High Tea Cottage

I feel so pampered when I have high tea at the High Tea Cottage. The atmosphere is so elegant and the tea and scones are excellent. What a great place to bring friends.

The High Tea Cottage Serves Up Rudeness on Mother’s Day

My daughter was taking me to the High Tea Cottage for Mother’s Day. We had a reservation for the 1:00 p.m. seating. We arrived at approximately 12:45 p.m. to be told very rudely that we would have to bear with them as they were running behind schedule. We were then told that we would have to wait outside (it was 104 degrees) until the previous seating was all cleared out. I was taken aback but okay.

At 1:15 p.m. I went back into the establishment, sweating, to see if they would give me an approximate time that we would be seated so that I could sit in my daughter’s air-conditioned car. With a bit of arrogance, I was told that after the cottage is all cleared out it would take at least another 15 minutes for them to ... (more)prepare for the next seating. No apology. No offer of water. Nothing. Did they not consider this factor when scheduling Mother’s Day Tea?

We returned to the car, blasted the AC and watched the door for any signs that the seating had begun. At about 1:45 we saw movement and got in line. We were told by another patron that they had begun calling names. A younger man came out and called Kimberly. Kimberly didn’t respond. I then went inside to make sure we hadn’t missed our name. I told the older man that I was sitting in my car and wondered if Kendra (my daughter’s name) had been called. I was told rudely that “Kendra” and “Kimberly” are not the same name. I am calling Kimberly he professed. Was that really necessary?

About 10 more minutes passed, everyone had been seated – even those with a 1:30 seating time that we had conversed with in line– and we were still waiting. We were deliberately NOT being seated… maybe because I asked questions, although I wasn’t the only one to inquire about the delays. Perhaps because I asked questions while also black – we were the only African Americans there.

One side note, a lady who arrived after us – no doubt who had a 1:30 seating because we saw her when she arrived – made a ruckus about her table (she had made a special request) and threatened to leave because they were trying to seat her elsewhere. They accommodated her.

My daughter caught a glimpse of the list. Our name was in the middle. The names BEFORE and AFTER had been checked off. We were obviously being ignored or put in our place so she asked were we ever going to be seated. The older man rudely responded: I will get to you when I do. I’ve told you (he huffed) the situation. (Note: She hadn’t had any interaction with him before – he had only spoken to me.) She responded: You don’t have to be rude to me. He responded: Listen here young lady, don’t tell me I’m being rude. She said: you are and you were rude to my mother before when she asked if we had missed our name. Then I interjected: You have been nothing but rude the entire time. We arrived for the 1:00 seating at 12:45 p.m. and we are the only ones STILL not seated and it is close to 2:00, even most of the 1:30 seating had been accommodated. A lady who also worked there interjected and was very patronizing and also rude, acting as if she was bothered. She asked if we were ready to be seated (as if we were the reason we were still standing) and my daughter responded that we had been ready for an hour. She then said in a hostile tone: Well we weren’t ready. Then she placed her hand on my daughter’s shoulder (I am not sure why – to move her along or to be patronizing?) and my daughter responded: please don’t touch me. Her reply: I think I am going to have to ask you leave. And so we did, and my daughter made sure to let them know that we realized we were the only black people in the establishment, the only people who had not been seated and the only people asked to leave.

We wish that we would have read the reviews on YELP before considering the High Tea Cottage. The reviews confirm that they are rude to many patrons and even ruder if you are African American. They treat you as if they are doing you a favor by allowing you into their establishment. I have never witnessed or experienced such undignified behavior at a place of business.

Please do not patronize the High Tea Cottage.

Had a lovely time with my girlfriend for her birthday. The owner was nice and her husband told the story of the china for the tea served on special china (it was a while ago when we were last here). The quiet time sharing tea with my friend was a wonderful memory in this tea room. Thank you for her little gift for her birthday, that was very special and a surprising treat.

Very pleased. Lovely place and great service. Had lunch on the patio. Servers were very charming and very knowledgable. Look forward to returning soon.

I have been to the High Tea Cottage many times but I would never pass up an opportunity to go there again.

I particularly like their tea cart with its vast variety and aromas. Jen is very knowledgeable about the health benefits, history and origin of each tea. She encourages you to smell the teas before you choose one. Your last cup of tea is just as good as the first one. Other tea houses refill your pot with hot water when it is empty but not at the High Tea Cottage--they make a fresh pot.

The food is delicious. Jen provides an incredible variety of tea sandwiches and the scones are always hot from the oven. The Devonshire Cream, lemon curd and jams really enhance the flavor of the scones.

