Tea Reviews: South Carolina

The Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston, SC

Visited: March, 2007.  Reviewed: July, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Good. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The atmosphere was much as I would expect from a upscale location like The Charleston Place. The service was excellent and even allowed me to change my reservation to an earlier time, that day, due to a business meeting.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Tabi Add your review   

Visited: February, 2006.  Reviewed: February, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Poor.  Food: Fair. Service: Good.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: Tea was served in the lounge of a bar. There were 3 young ladies at the bar that were very loud. There were so many tea leaves in my cup and when brought to the server's attention I was told it couldn't be helped, however, I have had loose tea before with no problems. The tea was also very weak. The sandwiches were nothing special. The scones were pretty good and there was a crumpet that I can get at the local Piggly Wiggly. The desserts were your run of the mill, mass produced bakery goods and not made on premises. All in all we were very disappointed and will never go back.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: S. L. Dyer Add your review   

Visited: January, 2005.  Reviewed: February, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Fair. Service: Poor.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: On January 29, two friends and I went to Charleston Place for our 4pm reservation for tea. When we arrived, our table was not ready, and we had to wait about 20 minutes. When we were seated, we ordered the Afternoon Tea ($19 each). Our server, Joy, was extremely busy. After we ordered, she told us that the chef was completely out of all sandwiches, but he had put together something for us. It was a tomato slice on a quarter piece of bread ... no mayo, no cream cheese,
nothing. Also included was another tomato slice (yellow this time) on a piece of bread, and a tablespoon of COLE SLAW on a little bread. We were aghast! When we complained, the server then somehow produced a few little sandwiches that were tasty, but we couldn't help but wonder where she'd gotten them since the kitchen had supposedly been out. Over the years, we have had tea at Charleston Place several times, and this experience was our WORST! A guitar player was performing quite
loudly (we had to shout to each other) and when we asked if he could play more softly, the manager said something to him, they both smiled, and the guitarist continues playing loudly. Additionally, the music he played was not soothing or calming; it was quite inappropriate for tea. He quit at 4:50pm. and a pianist started at 5pm, and although he was loud also, at least his tunes were a little more appropriate. The sweets that were served looked and tasted like something I can buy at the grocery store in the freezer section. Our bill included the gratuity and was about $26 each ... far too much for the food and service we 
received. I've been to many tearooms in the South, and the one at Charleston Place sure isn't living up to its advertisements. There are far too many GOOD tearooms to waste time and money on one that is below mediocre. 
Would you go back? Sorry, no. 
Reviewer: Marsha K. Humphreys and friends Add your review   

Visited: September, 2003.  Reviewed: August, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Afternoon tea at the Charleston Place Hotel is a delightful experience. The ambiance is lovely with linens and a solo artist, in this case a guitarist. The service was labor-intensive, with each "course" being set and cleared separately. The food was delicious, and a request for vegetarian fare was graciously met. The best tea service of three in the US thus far.
Reviewer: J. Jones, Pilot Mountain NC Add your review   

Visited: January, 2003
Meal: Just a cuppa. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Well it was a nice Friday afternoon in the beautiful city of Charleston and I had some time to kill and I heard afternoon tea was good at the lobby lounge in the Charleston Place Hotel. Was good. I will certainly agree. Keep in mind I wasn't just a walk-in, I made a reservation just to make sure i had a table was available. I had just a pot of tea, no afternoon tea. The tea was excellent; i had the all-time favorite Earl Grey. My server was excellent too; she didn't mind that this was my first time having proper tea service. she let me smell the different teas before i chose Earl Grey. i had in mind i wanted Earl Grey but i wanted to smell other teas. It didn't take long for her to come back with the pot of tea, cup, honey, milk, and lemon. She poured the first and second cups of tea until i got the hang of it. I wouldn't mind stopping in and having tea again there; maybe next time i will have the proper full afternoon tea.
Reviewer: Eric Add your review   

Visited: June, 2000
Tea: Fair.  Food: Good. Service: Fair.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: I must say I was rather disappointed with my tea experience at the Charleston Place Hotel. Prices have risen drastically since the review I previously read on this page. The amount of food has decreased. I paid $17.00 for the full afternoon tea. It consisted of three tea sandwiches, two scones, and four sweets. The scones were delicious but small. The rest of the food was average. I was also charged a 17% gratuity and a 17% service charge (whatever that was for). As much as I enjoy Charleston, I would not visit this tea room again.
Reviewer: Deb Add your review   

