. A three-tier tray of four finger sandwiches, traditional scones, and mixed cakes and cookies along with fresh fruit were severed promptly after. I requested to have all cucumber sandwiches and they were happy to accommodate me. The scone was not bad and you could purchase the mix from their store along with the cookies served. The cookies and cakes were all store bought which lead to disappointment. Overall the food was pretty average tea fair and not much was served for $20.00. The food was served on plastic plates, which did turn me off just a bit but could be perfect for people wanting to take young children.  Aylesbury does offer a children’s tea for tea goers under the age of ten for around $9.00.

Aylesbury is nice place to stop if you want to take a break from all of the near by shopping and want a place to relax. From what I could tell it is also a fantastic place to hold a party and take young children. The extremely friendly staff, excellent decorations, and fantastic shop made up for the average food and noisy atmosphere. I feel like we caught them on an off day since they were consumed with having an event and would like to go back when there is a little less going on. I would not recommend going when a party is booked since the tearoom part is very small and the noise level is very loud. The Darjeeling Darlings would give the tearoom a 6 out of 10 and the fantastic shop a 10 out of 10.

Tea Sandwiches for Two

The scones were accompanied with clotted cream and jam.

The cookie and cake platter was served with some fruit.

The Ploughcroft Tea Room

As mentioned before, the Darjeeling Darlings essentially came to be at the Ploughcroft Tea Room in Lynchburg, Virginia. Jules and I have had many-a-warming pots of Darjeeling tea at this traditional English tea room and consider ourselves loyal customers. Where to begin...

If you were to visit Ploughcroft, you might think it a bit out of place. But then again, most tea rooms and houses that spot America are. Commerce Street is located in the heart of industrial down town Lynchburg where parallel parking isn't really optional and the old brick buildings could use a good power wash. Outside one of these old brick buildings that lines the street hangs a small sign marking the tea room's presence from the surrounding antique stores.

The drab of downtown Lynchburg is soon forgotten upon stepping inside the tea room that features a simple interior decor of mix-matched English countryside and a warm fire place. Apart from the couches that surround said fire place, the rest of the large high ceiling room is filled with tables set for tea and a couple low hanging chandeliers. Two large, wooden swinging doors lead to the back room that houses the kitchen. First impressions? Cozy.

One of the owners is Patricia who shares Ploughcroft with her daughter, Ashley. Patricia is from Dover and has successfully brought traditional English tea to Virginia. She worked at Sweet Briar for a time too!

If you can, grab one of the two tables nestled in the front of the room against the windows. Although Ploughcroft offers a number of different teas, I would easily say they have the best Darjeeling, which you can never go wrong with anyway. Like a traditional tea room, Ploughcroft does not serve a regular lunch menu of salads and sandwiches with a little bit of tea. However soup de jour and select a-la-carte dishes are an option. A traditional tea room experience consists of "afternoon tea" where a platter of various items is ordered with an endless pot of tea. Jules and I are partial to the Victorian platter, which consists of a three course meal in one.

Salmon and cucumber sandwiches are a great starter, followed by traditional scones (not biscuits!) accompanied by Devon cream and preserves. Save the best for last with the middle tier of assorted desserts, which is much like a box of chocolates because you aren't entirely sure what each one is or consists of. Rest assured they are all quite tasty though! If you think this won't be enough to satisfy an appetite, I can say from personal experience that this platter paired with bottomless tea will leave you quite full.

Although it's hard for me not to be biased when rating Ploughcroft, I would give it a 7 out of 10. The atmosphere and colorful tea pots create an authentic presence that is followed up with authentic English tea and food. Plus the tea is available for purchase! The scones are some of the better I've tried and the assorted desserts are a fun taste test. Patricia and Ashley are attentive owners who have established a restaurant that feels like taking tea in your very own living room.

~Pippa