Sweet Afton Tea Room
450 Forest Avenue
Plymouth, MI
734-454-0777
visit website
Hours
Mon - Sat: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Mon - Sat: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Reservations Suggested on
Saturdays from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Sun: Available for Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Birthday Parties and other Special Events
Call to reserve a date and time
American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted
Gift Certificates are available
#1
of 56in MI
Map of Sweet Afton Tea Room
Overview
The Sweet Afton Tea Room and Restaurant is a smoke- free tea room, presented in British tradition, serving savories, sweets and heartier fare. Our teas are imported from London and are served in a personal pot.
The Sweet Afton Tea Room and Restaurant is a smoke- free tea room, presented in British tradition, serving savories, 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 creating wonderful times and memories that connect generations. The original site was established by Sylvia Thacker and opened on December 1, 1988 on Mill Street in Plymouth’s Old Village. She decorated the tea room with the 19th century Welsh hutch as well as an old National cash register and an antique display case which are all still in use.
The Sweet Afton Tea Room 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.
In 1990, Christine Banion and Norma Reynolds purchased the tearoom and moved it to a larger building at the current gaslight street location at 450 Forest Avenue in historic downtown Plymouth. The new owners immediately created the unique tea cup chandeliers which continue to illuminate the dining room.
In May 1997, Sweet Afton Tea Room was sold to Cynthia Belanger, a Sweet Afton employee, and her mother Nancy Burton. They ran the tearoom and restaurant until 2005 when they sold it to another Sweet Afton employee, Mary Ann Rye and her son Scott. The Rye’s ran the tearoom until April 2008, when Phyllis and Al Wilkerson, retired educators, purchased the establishment. They are working hard to keep the history and legacy of the Sweet Afton Tea Room and Restaurant in place. The Wilkerson’s goal is to continue the tradition of serving excellent home cooked food and offering an outstanding tea drinking experience with a personal touch to each patron.
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 showers, 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
Reviews
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Food: Al & Phyllis are such gracious hosts. The atmosphere is so charming, and most of all the food is amazing. My personal all-time favorite is the Tomato Bisque soup, and the quiches are just as wonderful. The only difficulty I ever have there is DECIDING which delicious tea and which delicious meal to choose! |
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- Sherrie Pryor 06/18/09 |
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Food: I hosted a bridal shower of 15 people at Sweet Afton, the owners Al and Phyllis were so hospitable and friendly, I think they really added to the personality of the experience. They came out to chat with us, and they gave a special gift to the bride-to-be, also. We started out with some strawberry punch which was very yummy. The food was very good, especially the scones, they were scrumptious! I also really like their mini-savories, we each had 3 a piece, I would have liked more, but then perhaps I'm usually used to 'super-size' portions. The food was served very artistically and the finger sandwiches were flavorful. I can't wait to go back there again! |
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- Carol Chan-Groening 06/09/09 |
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Food: Sweet Afton Tea Room is just wonderful! We had a High Tea for the middle school girls group of my Sorority. The girls had an excellent time as did the members of the sorority. The food was excellent, the staff was great, and it was an enjoyable afternoon for everyone. I would recommend Sweet Afton to anyone, it is just a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful place. I have truly enjoyed all of my experiences there and plan to return soon. |
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- Kim 06/07/09 |
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Food: Recently I visitd with my brother. We needed to talk over some family business and thought it would be a quiet lunch. They had lost our reservation, even though I had confirmed it, and we were stuck by the kitchen. The owner felt the need to tell us he didn't feel the need to keep $8000 in tea inventory, that the previous owners didn't have anything on computer, that he had just been to Iteland and what his plane ticket cost, how he had fired several young workers as they were always late, and being a retired principal he didn't stand for that...he continued to talk about politics and other topics and would not go away. He made me so nervous and I was angry at the intrusion. I could have gotten past that if the food had been of the caliber I had come to expect in the many years I hav... (more) |
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- Sandy C. 06/06/09 |
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Food: Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Sweet Afton Tea House with my mother and sisters for a “ladies day” out in honor of Mother’s Day. The experience could not have been more enjoyable. We were greeted very graciously by the proprietor, Al Wilkerson, upon arrival and promptly shown to our reserved table. The table was set with beautiful linens and china. We chose to start our meal with a cup of house made soup, with high tea to follow. The soups (mushroom or asparagus were available the day we visited) were very good and served piping hot. Our teas were well brewed and presented in eclectic mix of beautiful china teapots. We really enjoyed the fact that instead of being a set menu we were given a choice as to what sandwiches, scones and pastries we wanted for our “High Tea”, everyth... (more) |