Visited: September, 1999
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Good. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent
Comments: Yesterday, I met a young, charming, handsome man for afternoon tea at Charleston Place Hotel. He found me waiting for him in the grand lobby of this beautiful Orient Express hotel complex. When he reached the chair where I was sitting, he sweetly kissed my cheek, and then put his arm around me as we walked to our tea table. Heads turned. I heard whispers. The young tea server eyed us with suspicion and, I presume, a tinge of jealousy. After all, he was so *young* and I was so, well, you know, old. My heart, however, felt young and gay as I was about to enjoy an afternoon of tea and conversation with my only son!
I have had afternoon tea at Charleston Place Hotel countless numbers of times, and am always pleased with the food and service. It's a beautiful place to enjoy a cuppa, followed by shopping in places like Crabtree & Evelyn, Laura Ashley, and Godiva, to name a few.
The Lobby Lounge, where tea is served, overlooks a magnificent grand stairway and the hustle and bustle of guests and shoppers at Charleston Place. Classical music plays in the background. Tables are set with starched white linens, gleaming silver, and fresh flowers. Understated, but elegant. The lounge itself looks and feels like the parlor of a great English country home -- sofas and upholstered chairs, beautiful paintings, a grand piano, and soft lighting by an extraordinary chandelier of iron and crystal.
Tea is by reservation, so our table was set and waiting for us. I must report, however, that we waited almost ten minutes before anyone knew we were there. Our server apologized, saying she had been in the back, washing teapots. (I later found out that there were three 2:00 reservations, and we were the only ones to show up.)
Once seated, we received the menus. Two afternoon teas are offered: The CLASSIC CHARLESTON TEA consists of: "A properly brewed pot of tea; an assortment of classic Charleston Tea Sandwiches; Wonderful scones with Jams, Cream and Lemon Curd; and Fresh Cakes, Tarts, and Tea Cookies." Cost is $11.50pp, with a share charge of $6.50. The SOUTH OF BROAD TEA, in addition to the above, consists of "Open-faced Tea Sandwiches of Smoked Salmon and Caviar, and glass of Champagne, Sherry, or Madeira." Cost is $16.50pp. No share charge available on this item.
You may select from the following Harney & Sons teas: Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Gunpowder Green, Japanese Green, Prince of Wales, and China Oolong. Herbal and decaffeinated teas are available upon request. The charge for a pot of tea alone is $3.75. Other beverage selections are Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Sherry, Port, and Madeira. Tax and a 17% gratuity are added to the final check.
We each ordered a Classic Charleston Tea, knowing from past experience that it would be more than we could eat. (And it was!) My son, J.B., ordered iced tea, which was peach-flavored and garnished with fresh peach slice; a simple syrup was served alongside. I ordered a pot of my perennial favorite, Earl Gray.
After the tea arrived, our server brought out plates of sandwiches. I was surprised to see that they were all served on white bread; usually there is a variety. The sandwiches were: Chicken Salad garnished with red grape halves; Grilled Zucchini and Squash garnished with small pieces of red pepper; Cooked Ham garnished with a crescent-moon shaped slice of cheddar cheese; Crab/Shrimp Salad garnished with olive; and Egg Salad with Cucumber. They were all good, but *every* sandwich was made with a curry pesto, which I found too strong. I like curry, but too much can really do a number on one's taste buds. Also, the Zucchini Squash sandwich had lots of pepper and was much too spicy for my taste.
I shared my feelings about the sandwiches to our server, saying that I thought the curry was overused and too strong, and that the zucchini/squash sandwich was too spicy. She seemed very interested in my comments, and said that this was the first day these new recipes were being tried. She returned to our table with a "Comments Card" and asked me to please fill it out and she would be glad to turn it in to the chef. I thought this was an excellent way to handle a customer's feedback, and I did complete the questionnaire in friendly but great detail.
The next course was scones, and we had a choice of two: Raisin Cinnamon or Cranberry. We ordered the Raisin Cinnamon. We could smell them as they made their way to our table! They arrived on a plate heavily garnished with fresh blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries (a peace offering in response to my sandwich comments?), were a generous size, tasted fresh and moist, and were absolutely delicious! As always, a plate of tiny jars of jams were presented (Marion Blackberry, Strawberry, and Orange Marmalade), together with Lemon Curd and mock Devon cream. We piled high our scones with jam and cream, and used the Lemon Curd as a dip for the fruit garnish. Tasty indeed!
I was on a second pot of tea when the final course, dessert, arrived: a fruit tart, small chocolate truffle, whipped strawberry cream tartlette garnished with a dark chocolate curl, and a delectable ginger shortbread with *just* the right amount of ginger.
Our server was most attentive, yet sensitive to our privacy. We had a wonderful, relaxed visit, and enjoyed our tea-time. When it was time to go, we had to ask for a "to-go" box, as we could not finish our scones nor all the desserts. (I shared these later with my husband, lucky guy!)
Afternoon Tea at Charleston Place Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina is a must if you are visiting our lovely town. Remember to make a reservation. Tea is served Monday-Saturday, 2:00-5:00. And if you see a handsome young man sitting with a smiling "older woman," do come over and say hello!
Reviewer: Tea Lover  Add your review     