There is always plenty of food. In fact, as an added treat, I'm able to take my deserts home with me.

The High Tea Cottage is definitely the best!!!

High Tea Cottage is absolutely the best. Jenn makes the afternoon tea a wonderfully enjoyable, delectable and a very engaging experience. The setting and service are impeccable with many delightful touches such as her vast knowledge of teas and their benefits. You can go for a very filling tea with incredible sandwiches, scones (always warm from the oven) and superior tea choices or you can have a lighter fair which will absolutely satisfy your appetite. I have experienced afternoon tea at roughly 40 tea houses and this is definitely my favorite place. Jenn and Ken make it a most enjoyable and entertaining afternoon.

The High Tea Cottage is the finest tea room I have ever been too...The food is delicious and plentiful, the atmosphere delightful..Fantastic!!!

This is a great experience one can have at a tea room. Jenn is a wonderful hostess and owner . Wonderful presentation great food and they don't rush you

Just loved this place, they really do Tea right. The Tea cart is wonderful where you can smell all the Teas on offer; the food is extremely traditionally English, made to order, served with fresh flowers elegance and style. We wish we lived closer! Our favorite by far on a recent trip to Los Angeles.

I went to the High Tea Cottage for the first time on Saturday for a friend's birthday tea. I was amazed at the ambience, quality and quantity of food, the service (would you believe our own butler who was dressed for the part), the host's opening address exposing the teas for us in a very humorous (British) way? Not to mention the decor, the use of the patio and allowing us the time to really enjoy the birthday spirit. If the rest of the offerings are as good as our experience I can highly recommend you should try it.

Donna

I attended a small birthday for a friend at the High Tea Cottage, and that I was very impressed. The service was friendly and attentive; the tea selection was marvelous; and the food was delicious as well. I've already recommended High Tea Cottage to so many friends! I can't wait to go back again!!

Simply said 'the best in the West'. All the other reviews say it all. Highly recommend this oasis in the Valley

This is an outstanding Tea House, they do events all the time offering different themes and menus. Lots of loose leaf tea that you are able to smell before making your choice, the hot teapots just keep coming and if they are not busy you can have extra flavors and I've never been charged for it, We just had the most delightful Easter Tea, wonderful service by Peters the Butler and a few weeks ago attended the Downton Abbey Tea where everyone came in costume for the Theme. My husband (who just loves going there)was Lord Edward Hughes and I was addressed as Lady Hughes all through the Tea. Just amazing in both food, ambiance, presentation, service and company. I just can not say enough about Jenn, Ken and the staff, wonderful always and lots of food for the price, which is very good thes... (more)e days, we never ever leave hungry, always with a goodie bag for later. The Cottage is elegant and the Patio very restful and pretty. This is the number 1 Tea establishment in Los Angeles and well deserved! BRAVO! Looking forward to Mother's Day.
Hughes family Agoura Hills

I have been a patron of the High Tea Cottage for several years. I absolutely love this place and couldn't say enough positive things about it. I have brought family, friends and even my husband. All have enjoyed. The High Tea Cottage is a lovely place, has a wonderful selection of teas, the service is great, and the food is always fantastic.

Have been coming here since 2010 and ALWAYS have a lovely experience. This month we attended the Valentines Candlelight Supper the only time the Cottage is open in the evening and it was just magical. This week they had their Guest Appreciation Tea for just $12. This is a wonderful way to say thank you to, patrons. The food is always consistently good, fresh, salads all organic and very flavorful. They have the best selection of Teas we have found in any other establishment and being able to smell them is an added bonus. I highly recommend the High Tea Cottage for any special occasion or just to drop by for tea and scones, which always are straight from the oven!

We had a most memorial Christmas tea at HTC, the chestnut tea was amazing and the sandwiches were a delight, don't miss jenn's receipe of the Christmas wine tea. We went back for valentine's day, all west festitve and delicious, I'll be taking my guests back next week, a charming delight.

Love this place. Went there with a friend for my birthday. The service and food was amazing. Went back a week later with my husband for our anniversary. It was a nice experience and they saved our favorite table for us. I will be picking up some beautiful and delicious tea sandwiches for friends tomorrow. Can't wait.
Roya

G'Day! Clare & I returned for the Australian Day Tea/Luncheon last Friday. We weren't disappointed! From the Cheese & Crackers to the beautiful Pavlova with cream, strawberries and kiwi fruit to the tasty Lamington, the dinner was marvelous and very filling. Alas, we had to take some of it home. There were gifts on the table and a door prize drawing. I won an authenic Australian Boomerang and Clare won a 2013 Australian Calendar. The service was as usual impeccable. Jenn was able to spend time with all guests and related many stories about her homeland. Her assistant Sherie was ever present with water, tea and food. It was a memorable experience and we're looking forward to 2014.

