Tea Reviews: Tennessee

English Rose, Chattanooga, TN

Visited: September, 2008. Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I used to live about 30 min away from the English Room and loved to visit frequently. I've had ladies luncheons there, taken friends & family there, & even my husband. It's one of my favorite places to visit and I go every chance I get which, since I moved 5 yrs ago, is not quite as often as I'd like. However, I hope the English Rose will be in downtown Chattanooga for years to come because it is certainly one of the simple pleasures of my heart.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait
Reviewer: billandbonita 1/09 Add your review   

Visited: August, 2007. Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Pyramid teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Angela, the owner, has a wonderful tea room and great employees. I've been many times alone and with  my Red Hat group. Always great.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait
Reviewer: Suzy, The Queen of Sheba, Signal Mt. 10/7 Add your review   

Visited: January, 2007.  Reviewed: May, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Good. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I have frequented The English Rose on numerous occasions since opening. Love the bangers, onions & mash. Love the hot, hot tea. Also, the tea sandwiches are usually very good, but egg salad last visit was mushy. Overall, a good local tea room. They sell lovely tea pots and cozies, etc.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait
Reviewer: SignalSuzy Add your review   

Visited: February, 2006.  Reviewed: February, 2006.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Fair. Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Having never made a visit to the English Rose Tea Shop despite being English and living here in Chattanooga for nearly two years, we decided to take a visit one cold February afternoon. It was welcoming and quite busy. It felt like we were in typical tea shop in a market town in England. My son remarked that it even smelt like Great-Grandma Olive's kitchen. The tea was good and arrived hot with plenty of milk. We ordered lunch - which was quite disappointing. The sausages were of a poor quality (all filler)served with fried onions (what about gravy?!), my husband's chicken and vegetable pie was without a crust and distinctly lacking on chicken. Only the Heinz baked beans on toast saved the day! We observed the high [sic] teas being served and were disappointed to see what was included in them. No sign of pastries, fruit cake - just plain, common english biscuits. There are lots of improvements that could be made to the menu overall. What about Yorkshire Puddings? One last comment - the meals were served with an artificial silk leaf garnish - very  strange!
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Campaigners for real British Food, Chattanooga Add your review   

Visited: November, 2003.  Reviewed: April, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The loveliest tearoom I've ever been in. I could have sat there for hours just taking everything in. All was absolutely delicious and so beautiful! Even my husband liked it. I'm from England so it means so much to come across a REAL tea room. We live so far away, but went there every day we stayed in Chatanooga.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Brown-eyed-block-chick Add your review   

Visited: January, 2004.  Reviewed: January, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Good. Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: There is a delightful enclave of British civility and tradition in an unevenly-restored area of downtown Chattanooga. The most successful renovation in this old Southern downtown is along the riverfront. But Holiday Inn's Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel and its across-the-street neighbor, The English Rose Tea Room, make a valiant stand near the former train station amidst a row of decrepit, deserted shops interspersed with the occasional pawnshop. Although I never felt in danger, I was uncomfortable walking the half-block between the two establishments, especially after encountering a homeless person. Not the ideal environment to guiltlessly enjoy a hot cup of tea, knowing another poor soul was enduring the cold January day on a street corner.
Nevertheless, the surrounding area's seediness is quickly put out of mind when entering the delightful atmosphere of this tea room. Open since 1997 on the ground floor of the historic Grand Hotel, this tea room is obviously popular and successful. All tables were full during my visit, and the gift shop was busy with browsers. Do not expect to find the beautifully sculpted confections whipped up in the kitchens of five-star hotels. This tea room is more along the lines of what I imagine one would find in a typical, middle-class English village. Although well-decorated with lace tablecloths, silk flowers, and Royal Albert china, there is a non-fussy, "everyday" feel about the place. One would feel as comfortable here in jeans and a t-shirt as in a pretty dress. 
Both afternoon tea and high tea are offered. High tea is served from 11am to 3pm, with offerings of steak or cottage pie, bangers and mash, Cornish pasty, etc. I had the afternoon tea, consisting of six assorted sandwiches, a plain or raisin scone, and four assorted English biscuits. A Victorian tea for $13.95 is also offered, which includes English cheese and crackers, plus a home-made dessert.
Despite a less-than perfect experience, I love this tea room. The food is solid, standard fare. The tea sandwiches are typical, but quite good ... and the most successful course of the meal. The scones, served with a dab of Devonshire cream and plenty of strawberry jam and lemon curd, are exceptional only in their large size. Most disappointingly, though, is the fact that the English biscuits come from a box ... the same assorted shortbreads as one can purchase in the gift shop. Only with the Victorian tea do you get a home-made dessert. Still, for $9.95, you get good value and an unquestionably British experience.
Now, as to the tea, only one choice is offered ... large pot or small. There is no menu of tea selections ... their standard fare is PG Tips. When I asked for a different type of tea, I was shown a tea caddy containing a variety of teabags. Needless to say, I opted for their standard fare. It was well-brewed, decanted, and served beautifully in a large china teapot with a wonderfully-thick tea cozy and "handle-grabber." My server provided brisk, efficient service ... although this briskness detracted from my ability to fully communicate before my server was gone. As a result, my assortment of tea sandwiches was not as varied as I had intended, the tea selection was not my favorite type of tea, and a plain scone was delivered instead of the raisin scone I had specifically ordered. This is a quibble, though, since other servers appeared to linger more at their tables. And at no time was my server less than convivial ... we just weren't on the same wave length.
Reviewer: hsv tea lover Add your review     

