Listed here are 5 conventional Bay Space spots for tea
Is it tea time? It is at these Bay Area tea houses, where you can get in the Downton Abbey spirit without getting on a plane. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
We get it. You’re more English breakfast than boba. And while you certainly can’t sit down to trifle and Earl Grey with the Crawley sisters, you can get fired up for Downton mania — which includes a new official cookbook and a Sept. 20 film debut — with tea time at one of these Victorian-inspired tea houses, from Campbell to Benicia to San Francisco.
Lisa’s Tea Treasures
This South Bay favorite has re-opened in a new Campbell location with crisp white linens, china tea cups and Victorian-style chaise sofas. Afternoon tea is the focus, featuring a selection of 24 teas — everything from butter truffle to spiced plum — with a variety of plates brimming with sandwiches, scones, Devonshire cream, savories and a choice of dessert. Treat the kiddos to the Court Jester’s Surprise, which comes with PB&J tea sandwiches. Lady Mary so would approve.
Details: Reservations recommended. Open for tea seatings daily, except Tuesdays. Located at 2305 S. Winchester Blvd., Suite 110, Campbell; http://lisastea.com.
Camellia Tea Room
Located in a restored 1897 building, this tearoom in downtown Benicia room features lace curtains, ivory tablecloths and tea served in china teapots. But it’s the ornate ceiling of Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers that adds pinkies-up elegance. Camellia offers 40 fine loose-leaf teas — think darjeeling to maple walnut — for afternoon tea service, in addition to a lunch menu of salads, sandwiches and housemade desserts.
Details: For reservations, call 707-746-5293. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday at 828 First St., Benicia; www.camelliatearoom.com
Tea on the Avenue
You won’t find doilies at this modern Los Gatos tea cafe. But you will find an exclusive specialty line of more than 50 loose-leaf teas sourced from small, multi-generational farms around the world and an all-day menu of light bites, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Choose from four teas that are brewed fresh daily, or select your own — everything from minty rose to chocolate puer — brewed in a personal French press. Refills are encouraged. Reservations are not.
Details: Open from 10 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday at 155 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; https://teaontheavenue.com.
Fairmont San Francisco
Weekend afternoon tea at this luxury hotel has been a tradition since its opening in 1907. And as an “official partner” of the “Downton Abbey” movie, the Fairmont is offering a “few themed touches that would certainly please the Dowager Countess if she paid a visit to our Grande Dame atop Nob Hill” during the month of September (Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29 only).
Served inside the hotel’s Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar, the lineup includes housemade scones, including Lavender & Herb, and sandwiches, like Persian Cucumber with Cream Cheese and Dill, plus pastries and tea sweets, using locally-sourced ingredients. Choose from 11 loose-leaf organic teas, too.
Details: $49 for adults, $39 for kids. Available from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. weekends at 950 Mason St., San Francisco; www.fairmont.com
Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
The Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton stands up to any English country house’s high-tea, especially with its fine pots of tea and deliciously modern sandwiches, like Beet-cured Salmon with Yuzu and Dill. Sweets may include Strawberry Lemon scones or Earl Grey macarons. Best part? Vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options are also available. Tea starts at $80 per person; “Royal Tea,” at $98, comes with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut accompanied by strawberries and cream.
Details: Seatings are 1 to 2 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and 20 (Pink Afternoon Tea), Nov. 3 and Nov. 17. To make a reservation or inquire about Holiday Tea, which begins in December, call 415-773-6168; www.ritz-carlton.com