This place is amazing. A friend took me here for my birthday a few years ago and we have been going ever since. I love that they have a selection of over a hundred teas. They bring a sampling of them all on a cart anask you questions to try and narrow it down to a select few that they highly recommend. You get to smell the tea leaves then make your choice. I have fallen in love with so many new varieties of tea this way. The owners are very knowledgeable on their teas and will talk your ear off if are interested. Excellent service. NO complaints with that. I have tried something different on their menu each time and each time is amazing. Mouth watering food everytime. I don't evne have to force my husband to come along(maybe it sounds to girly for some guys, like my husband who usually prefers hotdogs at Dodger stadium. LOL)- he salvates over their food too. I lvoe this place and can't wait to return. I highly recommend The High Tea Cottage

I don't know why I go back! This time a friend invited me and the service continued to be horrible. The owner is rude and disrespectful and should stay behind the scenes. Customer service comes last.

Don't go. It's overpriced for the quality of product and service.

Since Clare & I live 130 miles away, we don't get to this tea room as often as we like. We went last Monday and had a great time. The food, service and tea were all superb. Jenn spent some time with us and reminded us what we were missing. The whole day was superb and we booked the Aussie Day coming this Saturday.

The foooood is too expensive..

My sister and I tried this tearoom on the recommendation of a mutual friend last Thursday. All I can say is try it for yourself we found it fabulous, far above our expectations.

Absolutely wonderful!!! Lots of variety on tea. Love the chestnut and Valentine. Over 200 to choose from and able to smell the aroma before ordering. Food is outstanding with chocolates imported from Switzerland and desert shells from France. You are served a lot of food here and the service is great as well. Love all the beautiful china, very classy. Even managed to have my boyfriend come today and beloved the high Tea Cottage too, be sure to make reservations and bring a appetite.

I love going to the High Tea Cottage. Jenn and Ken are gracious hosts. The ambience is intimate, charming and classy. The menu is quite impressive, the tea selection is extensive and the food is wonderful & beautifully presented. I have been to the High Tea Cottage many times (with my husband, family members, friends) and each time has been a delightful experience.

This is an EXCELLENT tea house. I love the variety and quality of teas. The tea is always well made and never watered down.

The food is extremely fresh, organic and delicious. I particularly love the salad. The owner, Jen, is genuinely nice and accommodating. I have a toddler, and she does such a great job of making us comfortable when we have tea. My daughter loves it.

I have been going here for a few years now and will continue to do so.

My sister discovered this Peachy little tearoom less than 5 miles from her house a few weeks ago. Since then we have been a total of 3 times and each time it gets better. The last time we went we met the owner, Jen, who has been away in Australia. What a nice lady, friendly, hospitable and very knowledgeable.
The atmosphere in this teahouse is full of charm, refined settings and great food aromas.
As there are nearly 30 different food menus and 100 teas I don't think we will get tired of going anytime soon.
Maria and I just adore it. Highly recommended.

I had the pleasure of experiencing the High Tea Cottage today. Over 200 tea selections and the expertise to share how they are grown, where they come from and what to expect. The ambiance is inviting, cozy and a bit magical. I say this because while I was enjoying my own experience I witnessed something I've never seen before in all the years I've been in this business. A little girl arrived with her Mother for a special High Tea afternoon. The owner Jenn had asked some specific questions from the Mother when the reservation was made. The names of her pets was one that comes to mind. Jenn shared that the Tea Fairy had told her the little girl was coming and she also told her about the little girls pets. It went on from there but I have to tell you the magical moment was watching the... (more) little girl whisper to her Mom 'did you hear that??? the tea fairy knew we were coming!' Each course was elegantly introduced and served. The tea sandwiches, meat pie with delicious salad, freshly baked scones paired with several jams of fig, apricot, raspberry and blueberry followed by a full plate of perfectly prepared desserts was exquisite. I highly recommend the High Tea Cottage for a very special afternoon!