Top Hat Special-Teas, Florence, SC

Visited: May, 2004.  Reviewed: July, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea.  Type of tea served: Loose leaf.  Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: What a cute little tea room! My first trip I had lunch and tea ... it was wonderful. Second visit, a month later, I met a friend and we had afternoon tea. It was just as delicious as lunch. I'll be back to this tea room soon. Good selection of tea to choose from. 
Reviewer: Elizabeth Costanzo  Add your review   

Visited: April, 2001
Meal: Afternoon tea.  Type of tea served: Teabags.  Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Most enjoyable. My family and I had a wonderful time at this tearoom. The owner, Laurie, was very nice and sweet, and she always had a smile on her face. The atmosphere and mood in the tea room was elegant. I enjoyed the décor (Laurie chose the "Old Country Rose" pattern.) The food was very tasty, and I would recommend this tearoom to anyone visiting in the Florence area and desiring a wonderful tea experience. 
Reviewer: Blanch Henry  Add your review 

Loralee's Tea Room & Fine Gifts, Greenville, SC

Visited: February, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Loralee's Tea Room is the BEST Tea Room in this area. They prepare and serve the best food I have eaten in a Tea Room. Their food presentation is very appealing to the eye. They know how to brew the "perfect" pot of tea. The atomsphere is welcoming and comfortable. I am sad to see it close. I will always have fond memories of this Tea Room and the ladies who owned it.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Lorraine R., Easley, SC 3/08  Add your review  

Visited: October, 2007.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teacup.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Loralee's Tea Room is definitely the best Tea House I have visited. The decor, presentation of food and tea sets provide a pleasurable/relaxing atmosphere which soothes the spirit, mind and body. A truly great place!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Debbie Williams 10/7  Add your review  

Visited: April, 2007.  Reviewed: May, 2007.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I have been to visit Loralee's Tea Room several times. I have really enjoyed visiting with my Mom and daughters. My husband and I went for their muffin morning in April and it was wonderful. Everything was fresh and very tasty. My Mom passed away recently, so on her birthday in April, my daughter and two grandsons went in honor of Mom because she had enjoyed going there so much. My grandsons even enjoyed being there and having a tea lunch. The business owner was kind and made some peanut butter sandwiches for the boys. The boys thought that was great! I have always had a good time whenever I have gone there. I usually try to go each month to try the new menu of the month. They never let you down with the good food, tea, and service.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Kathy B.  Add your review  

Visited: January, 2007.  Reviewed: January, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Everything was great! The food was extremely good and they give you a lot for the money. The service was excellent and they really make sure their customers are well taken care of. The shop was very clean and it is a really comfortable environment.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Kim  Add your review  

Visited: December, 2006.  Reviewed: December, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This is one of the most beautiful tea rooms that I have visited. It was decorated beautifully. The food was wonderful, and you received a lot of food for the dollar. The Hostess was wonderful and made certain that we had enough tea and inquired as to if we needed anything else. The cook is wonderful, I would like to hire her. Thank you for a wonderful day.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Barbara  Add your review  

The Original Pancake House, Bluffton (Hilton Head Island), SC

Visited: September, 2007.  Reviewed: September, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: My mother & I were very surpised & delighted to find such an excellent tea in a pancake house. The restaurant is very nice & upscale -- just not your usual tea room. The scones are wonderful! They would be even better with real clotted cream. The sandwiches are very good & had the addition of scallops wrapped in bacon & shrimp on toast. There was also homemade cheesecake & fresh fruit. There are 23 different teas to choose from. Having visited many tearooms in several states, we found this to be an excellent tea service.
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby.
Reviewer: Judy Add your review  

A Lil Peace of Heaven Tea House, Port Royal, SC

Visited: April, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This afternoon tea was delightful, the presentation was one of the nicest we have ever seen. The victorian setting was perfect and there were hats to wear to complete the feel of an old time tea. The tea was very good, we tried 5 different pots 1 for each of us. The tea warmers were very nice, we have rarely seen this and it helps as the longer you sit and enjoy the afternoon the tea is cooling off. The food was very good and nicely presented. All in all a great tea experience.
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby.
Reviewer: Golden Girls 4/08 Add your review   

Visited: January, 2006.  Reviewed: January, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: A Lil Peace of Heaven is definitely the best Tea House of the many I have visited. Every detail invites you to relax and enjoy a dream world of by-gone days. The Victorian home, decor and presentation of food and tea sets a pleasurable atmosphere which soothes the spirit, mind and body. A great place!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Mrs. Perry Add your review   