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- Janine Downing 05/11/09 |
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Food: My baby shower was held at the Sweet Afton Tea Room in May. The food and tea were amazing. I really enjoyed the cinnamon orange spice tea. The scone selection was great too! Everyone at the shower was full after the high tea and enjoyed the food. The owners were there to oversee everything and kept checking on us to make sure everything went well. I can't wait until my baby girl grows up enough to go back and have her birthday party there. Thanks so much Al and Phillis! |
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- Sandi 05/10/09 |
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Food: This is a wonderful way to spend an hour or so with a good friend. The atmosphere is calm, the food is fun and varied, and the tea delicious. Overall just a great experience. |
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- Leslie Fort 05/04/09 |
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Food: I visited Sweet Aftons tea room with my parents who are from out of town and could not have been more pleased with the excellent service (Lizzie was awesome) and warm, charming atmosphere. My Father was thrilled with his generous cup of tea! The owners, Al and Phillis, made us feel we were part of an ongoing legacy and a part of their family. The food was amazing! I'll definitly be back!! |
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- Marla Letter 05/03/09 |
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Food: Prepare yourself to be treated like royality when you walk in the door of Sweet Afton's in Plymouth, Michigan. Big Al and Phyllis treat their customers like family. Prepare yourself for laughter and a fun experience while enjoying some of the best food in the greater Detroit area. It is not just a place to dine, but a destination. I could rave on all day about this place. |
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- Alan and Peggy Morris 05/02/09 |
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Food: We had my daughter's 5th birthday party at the Sweet Afton and it was wonderful. Phyllis & Al Wilkerson were such warm hosts and made the experience for all of us very memorable. The tea,the home made food, the decor and the hospitality were outstanding. The entire experience was everything we (both the mothers and daughters) had hoped it to be. |
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- Lisa Branton 04/27/09 |
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Food: We held my daughter's bridal shower here and it was delightful. The Wilkerson's are excellent hosts and the service was above and beyond our expectations. The food was plentiful and finely displayed, and the tea room itself is a great venue for such an event. |
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- C Baran 04/19/09 |
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Food: Our Mother/Daughter experience: Sweet Afton's Tea Room is a special place for my daughter and I to go and relax and enjoy a delicious and delicate High Tea. Our favorite part being the scones with lemon curd and devonshire cream. We have had many memorable visits, her 16th birthday being a recent one and we look forward to many more. I have been going to Sweet Aftons Tea Room since i was 4 years old. They have an excellent assortment of teas, not to mention the cinnamon orange spice. It's the best tea i have ever had, and i have never seen it offered anywhere else. along with their food it is unique an delicious. |
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- Sandy and Amy Drake 04/14/09 |
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Food: It was 'just fine.' It certainly wasn't bad but I wouldn't really recommend it. I thought the scones (a highlight of a proper cream tea) were like old Bisquick biscuits actually. They were very oddly slow for having only 6 people there and one lady was pushy/rushing us or something and yet they took like 35 minutes to bring us the next 'course.' Totally (dorky) outdated decor and though they were trying to be Victorian it just looked cheesy. |
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- K 04/01/09 |
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Tearoom Response
K,I am sorry you did not have a great experience at the tearoom. It is important that you inform your server of anything not to your liking so it can be handled immediately. The presentation of your next course in our High Tea is determined by whether or not you have finished your previous course and not by time. Our scones are made from a traditional Scottish recipe and I assure you there is no Bisquick on the premises. Many of decorations in the tea room are from its 20 year legacy. The 1880 Welsh hutch was purchased by the original owner of the tearoom, and has been in a central point of the tea room since its first day of operation in 1988. The tea cup chandeliers are also 20 years old and we to receive many positive compliments on them. Many of the other decorations also have special stories behind them. The simple green teapot on one of the shelves always sat on my 90 year old grandmother's stove brewing tea. She was a great tea lover and the teapot is a symbol of many memories related to drinking tea. There are many similar stories associated with the decorations of which you are critical. Again if you had asked, rather than use the internet to criticize, you might have judged something not as out dated and 'dorky' (your word), but rather as sentimental with an enduring legacy. With businesses everywhere going under each day, Sweet Afton's Tea Room has endured for 20 years by continuing to build on the meaningful, friendly, and pleasant experiences that most customers have enjoyed in our tea room. The legacy continues............ Sincerely, Al Wilkerson |
