Sweet Afton Tea Room

The Sweet Afton Tea Room and Restaurant is a smoke- free tea room, presented in British tradition, serving savouries, sweets and heartier fare. Our teas are imported from London and are served in a personal pot.

The Sweet Afton Tea Room and Restaurant has a long legacy of wonderful times and memories. The original site, established and named in 1989 by Christine Banion and Norma Reynolds, was on Mill Street in Plymouth’s Old Village. After two years they moved the tearoom to the current gaslight street location at 450 Forest Avenue in historic downtown Plymouth.

The Sweet Afton Tea Room and Restaurant was named after the Afton River in Ayrshire, Scotland. The river is known the world over because of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. His poem Sweet Afton, written in 1791, is a lyrical poem describing the River Afton. The poem was presented by Robert Burns to Mrs. General Stewart of Slair in 1791 and was inspired by her home Afton Lodge in Ayrshire on the banks of the Afton River. The Mary in the poem probably refers to Mary Campbell, whom Burns courted in 1786. The poem was later set to music as “ Flow Gently Sweet Afton” and is sung to the tune of the popular Christmas Carol "Away in a Manger". Many artists have performed it over the years, including the progressive acoustic trio Nickel Creek in 2000.

Our three daughters’ have fondly enjoyed the “china and linen” tea experience at Sweet Afton’s Tea Room for the past 15 years. They have celebrated bridal and baby showers and have enjoyed high tea here on many occasions. It is always wonderful.

The long history of creating memories that connect generations of families is why we are happy to share our special place with you and your friends and family.

Phyllis and Al Wilkerson
Owners