Sweet Afton Tea Room and Restaurant
450 Forest Avenue
Plymouth, MI
734-454-0777
visit website
in MI
| Sun | closed |
| Mon | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
| Tue | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
| Wed | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
| Thu | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
| Fri | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
| Sat | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
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 teapot.
The Sweet Afton Tea Room and Restaurant has a long legacy of creating wonderful times and memories that connect generations. The original restaurant 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
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Food: A stop at Sweet Afton's Tea Room was a planned part of our ladies road trip in Michigan. Thanks to TeaMap, we were able to experience the ultimate in afternoon tea in a State we were unfamiliar with. We cannot say enough about this wonderful tea room! The attention to detail was so impressive. We were asked the strength of the tea we desired -- weak, medium, or strong, and it was delivered piping hot, just as ordered. Everything was served at the perfect temperature, from the scones to the mini-quiche bites. All food items were fresh and delicious. The atmosphere was calm and very welcoming after a long drive. We were fortunate enough to meet the owner, Al Wilkerson. We had a lovely chat with him about the history of the tea room and how he and his wife, Phyllis, came to own it. He ... (more) |
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- Barbara Cook 10/10/12 |
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Food:  I drove from Grand Rapids to try this tea shop. Sadly, it wasn't worth the effort. The four tea sandwiches were unattractive and mediocre. The two 'quiches' were actually about 1-inch squares of quiche (quite good). The two scones were pale and unappetizing looking. The cranberry scone was loaded with berries, but the plain scone tasted heavily of flour and couldn't quite decide if it was a sweet scone or savory. The two tiny tarts were quite tasty and the best thing about the tea service. I ordered my favorite Darjeeling tea, and found it somewhat bitter, possibly due to overbrewing or too much tea for the pot size. I'm frequently in the area on business, but if I return to Sweet Afton, it won't be for afternoon tea. Food at the other tables looked quite good and I'd be happy to try something else. I take tea, on average, 1-2 times per month all over the country as I travel, and this well-meaning shop doesn't measure up to my expectations in quality or value for the price. |
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- Ann 09/28/12 |
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Food: this is the most relaxing place i have ever eaten, the food is excellent, the service is fast, and the waitresses are very friendly, this is my second trip there in two days, i have now found my favorite restaurant. love the decor. cant wait to go back |
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- kathy lancaster 08/29/12 |