Visited: October, 2005.  Reviewed: October, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The atmosphere is very relaxing. I went with my grandmother, aunt, and mother. We each got to pick out a hat to wear. We had so much fun. I learned some history from my grandmother during that time. I plan to take my six year old daughter during the Christmas holiday season. I highly recommend this tea house.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: msrucker Add your review   

Visited: October, 2003
Meal: Cream tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent. Food: Good. Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: My daughter and aunt and I were on a weekend getaway to relax. We found this tea room on Cat-Tea Corner's website and decided it would be a great way to "chill out." We had already been to another tearoom and were very disappointed, so when we walked into this precious place, what a delight it was. A soft, inviting respite. We were seated at one end of a table for six while another couple was seated at the other end. At first, we were skeptical, but found it to be fine. The servers continued to fill our teacups as long as we could empty them. It was fine tea. The scones and other savories were quite small, but tasty. The owners have certainly created a beautiful, relaxing ambiance. I wish them much success.
Reviewer: another tea room owner Add your review   

Visited: November, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This establishment is a step back in time to a more genteel atmosphere. The house is elegantly decorated and the servers are dressed in period costume. The selection of teas is varied. You can choose from a standard tea to Lady Vonna's Voo Doo tea. As for the food there are no words to express the wonderful flavor. I have visited twice and each time the menu had surpassed itself.  The carrot spread was terrific and the savories were heartwarming. The wonderful Miss Millie regaled us with tales from the past to capture the feel of the bygone days. It is the right place to be for tea.
Reviewer: Susan W. Add your review   

Visited: August, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I found A Lil Peace of Heaven to be just that. It provides a delightfully tea-rrific experience. From the soothing and elegant atmosphere to the delicious and appealing meal, A Lil Peace of Heaven compels you to relax while you dine and sip tea. An extensive tea list offers just the right tea for your mood that day. The culmination to this heavenly experience is the unique gift shop. I found myself purchasing gifts for family and friends as well as myself. I have to admit, A Lil Peace of Heaven has turned this coffee drinker into a tea lover.
Reviewer: Irene Add your review      

Jam Penny Tea Room, Simpsonville, SC

Visited: July, 2006.  Reviewed: August, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: We went to this tea in July 2006.It was wonderful. The food was so delious and everything was so fresh. The scones were to die for and the homemade lemon curd and devonshire. The best I have ever had in my life time. The service was excellent. There is a English lady there that will keep you in stitches.The owner Lois is a very nice christian lady that makes you feel right at home. The decor is very victorian. You need to visit you will want to stay for ever. 
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Fred and Doris  Add your review   

Visited: January, 2006.  Reviewed: March, 2006.
Meal: Private party. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The tea room is like a magic time machine adventure. The food is excellent and I like the way it is presented. Once you go, you will always remember what a good time you had.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Laura from Spartanburg  Add your review   

Visited: January, 2006.  Reviewed: February, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: ME and my sisters visited this tea room.their is an english lady there who is a hoot.she gives wonderful  service and wonderful entertainment.The owner Lois is a wonderful christian lady with a loving personality.the food was absolutly to die for.the tea room has a lovely victorian feel to it.you need to visit this little peace of heaven in simpsonville sc.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: jane green Add your review   

Visited: March, 2005.  Reviewed: May, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I VISITED THIS TEA ROOM. THE OWNER WAS A VERY LOVELY LADY AND VERY CARING ABOUT HER CUSTOMERS. HER STAFF WAS VERY NICE. THE SERVICE WAS GREAT AND THE FOOD WAS TO DIE FOR. THE LEMON CURD AND THE SCONES WERE THE BEST I HAVE EVER EATEN. YOU MUST VISIT THIS WONDERFUL VICTORIAN TEA ROOM. THEY HAVE AN OLD LARGE BUFFETT THAT REACHES THE CEILING. OT WAS THE LAST PIECE OF FURNITURE TO COME OUT OF ATLANTA BEFORE SHERMAN BURNED IT DOWN. SO MUCH TO SEE THERE. RUTH SHAW
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: RUTH SHAW A LOVER OF OLD THINGS Add your review   

Visited: March, 2005.  Reviewed: May, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I VISITED THIS TEA ROOM IN MARCH IT WAS WONDERFUL. THE SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT AND THE FOOD WAS THE BEST I HAVE HAD AT ANY TEA ROOM. THE TEA WAS HOT AND VERY TASTEFUL AND THE DESSERT WAS TO DIE FOR. THE OWNER WAS VERY SWEET AND SHE AND HER STAFF MADE US FEEL RIGHT AT HOME. CAN NOT WAIT TO VISIT THIS TEA ROOM AGAIN.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: JEAN CASH Add your review   