Ashley's Tea Room, Clarksville, TN

Visited: November, 2005.  Reviewed: November, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I want to say to the staff at this tearoom, CONGRATS. The staff were dressed in white tuxedo shirts and black pants. The service was just great. I want to say to the owners that the food was just more than expected. I had never had a scone or a quiche, and both were  delicious. The food was served in a timely manner and served hot. The dishes are to die for. I felt like a queen at Miss Ashley's Tearoom. Anissa, William, Leah and Caitlyn I will be back, and with more guests. I just cannot stop bragging on your food and service. The blueberry muffins are the best I have tasted and they are baked fresh. Thank you again for a wonderful time.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Elizabeth (Liz) Howard  Add your review    

Visited: February, 2005.  Reviewed: March, 2005.
Meal: Special event. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: My daughter had birthday tea party and it was great. The guest were pleased and the parents were excited. I would recommend this tearoom to all. 
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Desiree Parks  Add your review    

Lady Marpelet's Tea Room, Cookville, TN

Visited: July, 2004.  Reviewed: July, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This tea room is located in a one floor cottage-style house in the edge of Cookeville, located on I-40 between Knoxville and Nashville, TN. The ambiance is delightful. The food is delicious and plentiful. Their tea selection includes a refreshing fruited almond-flavored iced tea. We enjoyed a pot of "Tennessee Sunshine" tea and a pot of Pai Mu Tan (white) tea with the "Lady Marpelet's Extravaganza" (full afternoon tea).
Reviewer: Teatime Grandma Add your review        

Franklin Tea, Franklin, TN

Visited: October, 2006.  Reviewed: August, 2007.
Meal: Retail only. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: Samples from a hotpot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Franklin Tea Shop in Historic downtown Franklin is a very warm, friendly shop that has a nice clean fill to it. With bright lighting, and a open floor plan it has a very modern vibe to it. One of the stop owner's a delightful woman was very helpful and informative in answering my questions and helping me select my tea. I since have told everyone I come across about this wonderful shop (with great scone mix by the way) to drop in and get tea as well really cool tea stuff.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Mary Elizabeth  Add your review        

J & J's Tea Shop, Humboldt, TN

Visited: Before 2007.  Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Iced tea. Served: In a glass.
Tea: Good.  Food: Average. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Average.
Comments: It was early in the afternoon and they were out of ALL of the daily specials. Waiter was not well in formed about menu items either. We eventually ordered a sandwich & casserole which were good but nothing special.
Would you go back? Maybe.
Reviewer: A former TEAROOM owner! 1/08 Add your review   

Miss Melanie's Tea Room & Gourmet Tea Emporium, Johnson City, TN

Visited: July, 2008.  Meal: Tea class/workshop. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: My daughter attended a tea cooking class. She loved it and came home with a notebook of recipes, ideas, and meuns plus delicious food she made! She had a great experience. We also bought tea my daugher tried and recommended to us. It was delicious!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: M. Johnson Add your review  