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Food: Thank you Al and Phyllis for being such wonderful hosts last Saturday night. The service was exemplary, the food superb, and I truly enjoyed reading my poetry to the diverse and dynamic mix of guests that night.Thanks again for a wonderful evening. Dave and Susan Mann |
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- dave mann 03/31/09 |
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Tearoom Response
Dave and Susan, 'Poetry Night at The Tea Room' was lots of fun last week and thank you so much for spending some quality time with our high school presenters. You were an excellent role model for all of them and an excellent poet also. Phyllis and Al Wilkerson |
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Food: the new owners (1 year ago) made some wonderful changes in the menu and appearance. Very relaxing and enjoyable lunch. I would highly recommend it for lunch with a friend, a group, or a party. |
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- Judy 03/31/09 |
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Tearoom Response
Judy,Thank You for your kind review. We look forward to serving you again in this special place. Phyllis and Al Wilkerson |
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Food: Our son and daughter-in-law took us here telling it was a special place Mom (me) would enjoy. I collect tea cups, teapots and fine china. When we arrived we were greeted warmly by Al and promptly seated at our reserved table. Our waitress was friendly and attentive to our needs. I enjoyed the Wellington which was very tasty. My husband's Tavern Sandwich was a simple hearty sandwich on a delicious roll. He loves good bread and said the bread tasted great. The tomato bisque soup was excellent. We also enjoyed our tea, served piping hot. Phyllis and Al both visited with us at our table and made sure our needs were being met. We were thankful we had left room for dessert. I had the bread pudding which was 'to die for'. Looking forward to another visit. Wish we lived closer so I could make memo... (more) |
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- Colleen 03/30/09 |
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Tearoom Response
Colleen,Thanks for your wonderful review and when you are back in town again, please stop by the tearoom. Phyllis and Al Wilkerson |
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Food: Waitress was rude and food was so skimpy that we had to eat again after leaving there, we had high tea. There were four of us and two of us ordered the same tea and they wouldn't refill our teapot for the ones sharing. Seated us by the kitchen and we made early reservations for a special occasion. Owners are nice. |
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- Mariette Baker 03/17/09 |
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Tearoom Response
Mariette,Rudeness is never tolerated in our business and professional life as well as in our family life. I would like you to call me regarding the details and I will deal with this situation. As to the food portion sizes, this is what has been served at Sweet Afton Tea Room for 20 years with the exact same recipes. I am not sure what was expected but would like to talk to you about this. I need more information about the tea sharing. Did you order one pot of tea or two? If you ordered only one pot to share and then requested a refill, this would not be fair to our business. If you ordered two separate orders but was served in a single pot with the intention of having it refilled and then paying for the two orders, this is a mistake on our part and we would like to remedy the situation. Please call me at 734-454-0777 so I may get more details on this situation. Al Wilkerson |
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Food: I have been going to the Sweet Afton Tea Room for over 12 years... I realize the newest owners just took over the establishment recently but I would hope they would want to know why they are losing a very loyal customer. I took one of my dearest friends to lunch there today (after bragging on how wonderful the place was). Our goal was to have a leisurely lunch and sip tea... I made reservations 3 days prior to arrival and after eating and having the plates removed. Our goal to sip on an additional pot of tea was lost when we were asked to leave after an hour at the establishment because they needed our table for a big party. Most establishments plan in advance and would seat an individual with reservations at a table that they would be asked to leave at immediately after ... (more) |
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- Laura G. 03/07/09 |
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Tearoom Response
First and most importantly, we are very sorry for this unfortunate incident that resulted in causing an embarrassing situation for you with your friend. We also would like to thank you for your loyalty to the Sweet Afton Tea Room. As our business continues to grow, our Saturdays have become very busy, but we always allow at least 2 hours per reservation for our 12 tables. After talking to your server, she was quite surprised at your review. She said “ she has been your server on other occasions and since you both finished your meal and dessert and were sitting and talking, that everything was OK”. She was unaware that you wanted to “sip tea for awhile” and would have moved you to a nearby available table if you would have made your wishes known. You were originally to be seated at one of our two person tables, but our host offered you a larger four person table. That is where the problem began. Again we are very sorry.Please give us another chance to offer you another positive experience at our restaurant. Sincerely, Phyllis and Al Wilkerson Owners |