Visited: June, 2004.  Reviewed: June, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Tea at the Jam Penny Tea House was delightful. All of the food was delicious, but the scones with Devonshire cream and lemon curd were outstanding! The sandwiches were cut into flower and teapot shapes. All of the food was delicious and the presentation of the food was excellent. Since it was so hot, we were offered a wonderful peach iced tea along with our hot tea. At the end of the scrumptious strawberry dessert, when we could not take another bite, the hostess made our pictures in hats chosen to match our outfits and promised to mail them to us. It was a truly pampered hour and a half and well worth the travel time for anyone who loves tea.
Reviewer: L. White Add your review   

Visited: April, 2004.  Reviewed: April, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: As the former owner of this tea room, I was so proud to find Jam Penny a wonderful place to have lunch or afternoon tea. The new owner, Lois Burdick, is a very friendly host, happy to make you right at home. The tea was prepared perfectly and the food delicious, fresh and homemade. Housed in an historic building with the huge walnut framed mirror and marble shelf of an old soda fountain, the atmosphere is unique. Another wonderful tea room to visit just south of Greenville, SC, in Simpsonville.
Reviewer: Duffy Grove Add your review    

This Whole House, Summerville, SC

Visited: December, 2006.  Reviewed: December, 2006.
Meal: Private party. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Our bookclub, the Venus of Willendorf, enjoyed a sumptuous high tea at This Whole House. Judy and her crew could not have been more accomodating. They went to considerable effort to make the seven of us comfortable in their beautiful shop/tea house. It was clear that they are enthusiastic about their business. Our group has been to the Charleston Place several times and this tea was by far superior: no rushing, much more food, great service, quiet and relaxing. We stayed for hours and enjoyed the very extensive treats that just kept coming and coming. We left with great memories and a warm feeling of appreciation for their attention and for making this such a special time for us girlfriends to spend together.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Carol and The Venus of Willendorf bookclub Add your review   

Visited: March, 2006.  Reviewed: May, 2006.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I love this tea house! It is the best in all the Southeast! 
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Suzi Add your review   

Visited: February, 2006.  Reviewed: February, 2006.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: On a Sunday afternoon my sister and I went to This Whole House for High [sic] tea. When we walked in, I was amazed how beautifully decorated the tea room was. It's very cozy and comfortable. We were warmly greated by the staff and owner. Brunch was also being served and the smell was so wonderful, I couldn't resist! So I had the brunch and High [sic] tea. I've had Sunday brunch at the Omni Hotel in downtown Charleston, and this brunch was better! Also the staff and owner at This Whole House was very warm and friendly. All round it was a great experience and I can't wait to go back!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Betty Add your review   

Visited: December, 2005.  Reviewed: December, 2005.
Meal: Supper. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I live in Summerville and have passed this cottage many times. I have been hearing about how great this new tearoom is, so finally, I decided to go and see for myself what all the hoopla was about. I have been there many times since. First, let me tell you how quaint and cute it is. The shop is so well decorated with the most unique gifts, and antiques. Everywhere you look there are things to see and buy. They have things that you don’t see everywhere or everyday. Second the tearoom is the most charming place around. When you enter you get a warm and comfortable feeling just like you’re home and all is well. They seat you at a table dressed in white tablecloths, with white napkins and sliver flatware. They welcome you in with a “Hello, how are you, can I get you some tea?” If you like hot tea, they have about 30 different kinds to choose from. Their tea is fresh and delicious. You just can’t drink one glass or one cup. Your meal starts with a salad not to big not too small. Just enough to wet your appetite. When you plate arrives it is almost too pretty to eat. I can’t begin to list all the selections of fresh and dried fruits that come with lunch. One day I counted and had 11 different varieties. I have had the tropical chicken salad, the stuffed tilapia, and the blue cheese and turkey quiche, and each is outstanding. I had a friend visit and I insisted on taking her there for tea. We had such a great time, and the most flavorful delights we have ever had. (I would say it was better then the Biltmore Inn’s high [sic] tea). If you get a chance you just have to try this whole experience at this whole house. It is now decorated for the Christmas holidays and  you should stop by and enjoy.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: gracie jane Add your review   

