Time Out rating:
<strong>Rating: </strong>5/5
User ratings:
<strong>Rating: </strong>3/5
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Time Out says
Thu Oct 18 2012
The metal pavement tables have been upgraded, but little else has changed at this charming tea salon. The front room holds the coffee machine, a counter laden with cakes and pre-made sandwiches, and tea paraphernalia for sale – including loose leaf teas in smart black and gold canisters. Venture further in for more seating; white-painted brickwork, a skylight and pretty wallpaper make the most of the rather cramped space. Serving staff are young and very polite; this is Barnes, after all.
Food varies from breakfast items such as own-made muesli and pastries to variations on the eggs benedict/florentine theme, a daily soup, platters (vegetarian, pâté, ploughman’s) or miniature pies with salad. ‘Pekoe royal’ brought a toasted muffin, each half topped with baby spinach leaves and a perfectly poached egg, with a huge swirl of dill-flecked smoked salmon on the side. Full-blown afternoon tea is also served (star performer: the scones), but many customers come just to sample the myriad different teas. A separate book lists the types available (black, white, yellow, green, oolong, plus herbal infusions); a pot, of any kind, costs just £3.60, an absolute bargain considering the quality, and a fantastic way to experiment. There’s a separate booklet for the ‘real trade’ coffee too.
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