Visited: February, 2006.  Reviewed: May, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: My mom and I first visited Ms. Melanie's on our way to South Carolina. We were running late and after  contacting the owner she assured us that she would be happy to have us for tea since we were coming from out of  town and was overly accomodating. Ms. Melanie's does it right, the tea, the food, the service EVERYTHING! And if  you visit here and don't leave with a bag of tea from her store, you don't know what you're missing. (her chocolate  varieties are especially impressive) We enjoyed ourselves and the experience so much, that about 6 weeks later on a  trip home from Gatlinburg, we drove 1 and 1/2 hours out of our way and took my husband and brother, who were  impressed as well. We are glad to have found Ms. Melanie's and you will be too!!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: dmcduffey Add your review    

Black Tie Bistro, Knoxville, TN

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: We actually stopped in as a second choice for lunch, delightfully surprised. Highly recommend! The food, tea, dessert and service was excellent and all very tasty. Cannot wait to go back and take several friends with me. A great place, and a MUST on the list to do... time and time again.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: SusieB Add your review       

Tea at the Gallery, Knoxville, TN

Visited: June, 2007.  Reviewed: July, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: Tea was okay - chai was served in a bag, which is a pet peeve of mine. Food was great, atmosphere was great, they kindly seated us though we were very early. As always, wish there was a little more savory and less sweet, but what they had was great. Kudos for having clotted cream, too!!
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby.
Reviewer: AmyB Add your review    

Visited: January, 2006.  Reviewed: February, 2006.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Knoxville is very fortunate to have such a high quality tea room. The tea selection is outstanding, as is the  service and the ambience of the tea room. Make sure you visit if in Knoxville.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Kay Add your review         

The Peabody Hotel, Memphis, TN

Visited: May, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: We were there for my daughter's bridesmaids' shower. We were treated royally! Christy was a perfect hostess, and Kacie was the ultimate server. We were very pleased with the afternoon. I would definitely go again, we did a "practice run" in December and were very pleased with that event also. I could not have been served with any more honor. The decor is beautiful and it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon at the Peabody.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Candy Brown 8/08 Add your review    

Visited: October, 2004.  Reviewed: August, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Fair.  Food: Fair. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: For a four star hotel, we were very, very disappointed! 3 teas to choose from, no lemon curd, no silver, no china,heavy ceramic dinnerware instead. tea was served out of a coffee pot. Food was not memorable. Again, Very disappointing! 
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: R. Martin Add your review    

Scarlett's Garden Tea Room, Mt. Juliet, TN

Visited: January, 2009.  Meal: Private Red Hat party. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Good. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Reasonable prices, excellent service and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Definitely a favorite.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Maureen 1/09 Add your review  

Visited: November, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Good. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Pretty tea room. Staff was very friendly. Only complaint: when I asked for more tea (the pot for 1 in not that big), I was given more hot water with same leaves. Made for a very weak tea, even with extra steeping time.
Would you go back? Maybe.
Reviewer: Bernadette 11/08 Add your review  

Hermitage Hotel, Nashville, TN

Visited: July, 2004.  Reviewed: July, 2004
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The Hermitage Hotel's afternoon tea now lives up to its potential. I had previously visited and reviewed their afternoon tea in March 2003, shortly after they had begun offering this service. Well, they have made good use of the intervening time and it shows. The food and tea now live up to the exquisite setting and attentive service. Both the tea sandwiches and the scone, along with the pastries, were much more traditional and well-suited for afternoon tea. Several selections of tea were offered, and our server prepared and presented the tea competently and efficiently. This is certainly the most elegant tea service in Nashville, and my sister and I had a thoroughly delightful afternoon here.
Reviewer: hsv tea lover Add your review    

Beyond The Garden Gate at Streetside Tea Room and Gifts, Ooltewah, TN

Visited: May, 2007.  Meal: Red Hat event. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Some of us ordered the TEA and others ordered off the menu. The TEA was absolutely exquisite and excellent. The luncheon foods were also, but we actually had more food for less money by ordering the TEA.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Suzy, The Queen of Sheba, Signal Mtn. 10/7 Add your review  

