While walking around Media one afternoon in gloomy weather reminiscent of the British Isles, I was surprised to find a European-Style Tea Room nestled in along the shops on Jackson Street. Ducking in out of the rain, it felt as though I was transported to a quaint tea room in an English village along the coast of Cornwall.
Painted in light green, the charming tea room consists of two adjoining rooms and a small kitchen. British goods such as Flahavan’s Porridge Oats and Earl Grey Tea are stacked on shelves for sale. Photos of Queen Elizabeth and The Queen Mum hang over the cash register (seen below).
The owner, Carol Riley, sat down to chat about her inspiration for the tea room. “We opened for the sole purpose of thanking grand-moms for teaching manners and work ethic,” she said. “The whole world has gone to hell in a hand-basket.”
She wanted to provide a space where proper manners could be passed along to the next generation. “Who is showing the kids respect today?” she asked. “This is an unassuming, respectful place. I wanted to do something for others that comforts the conversation.”
From the tiny kitchen in the back, Carol prepares authentic British foods such as Welsh Rarebit and Cottage pie. “We make fresh soups every day, hearty sandwiches, freshly composed salads – all made to order.”
“We’ve been open four years,” Carol said. “I’ve built a trust with my customers. If you get them to sit down and try it they keep coming back. We get calls from Palm Beach, from Connecticut, women planning a trip to Media to see family. They call and make reservations. They want to share their experience. We have women bring their daughter or grand-daughter out for tea.”
Tea & Cakes Tea Room often hosts daytime parties such as Victorian Christmas or New Year’s Eve. They even hosted a party to celebrate the wedding of Will and Kate. Live music for events is provided by balladeers or a flutist who goes table to table. For Saint Patrick’s Day, they are hosting a party with live entertainment, a tea leaf reader, and a special menu. They recommend reservations and the cost is $14.95 per person. The event will be on March 17th from 1-3 p.m.
The tea room can be rented out for bridal showers. They will also take reservations to hold a Sunday High Tea for parties of six or more. In addition to in-store events, Carol has taken her tea room concept on the road, so to speak. She has done instructional teas at local residential communities such as Dunwoody.
As Carol showed me the second room, we started talking with four women who were very much enjoying themselves. “This is my first time here,” Holly said. Regina chimed in, “it’s a charming atmosphere.” “The surroundings are comfortable, added Mary Anne. The ringleader of the group was Sarah Lou, who had organized the event. “I’ve been dying to bring these ladies,” She said with a laugh. Carol suggested the four women pose for a photo, and even broke out some non-alcoholic champagne for them.
Tea & Cakes Tea Room is open Tuesday – Friday, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. They are only open on Sundays if a High Tea has been reserved. They are located at 112-114 South jackson Street, Media, PA. Call 610-566-5460 for reservations. Check out upcoming events at Tea & Cakes Tea Room, including more details on their St. Patrick’s Day Party, by visiting teaandcakestearoom.com.