Visited: February, 2005.  Reviewed: February, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Fair. Service: Fair.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: My British husband and I visited This Whole House yesterday and frankly we were really disappointed. Having read the reviews at Cat Tea Corner beforehand, we quite expected something special, but what we got instead we can only describe as a "tired" and underwhelming experience.
Ambiance-wise, I give This Whole House rather low marks. The outside is charming, with that adorable cottage-look so popular today. The interior has been faux-painted with that Old-World-trying-to-be-Parisian look. I think there's a lot of potential here, but so many details have been overlooked. For example, when I walked into the tea room section, the very first thing I noticed was the wrinkled cloth napkins on the tables. I then saw that some of the [uncomfortable] garden-style chairs wore cotton slipcovers that, too, were very, very wrinkled. I am assuming the owner is going for the "shabby chic" look, but it just doesn't work. At least iron the napkins! And on the subject of the tables, they had glass tops. I understand the logic behind using glass-topped tables (saves on laundering costs, etc.) but at This Whole House, the glass tops protected wrinkled and, in the case of our table, soiled tablecloths. The centerpiece on each table was a rather oversized, unrealistic looking silk plant. Wal-Mart quality stainless steel flatware was wrapped in yet another cloth napkin, and a large salt and pepper shaker was on each table, together with a small holder filled with a variety of sugar packets. Absolutely nothing about the tea tables was attractive or inviting. 
A final word on ambiance: the owner’s husband was working in the tea room that day, wearing jeans and a t-shirt. 
We did not have a reservation and can only hope that full Afternoon Tea at This Whole House is worthwhile. We asked our server to see a menu and were informed that they did not have menus because their menu changes every day. We’ve been to lots of places where the menu changes every day and THEY have menus, but okay then, what DO you have? Tea sandwiches? Scones? Our server informed us that they had no scones, but if we could wait 30-40 minutes, she could make some. What! A tea room at 2:00 on a Saturday afternoon and they don't have any scones?! Hmmmm... 
So anyway, first things first. We looked at the tea menu which, for the most part, was comprised of flavored teas and tisanes. All we wanted was a bracing cuppa, so we each ordered a pot of Irish Breakfast. When asked whose tea they serve (i.e., what brand the Irish Breakfast tea was) our server and the owner has to rummage through the tea cabinet, pulling out tins to search for the answer. (It was Twinings, which suited us perfectly.) I watched our server prepare the tea in small, individual teapots: one generous scoop of loose leaf tea, boiling water, and timed. (Well done, This Whole House!) Unfortunately, the leaves were left in the pot and the pots were placed on the table atop individual tea-candle warmers which – as everyone knows – does more to stew the brew than keep it warm, but we drank it before it had a chance to coagulate. To their credit, extra hot water was later offered. (We are used to tea this way in the UK, but do prefer it decanted.) 
There were no tea sandwiches available (again, understandable: we did not have a reservation). Of the 2 or 3 entrees, I did not care for any of them, so passed - but my husband ordered the Portobello mushroom stuffed with crabmeat and melted cheese. He said it was good, but nothing remarkable. 
Regarding dessert, the owner told us that they had Baklava and “some cookies” in the back and that she would put together a “little assortment” for us, which is exactly what she did. On the plate were two pieces of Baklava, some Benne Seed wafers, a few tiny sections of Pirouette cookies (all appeared to be store-bought), and a small but lovely fruit salad served in a chocolate cup that may have been homemade. It was refreshing and delicious. The total bill was about $15.
We took a quick look around the gift shop. Amazing: I could not find ONE thing I wanted. Maybe I just wasn’t in a shopping mood, but I can usually ALWAYS find SOMETHING I like in a gift shop. 
We are certain that the owners here work very hard to give their customers a special experience – and they were indeed very nice and attentive - but as a couple who has visited tea rooms of all shapes and sizes in America and abroad, it is our feeling that This Whole House has a WHOLE lot of room for improvement. 
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Tea Lover Denise Add your review   

Visited: August, 2004.  Reviewed: January, 2005.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This is a lovely tea room just perfect for catching up with a friend. Judy has done a wonderful job in creating an elegant yet cozy atmosphere and the food and tea were wonderful. Lots of great items are also available for gift giving or your own home! 
Reviewer: LEL of VAl Add your review   

Visited: December, 2004.  Reviewed: January, 2005.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This tearoom is just delightful. I had the pleasure of having lunch at this whole house around christmas time. It was so charming with it's old and new christmas ornaments and decorations. The food was excellent. The menu had only a few choices, but I wasn't sure which one to pick, so the owner (Judy) offered me a sampler plate, which had the quiche of the day (salmon, cream cheese, and onion), 4 cheese ravioli with a portobello mushroom sauce, tropical chicken salad, and rosemary ham and swiss sandwich on a crossiant. It was just what the doctor ordered. The iced tea was great also. I had the holiday spice. After I treated myself to that delicious lunch I went shopping in their 3 level gift shop. I bought my final christmas gifts there and even something for myself. I recommend this little cottage to everyone. It is absolutely fabulous! Good luck to Judy and her family!
Reviewer: E. E. Carmichael Add your review   