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Food: Last Saturday, my friend Sue and I drove up to Sweet Afton's for proper tea, thinking we would have a quiet talk and tea experience; instead we were ushered into a totally new experience--this is a tearoom that welcomes families--a wonderful experience as so many tearooms frown on having small children attend! And another big surprise--MEN in tearooms was something we had never encountered in our 5 years of visiting a tearoom! The hosts, Al and Phyllis, made us welcomed and we felt like cherished family!! We will definately be back, as we had such a good time!! We each ordered a different tea, and Al even brought us another tea that he thought we should try! Lovely place with lovely staff. |
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- Susan T. 02/09/09 |
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Tearoom Response
Susan,Thanks for your comments. Saturdays sometimes evolve into a family lunch outing at the tea room. It was definitely not a QUIET tea time from about 11:30 - 3:00 when you two were there. We sincerely Thank You for being understanding as another generation of young people are exposed to to drinking tea with their families. Please come back again during the week when it is a time for a ' quiet tea and talk ' experience. Welcome to the Sweet Afton Family!! Al & Phyllis Wilkerson Sweet Afton Tea Room |
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Food: Today was my first visit, and I will be back--and I'm bringing alot of people-- could be very intimate, very nice,-just a wonderful place to enjoy all the teas and conversation-- |
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- Dawn 01/25/09 |
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Tearoom Response
Dawn,Thank You for your comments. Come again soon! Phyllis and Al Wilkerson |
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Food: The ladies here are wonderful. It is a cute place to go if you want something nice to do with friends but I wouldn't go there if I just wanted good tea. The food was good and the staff was very friendly but the actual tea was just o.k. |
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- Tea junky 01/18/09 |
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Tearoom Response
Tea Junky,We are sorry you were not pleased with your tea. Each pot is brewed individually and if you were not happy, we will always brew another pot for you until we get it to your liking. We also replace a pot of tea when a customer is not happy with the tea flavor they ordered. Come back for a free pot of tea anytime. Thanks for your patronage to our restaurant. Phyllis and Al Wilkerson Owners - Sweet Afton Tea Room and Restaurant |
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Food: Anna and Andrea had TEA las Friday evening and it was wonderful. Loved the desert and the special attention paid to the guests. The music could not have been better. |
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- Andrea Gafford 12/16/08 |
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Food: Two months ago my wife talked me into going to the 'Sweet Afton' for lunch. Yesterday, we took 12 other family members, visiting from Illinois, there for lunch. PHENONMINAL! Food, service, atmosphere could not have ben better. Thank you for making all of us, including my 80 year old parents, and our 5 year old granddaughter, feel so SPECIAL !! |
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- Steven Lee 11/29/08 |
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Food: My sister-in law and I recently celebrated her granddaughter's 4th birthday by having the little lady's first Tea Room experience here. The food was so delicious! The service was beyond perfection. We felt like we were given the Royal treatment! They even set up a high chair and tea cup for a very special teddy bear, a post humus gift from her great-grandma. We will never forget our lovely experience! Thank you! |
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- Suzanne 11/14/08 |
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Food: this was the cutest little tea room ever. The manager greeted us at the door and made sure that everything on the menu worked for us. We took our 2 year old with us and they had a little teapot for him as well. so adorable! |
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- Tara 10/24/08 |
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Food: My mom and I had a baby shower for my cousin here, and it was just amazing. The food was delicious, the tea selections were wonderful, and the atmosphere was so cute and cozy. And the service was wonderful! I can't say enough delightful things about it -- everyone enjoyed it, from great-aunts to college friends! |
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- Ellen 10/22/08 |
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Food: My sister and I brought my niece, a 'Bride To Be' to Sweet Afton's this afternoon. We were so impressed with the delicious meal, the ambiance and the service, we booked her Bridal Shower for next Spring here. We are delighted and are really looking forward to it. |
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- Eileen 10/04/08 |
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Food: My daughter and I had a lovely lunch on this beautiful autumn day. The food was excellent, as always. The creamy dessert with raspberry topping was out of this world! |
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- Barbara 10/04/08 |
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Food: Great little place! The tea is great but my favorite part are the scones! Delicious and warm, I love the cream and jam. Good service and fun, quaint atmosphere. Great to bring your Granny or your girlfriends. Even kids! They have a snacks for children and will gladly accommodate them! |
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- Sarah 09/27/08 |
