No budget for a flight to the U.K.? No problem because the afternoon tea at Tea and Sympathy in the West Village of New York will transport you right there. A unique experience that has your pinkies up and bellies quite full, this was the perfect spot to take Mina on her most recent trip to the city.
“Serving British comfort food & proper tea since 1990,” the menu actually has quite more than you see on the main image. From sandwiches and salad, to the more traditional English breakfast or variety of meat pies served with bangers and mash, there is no doubt something that will tickle your fancy. But to get the afternoon tea experience, one must get the appropriately named “Afternoon Tea” for one, two, or in our case, three.
First, assorted finger sandwiches are arranged on the bottom tier for your leisurely tasting and trying. Second tier features scones with clotted cream and jam. And the cherry on top are the assorted cakes. Finally, a pot of steaming hot tea per person (or champagne if you are feeling like celebrating further). In case you cannot tell, this is such a delight!
The assorted sandwiches to start are a combination of the ones listed on the menu, cut up into perfectly bite-size portions, with one given per person. Cream cheese and cucumber, alongside chicken melt, next to warm sausage and onion- all were delectable and so fun to try. Of course, in the moment we stated which was the better or which we liked more than the others, but I don’t think anything stands out as amazing or not so great (unless of course one of the ingredients is on your bad list). They were perfect to enjoy and nibble on with conversations.
As were the scones. Sweet and dry with no additional add-ins, they were probably the least impressive on the tower but just as you would expect them. The perfect vessel for clotted cream and a delicious raspberry jam, we ended up taking some home to enjoy the next day. The clotted cream I expected to be more of a cream cheese but to my surprise, it is actually similar to a high-quality butter but whipped and easy for spreading. I loved it, bread and butter can’t be beat. And yes while an afternoon tea may not sound filling, you likely will have some leftovers and leave with a full belly. Especially as you look to save room for the top tier of all kinds of desserts:
On the menu it states the desserts vary every day and on this day we got quite lucky. Truthfully, I am not familiar enough with the names of the desserts that we were served (other than perhaps the cupcake) but I believe you see above a Victoria Sponge Cake, a Spicy Ginger Cake, and a Bakewell Tart. While I cannot be quoted on all, the dessert options can be found on their menu and feel free to correct me if you’re aware of what they are. The Bakewell Tart I am confident in. Named after the town and made known to me by Great British Bake Off, this short crust pastry shell beneath layers of jam and frangipane (almond cream) was exciting to finally try. I have an insatiable sweet tooth so all were just delicious to me, although I could do without the cupcake. British sweets are not too adventurous or different from those in the US so nothing out of the ordinary to report, and I am sure anyone could enjoy most of them. Next time, I have my fingers crossed for the sticky toffee puddings, why don’t we have more of it in the US??
And of course, the other half of the experience, the teas! Being that we were three people, we got to select three different teas as we each received a pot. The options are overwhelming! We opted for the Apple Mango, Rose Bud, and Red Velvet. Rose bud teas have a special place in my heart. Growing up, Mina and family made them at home in Bosnia and they were more special, and also tasty! That’s why this was my favorite but the apple mango was nice and refreshing and the red velvet definitely interesting, although least enjoyable. Other options include more common like Earl Gray but also ones I have not heard of like Ceylon and Coco Loco. Being a tea lover, I plan on stopping by just to grab a cup to go and try some more.
While Tea & Sympathy is a restaurant, they also operate a shop next door selling popular British items including these adorable saucers and the teacups and pots that the tea is served in. Everyone’s design was a bit different, they were all in this homey, country style below. Completely charming and adds so much to the experience to have such a nice teacup and matching teapot on the table for your own pouring.
Hot tip: their website sells the china so if you cannot make it in person but would like to re-create your own experience, check it out! May I suggest these Baking Powder Biscuits and Chocolate Wafers for easy finger foods that are sure to impress as well.