Visited: November, 2004.  Reviewed: November, 2004.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I visited this whole house in early November. It was so charming with all the beautiful Christmas decorations. The owner Judy Thomas was playing soft Christmas music and came to check on my friend and I 
multiple times. The food was excellent, I enjoyed the seared tuna dish served with a side salad, while my friend enjoyed a special treat that Judy Thomas prepared for her: a small scoop of chicken salad and a small slice of “basil and tomato” quiche. The service was exquisite, and the ambiance was excellent. My friend and I felt so relaxed and after we finished our delightful lunch we did a little Christmas shopping for our family. This whole house has a wonderful variety of different gifts that range in price and taste. I found these adorable little ornaments that were pink and brown for my granddaughter. They have excellent items ranging from bookmarks, and ornaments, to jewelry and home furnishings. I recommend this whole house to anyone who needs to unwind and wants to enjoy the Holiday spirit. A+. I will definitely be returning for another visit. 
Reviewer: E. E. Carmichael Add your review   

Visited: October, 2004.  Reviewed: October, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Afternoon tea and a light lunch were served by a pleasant wait staff, who by coincidence were all members of the owner, Judy Thomas', family. The tea room reminded me of a French country garden spot. The teapot and cup were very old, the luncheon menu was delightful, i.e., crab cakes served with a small salad and a fresh fruit side (my choice). Tea was elegant. Dessert was also offered. I visit this tea room on a regular basis since menus change daily and are invariably delicious, but the teas are always elegant. The house tea is Earl Grey, but many others are offered and I have tried them all to my delight and satisfaction.
Reviewer: Michael L. Tibbs and Ms Maxine Add your review   

Visited: August, 2004.  Reviewed: August, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This Whole House and its tearoom is a excellent addition to the summerville area. As a summerville Resident i'm happy this tearoom is here. The tearoom is set in a room off of the main gift and antique shop. Dessert, salads, sanwiches and of course teas are offered. Yuo can be served the tea hot or iced and there are many selectyions and the menu changes everyday, giving a good reason to combak, i had excellent dessert called mocha choolate delight. The tea i had served via Teapot was a delicious and excellent Earl Grey creme. i recommend this place very much so. It nice to know there is another Tearoom in summerville besides Time Well spent, plus this tearoom is alot closer. by all means explore all three floors of the antique and gift shop. visit this Whole house Antique/gift shop and Tea room. they also sell their own brand name of teas
Reviewer: EK SC Add your review     

Time Well Spent, Summerville, SC

Visited: September, 2004.  Reviewed: September, 2004.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This tea room is located just off the main road in town. It has several rooms including one for special parties and another for walk-in customers. It looks small from the front, but this tea room contains several rooms of soaps, scents and other articles for sale. The meal itself was the best I've ever had. I stumbled on this tea room while looking for another address. It was mid-afternoon and I walked in to find friendly southern hospitality and a calm, quiet, peaceful atmosphere. The tables were covered with maroon tablecloths and there was a huge fireplace on the back wall, decorated with flowers. There were huge windows on two of the walls and these were decorated with elaborate valances, which gave the room a Victorian atmosphere, but also let in most of the sunlight, which created a warm, cozy setting. On the menu for the day we had a choice of broccoli-cheese quiche, tomato-basil quiche, or a specially-prepared chicken wrap. I chose the tomato-basil quiche. My friends chose the broccoli quiche. We had a choice of hot or iced teas. We chose the American Classic tea, which is grown in South Carolina. We also had a garden salad with Wadmalaw Sweet Onion and Summer Tomato dressing, which is also made in South Carolina. For dessert, we had a slice of Almond Joy cake. Our food was personally delivered to our table by the chef herself. The service was exceptional and the staff was very helpful and knowledgeable. They told us all about the beginnings of the tea room and about expansion plans for the future. The chef actually creates new recipes for the tea room using locally grown or produced ingredients with traditional tea room fare. In fact, I bought a box of the tea and a bottle of the salad dressing to take home. After the meal we were invited to enter the back garden, where weddings or special events can be held. There is a tree in the backyard that is over 100 years old and is covered with Spanish moss, and a white arch for wedding ceremonies. There is also a terrace on the side of the tea room if you prefer the outdoor atmosphere. Before I left I also bought a bottle of lavender body lotion. It truly is "Time Well Spent."
Reviewer: Jo Ann Plante Add your review   

Visited: May, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Good. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The décor and ambiance of Time Well Spent are appealing, and the service is excellent. Tea is served Thursday through Saturday, from 3 to 4.30pm. We were given our choice of several teas, but with the exception of Earl Grey, the teas were herbal or a fruit blend. There were no menus, but we were given our choice of three: a popover tea, a dessert tea, or the tea plate. We ordered the Tea Plate at $7.95. The plate consisted of spinach quiche, chicken salad with crackers, rolled up cheese, grapes, watermelon, orange cake, and french silk pie. The desserts were delicious. We were startled at not being offered scones at a tea. We asked the proprietor to describe the popovers, and we were brought one to try, without additional charge. The experience was enjoyable, but not a traditional tea.
Reviewer: Vicki and Jeannie Add your review     