Visited: January, 2007. Reviewed: June, 2007.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I took my mother to Beyond the Garden Gate for her 87th birthday. This was our first visit and we were both delighted with the service, the food, the tea, and the atmosphere. Note: We did not make reservations and were very fortunate to get in. It was completely full!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Nancy Add your review  

Visited: May, 2007. Reviewed: May, 2007.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teacup.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: A beautiful and delightful experience. The luncheon menu is varied and well presented. The chicken salad plate is wonderful. A beautifully restored Victorian hotel that takes you back into time. We truly enjoyed our visit.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Victoria Add your review   

English Holly Tea Room & Café, Sevierville, TN

Visited: October, 2005. Reviewed: January, 2006.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teacup.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: We had a mother's tea and were delighted to find the service and the food wonderful. We also enjoyed browesing the gift area. This is is not an elegant place compared to some but it is definetly a worthwhile experience. We will be doing a mother/daughter tea next.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Sevier county Homeschool Add your review   

Burdett's Tea Shop & Trading Company, Springfield, TN

Visited: February, 2009.  Meal: Other. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The ambiance and staff were wonderful. Would go back. Didn't know about the one pot to a table though. But not everyone likes the same type of tea. Why not more than one pot to a table.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Pauline  2/09  Add your review   

Visited: November, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Excellent. Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Lovely tea room. Afternoon tea was very good. 2 of us went. We had to agree on 1 tea. For some reason we couldn't each have a small pot of our own, we were told only 1 pot per table. We paid for 2 teas, so I don't understand. Otherwise fine.
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby.
Reviewer: Bernadette  11/08 Add your review   

Visited: February, 2003
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I happened to be in Springfield today at around 11am so Mom and I went to the tea room for lunch. The food was tasty, the tea excellent, the atmosphere quaint and comfortable. I understand now why my Mother is such a loyal customer. I'll begin making plans to bring my Nashville friends up there for a visit. Congratulations to the Ramsey family for creating an inviting dining environment that really showcases the best parts of small town living. I will definitely be back. Grateful for this hometown treat.
Reviewer: Kelly Add your review   

Visited: June, 2003
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This place is an absolutely wonderful find! I can't get enough of it! The food is fantastic -- service is out of this world -- atmosphere very cozy and comfortable. Worth the drive to Springfield (many neat antique shops nearby). I can't recommend it highly enough.
Reviewer: lodenhl Add your review    

Visited: June, 2003
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Poor. Service: Fair.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: The selection of tea that was offered was very good. However, the lunch was very poor. I didn't finish any of it. Although reasonably priced, the menu itself was difficult to order from since everything is priced separately. The ambiance of what I consider a tea room was not there. In fact a couple of people walked in with shorts, flip-flops, and baseball hats on. I really felt like it was more of a diner than a tea room. The room is large and hollow sounding, not cozy at all. I believe when you enter a true tea room, you should feel as if you have entered a place that can't be compared to a trip to a fast food place. You should dress according to the experience you anticipate on having, not one you expect anywhere else you might go. I will give it another try someday and have the afternoon tea.
Reviewer: Lydia Add your review   

Tea on the Mountain, Tracy City, TN

Visited: March, 2009.  Meal: Other. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: While we have visited Tea on the Mountain for a wonderful afternoon tea, we just found out that they are serving dinner as well! The food and service were perfect - deliciously prepared entrees, salads, bread pudding for dessert and hot tea, of course. What a treat! Pat, Myrna and Kathy create such a relaxing atmosphere. Can't wait to go back.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Joan Everetts 3/09  Add your review   

Visited: January, 2009.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: 'Tea On The Mountain' is an absolutely fabulous tea room. The decor is elegant and the food, as well as the service, is superb. My friend and I had the Cornish pastry and it was wonderful. Visiting this tea room was one of the most delightful experiences I've had in a long time.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Wanda Kilgore  1/09  Add your review   

Visited: January, 2009.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Absolutely wonderful food and service. We had High [sic] Tea and everything was delicious, and came with entertaining stories about the recipes used. I had always read about teas like this in books, so I was happy to be able to experience one in person. The best afternoon I have spent in many a year. We had to get some Cornish Pasties to go because they are so good. I will highly recommend this wonderful dining experience to everyone I know.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Gail Fowler  1/09  Add your review