Came here for Tea today and it was just magnificent. Loved the Tea cart and also we were able to select the flavor of scones we wanted and they came straight from the oven. The place is quite sophificated in both ambiance and menu, lots of selection to cover diet restrictions. Service and presentation top notch and my girl friend even received a lovely pin from the owner for her birthday. Thank you Jen for a lovely afternoon. Jilly and Sarah

I have been coming to this establishment since they opened, have had several private parties, including my Red Hat Chapter and granddaughters Wedding Shower plus a few more!! Every single time we go it is always perfect. I reflect the following comments to Donna M. below. They have a Tea Cart where you the customer get to choose your tea, if your Tea is too strong ask for more water, have it decanted or ask for another Tea, again of your choosing. Jenn is extremely accommodating in everything offered. I find it quite amusing that as she has been out of the country for the past 2 months, she managed to serve you??!! And, in case you didn't know, Jenn does not offer the Tea Cart with over 150 teas to guests, her husband Dr. Ken does, She only takes care of the food as she is a fully qual... (more)ified Chef. This is without a doubt the best Tea establishment in the State and maybe the country. My husband George and I recently went to the Olympics in London and had Tea every day, Not 1 place including all the top hotels could better the food, tea selection or presentation. Yes they do have better settings as far as location, surroundings etc, like the Ritz, Harrods and Savoy but not one of then served hot scones, not one of them served so much food and not one Tea house offered any variations on their menu.Gluten free, lactose intolerant, vegetarian...tough! You got what they served. Period!!
The High Tea Cottage is the very best, if you didn't like it Donna why did not you go elsewhere, yet you say you went back 3 times. Perhaps you don't recognizable a well mannered, educated and sophisticated lady when you meet one.

I have been coming to this establishment since they opened, have had several private parties, including my Red Hat Chapter and granddaughters Wedding Shower plus a few more!! Every single time we go it is always perfect. I reflect the following comments to Donna M. below. They have a Tea Cart where you the customer get to choose your tea, if your Tea is too strong ask for more water, have it decanted or ask for another Tea, again of your choosing. Jenn is extremely accommodating in everything offered. I find it quite amusing that as she has been out of the country for the past 2 months, she managed to serve you??!! And, in case you didn't know, Jenn does not offer the Tea Cart with over 150 teas to guests, her husband Dr. Ken does, She only takes care of the food as she is a fully qual... (more)ified Chef. This is without a doubt the best Tea establishment in the State and maybe the country. My husband George and I recently went to the Olympics in London and had Tea every day, Not 1 place including all the top hotels could better the food, tea selection or presentation. Yes they do have better settings as far as location, surroundings etc, like the Ritz, Harrods and Savoy but not one of then served hot scones, not one of them served so much food and not one Tea house offered any variations on their menu.Gluten free, lactose intolerant, vegetarian...tough! You got what they served. Period!!
The High Tea Cottage is the very best, if you didn't like it Donna why did not you go elsewhere, yet you say you went back 3 times. Perhaps you don't recognizable a well mannered, educated and sophisticated lady when you meet one.

I have been coming to this establishment since they opened, have had several private parties, including my Red Hat Chapter and granddaughters Wedding Shower plus a few more!! Every single time we go it is always perfect. I reflect the following comments to Donna M. below. They have a Tea Cart where you the customer get to choose your tea, if your Tea is too strong ask for more water, have it decanted or ask for another Tea, again of your choosing. Jenn is extremely accommodating in everything offered. I find it quite amusing that as she has been out of the country for the past 2 months, she managed to serve you??!! And, in case you didn't know, Jenn does not offer the Tea Cart with over 150 teas to guests, her husband Dr. Ken does, She only takes care of the food as she is a fully qual... (more)ified Chef. This is without a doubt the best Tea establishment in the State and maybe the country. My husband George and I recently went to the Olympics in London and had Tea every day, Not 1 place including all the top hotels could better the food, tea selection or presentation. Yes they do have better settings as far as location, surroundings etc, like the Ritz, Harrods and Savoy but not one of then served hot scones, not one of them served so much food and not one Tea house offered any variations on their menu.Gluten free, lactose intolerant, vegetarian...tough! You got what they served. Period!!
The High Tea Cottage is the very best, if you didn't like it Donna why did not you go elsewhere, yet you say you went back 3 times. Perhaps you don't recognizable a well mannered, educated and sophisticated lady when you meet one.

This was my third visit here and I am finally going to give a review this time. All three visits have been marred by the owners attitude. She seems to think that her opinion is the ultimate choice that the customers must make. My friend didn't care for her tea being so strong and asked if she could recommended another flavor. The owner began a long explanation about tea that wasn't necessary. We go to tea houses all over and have never been made to feel so bothersome to our server. My friend finally just said her tea would be fine. I will not take another guest to this tea house to be treated so rudely.