Woodlands Resort & Inn, Summerville, SC

Visited: June, 2005.  Reviewed: June, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Fair. Service: Fair.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The setting for our tea was excellent and very elegant. However, the mood was spoiled several times because of suitcases being delivered to another room and loud talking by some of the guests. The food served while good was very sparse for six guests. I was disturbed that scones were not served. Overall, $36.00 was way too much money for three finger sandwiches, two pastries, and two cookies. I hated that this happened as some of my guests had never been to a tea before. I wished that Charlestown Place had not been closed for renovations. Because of this, I found Woodlands Resort & Inn posted on this site thereby making reservations which I regret.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Topcat Add your review    

English Country Tea Rooms, Taylors, SC

Visited: May, 2005.  Reviewed: May, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Fair. Service: Good.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: We were very disapointed in the overall experience of this tea room. It looked very much like a small lunch cafe that was dressed up. The napkins were very wrinkled to start off with. The tea was very good, but cooled off in the pots quickly and we were not offered hot. We all (4 of us) had "High Tea" and it was served in two of these VERY high 4 tiered silver BIG trays that you couldn't see the top two trays sitting down and the table was very crowded. The sandwiches looked like they had been thrown into the tray..the sweets, very sad...one was a half of a chocolate chip cookie, the rest bakery bought. The scones where good but with a bit of jam and cream on them...we prefer to put our own, some of us like alot some none. I'm sure its very traditional English, but we would have enjoyed better food and more atmosphere.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: TeaRoomExplorer Add your review   

Visited: April, 2005.  Reviewed: April, 2005.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The English Country Tea Room offers a variety of excellent food which is well presented. Our meal of roast beef and chicken finished with a chocolate cake that was superb! The chicken was seasoned with a wonderful blend of spices and lightly breaded. It was tender enough to eat with only a fork, no knife required. Roast beef was moist and served with delicious gravy. We had never sampled Yorkshire pudding; our tastebuds appreciated the new sensation. An upcoming family birthday event will give a much anticipated repeat of the chocolate cake. We will definitely return!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Satisfied Add your review   

Visited: February, 2004.  Reviewed: February, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: As a British person I found it reminded me very much of home. There was a vast array of teas including English teas which I found very pleasant. It was very much as a tea room is back home unlike some supposed look-alikes that I visited in the area. The menu was very varied and I could have high [sic] tea at any time of day. Their lunch menu was all traditional English food -- it was well served and well presented. My tea was hot and delicious and I was offered more tea several times. I particularly enjoyed seeing the scenes of home on their video screens. They had genuine Devonshire and clotted cream to choose from, and the scones and cakes were fresh and lovely. I did have to wait for a table -- next time I will book!
Reviewer: British Tea Lover Add your review   

Visited: November, 2003.  Reviewed: January, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Fair.  Food: Fair. Service: Good.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: Our visit to English Country Tea Rooms was not what we expected. I know that it is supposed to be traditionally English; however, it was most disappointing. First of all the tea was lukewarm. A definite turn off for me. There were no tea warmers or cozies to even help keep it at the lukewarm state. I was never offered more tea. The tea sandwiches were nothing special -- egg salad and tuna salad. They were also dry. The scone was good. That was really all I felt like I got because the rest of my order wasn't tasty. The ambiance was like a lunch spot. The tablecloths remind me of an inexpensive restaurant, and the iced water was served in plastic glasses. There were no fresh flowers or candles. This is what I mean by disappointing because I had expected a queenly English experience.
Reviewer: lover of tea rooms Add your review    

Miss Fannie's, a Yesteryear Tea Room, Union, SC

Visited: December, 2004.  Reviewed: April, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Good. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: We have visited Miss Fannie's on three occasions in 2004. The ambiance is wonderful - a restored antebellum mansion that is also a bed & breakfast. I would rate the food excellent on two occasions, and only good on one. In Dec 2005 the amount of food had increased so much that we all took home "doggy bags". We were given shrimp canapes, a mini-store bought croissant with roast beef and melted cheese inside, a spinach quiche, three small sandwiches, a small fruit kabob, three bites of different sweets, and a huge slice of cake. The tea is always wonderful. A cute little gift shop is where you pay ($20 per person for full tea in Dec 2004, which includes tax and tip). JD, the Inn cat is great entertainment - very friendly. Peggy, the owner is wonderfully nice. She even let us tour the bedrooms since no one was checked in at the time. Since tea room hours have been scaled back to only one weekend per month - you need to call about 2 months ahead if your party is more than 2. Call Peggy today, it's worth the drive!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Teafanatic  Add your review