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Food: My mom used to take me to Sweet Afton tea room after school during my high school years in Livonia. It would be a refreshing break between school and tennis practice, or just a time to spend some time together. I fell in love with Sweet Afton's wonderful tea sandwiches. Because of these special times spent at Sweet Afton's, my mom and sister recently planned my 22nd Birthday party with the ladies of the family at Sweet Afton tea room. I was able to gather with my 81-year-old grandmother, aunts, and younger cousins for a ladies' evening out together. I love the atmosphere at this tea room, allowing us to visit, relax, eat wonderful food, and drink fabulous tea. The owners couldn't have been more welcoming or accomodating in finding a time for us to make reservations. I highly recommend this tea room to everyone. You will not be disappointed. I feel very blessed that I was able to celebrate a special occasion with several generations together at Sweet Afton! |
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- Monica 08/27/08 |
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Food: I've been going to Sweet Afton for the past 6 years even though I'm not from Plymouth. The waitstaff is the friendliest I've ever encountered and really care about your happiness. The tea and food is the closest to authentic British meals that I've found in the States, and I absolutely would be devestated if it were ever to close. |
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- Hilary 08/23/08 |
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Food: In July of this year, my neighbor and I had attended an afternoon memorial service in Plymouth and afterwards, she suggested that we go out to lunch. Since we live in Royal Oak, we weren't certain where to go, but I had remembered the Sweet Afton Tea Room where I used to take my mother when she lived in Westland. Hoping that it was still in existence, we were delighted by the lovely lunch and the graciousness of the current owner, Phyllis Wilkerson. It was my neighbor's first experience with a tearoom and she loved it! Now days, tearooms are a labor of love, and I encourage all who love 'all things tea' to support the Sweet Afton Tea Room. |
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- Janet McKenzie 08/20/08 |
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Food: A great place to have a lunch with the girls. Very good food with a great ambiance. We will be back soon. Very relaxing place in downtown Plymouth. |
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- Catherine 08/16/08 |
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Food: this place is not just for ladies!! i had a great lunch with my wife and girls. the food was excellent and did not leave you stuffed like some pub food does. The bread pudding is to die for!! The owners Phyllis and Al were extremely accommodating. In fact, it was great to talk to Al about his previous coaching of professional athletes as he stood in front of this little tea room with about 40 'red-hat' ladies in the background eating. i give my lunch a 5 out of 5 stars |
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- RMS 08/06/08 |
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Food: Visiting the Sweet Afton Tea Room blew me away and I’m not a Tea House guy by any means. I’ve never been to a Tea House before but this is a place I will continue to patronize. The scones and chait were exceptional. The menu is very reasonable with unbelievable service. If you’ve never experienced a Tea House I recommend Sweet Afton Tea Room as your first. The Owners are very classy down to earth people who don’t mind coming out speaking with patrons as if they knew them for several years. I could go on forever about Sweet Afton and its owners. Again I was blown away by the experience. I will definitely recommend your great establishment to all my friends and family. |
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- Nate S. 07/21/08 |
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Food: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Sweet Afton Tea Room! The varieties of teas available along with the choices of menu items made me feel like I was back in England (I lived in England for 8 years). I especially enjoyed the Wellington with its light, puffy, and flaky topping for my meal. I also enjoyed my light and creamy desert with the raspberry coulis. I’ll definitely come back when I’m in the area…P.S. Yes, many of the previous comments are “spot on” about Al being entertaining as well as congenial and Phyllis is quite charming and engaging as well… |
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- Joe 07/17/08 |
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Food: Three of my girlfriends and I just had lunch there today (during Art in the Park) and it was just wonderful. The food was delicious, the tea excellent, the service great and the owners were hilarious, especially Al. What a character. I would go back just to listen to his stories. They really make you feel at home and at ease there. Where else can you go to get a great meal, excellent service AND entertainment? I would recommend this tea room to anyone and everyone! |
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- Jennifer 07/12/08 |
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Tearoom Response
We remember your group fondly. All four of you were delightful young women. I know your future daughter will love the place when she comes back to add to the long line of Sweet Afton women. Thanks for sharing YOUR stories with us.Phyllis and Al Wilkerson |
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Food: My two daughters and I went to the tea room today to celebrate my 10 year old's birthday. It was a very special occastion and when they brought her dessert out it had a birthday candle in it which was so thoughtful! All three of us were happy with our food, the tea and the wonderful service. Thank you. We've decided to celebrate all birthdays there in the future. |
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- Cindy Penner 07/08/08 |
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Tearoom Response
We look forward to celebrating many more birthdays and other special occasions with you and your daughters. Hope to see you soon!!Phyllis and Al Wilkerson |