Yesterday my Mother, Daughter and I went to try out the High Tea Cottage for my Daughter's upcoming Bridal Luncheon. We had never been to a Tea House before. My Daughter was the only one who was very skeptical about the whole idea. The High Tea Cottage did not disappoint. Jen and Ken welcomed us in to sit down. I explained to Jen that we where not sure about the menu and how to order. Jen suggested we try the Lady Hamilton, meanwhile Ken started to explain the different teas to us, which was the best presentation of tea I have ever seen. I chose the Queen Elizabeth and my Mom chose the Marzipan. I cannot remember which one my Daughter chose. Mine was delightful.... However my Mom's eyes lit up like a little kid's when she tasted her's. She said it was the best! Jen served us the Chicken, C... (more)ranberry and Walnut Salad. Fantastic! Next we had the Finger Sandwich's. Double Fantastic! Last we had the Meat Pie. Triple Fantastic! I saved the best for last thou..... My only experience I have ever had with a scone was terrible enough to never want one again. After a beautiful presentation of Jams and Devonshire Cream (never had that before) I decided to give it a try. Oh my.... was it good. The cranberry scone was to die for. it was fresh baked while we where there. I chose the raspberry jam. I have dreamed about them all night long. They where the best!!! All in all I would give the High Tea Cottage a 100 on a scale of 1 to 10. The Food and Experience was the best. If you are in the West End of the San Fernando Valley (Woodland Hills), you really must check out this little gem.

I love this place- We have been going here for a few years and it never fails to disappoint us. The selection of Teas is phenomenal, the food is delicious, and the presentation and service are excellent. The owner has a wonderful memory and remembers us well and always asks after whoever is not joining us that particular time. I am surprised at the review on 8/23 by Liz- we've never been treated poorly there and we don't go in dressed up or anything like that. I highly highly recommend High Tea Cottage!

we have been to the Four Seasons, The Ritz Carlton, the London and most Tea Houses in Southern Cal and Nome compare to the High Tea Cottage. The food is fresh, tasty and beautifully presented. The service is very good, our tea was constantly poured, refreshed and always very hot. The owners are knowledgeable and friendly, we felt like we were in a private home. It was an absolute pleasure to Tea at this beautiful establishment. We will be back again and again!!!

Just a lovely experience, twice; Forst time to check out the Tea room for a Bridal Shower back in May and again for the Shower a few weeks ago.
Jenn and her staff went beyond expectations with the room floral arrangements, the welcome given to guests, the service from staff, presentation of the food, fresh orchids adorned the plates would you believe and the most delectable food…yum yum. If you are thinking of having a Bridal Shower, from our experience, you really can’t go wrong here, everything was just perfect,and not expensive, (a lot more food and amenities than everywhere else we looked into and less $$). Thank you Jenn, Monica and Chef Miss Karen for a most enjoyable afternoon, everyone is still raving!!
Cheryle Attameyer
PS Everyone wants to know where the beautiful lace antique umbrella came from, just beautiful!

This is a wonderful tea place, visited while on vacation in Los Angeles and it is the best we have been to in California, or any where for that matter. The staff are very friendly indeed, accomodating and knowledgeable. My Mom who is both gluten free and vegetarian was able to enjoy a 3 course Tea with little sandwiches, scones and desserts all gluten free, an absolute first for any tea room. Can not speak highly enough about this place. We would give the High Tea Cottage 10 stars if we could. Look forward to coming back again next time in California.

I walked in to inquire about the tea room and I was spoken to in the most condescending mannor I have ever experienced. The women here are stuffy, ignorant, and unless you're wearing a hat and tie, DO NOT expect to be treated well. DO NOT GO HERE

OMG! This experience was not like any other we have had at a Tea room, it was fabulous. Firstly a tea cart came with over 100 teas for us to smell, I choose something I would never have dared to try if I had not had the opportunity to smell the aroma first, a citrus Oolong and I even took some home. The food is very traditionally English, tasty and well presented. The scones, we were actually asked if there was a particular flavor we wanted and they baked them for us, even though they were quite busy and they came straight from the oven, OMG. They have a cart with 6 jams to choose from as well. The service is outstanding, the owners Jenn and Ken are charming, friendly, funny and you feel like you are in their home, you can tell they love the Tea House and each other. Thank you for making our Granny’s day so special on her 90th birthday.