Alana Ellison
User's reviews
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Dorset Tea & Coffee
On our second visit to the Dorset, we tried the Duchess afternoon tea. Lots of luxurious food appeared before us on a large, rectangular platter. In spite of expecting the traditional tea-on-three-tiers, we loved everything: organic cream of broccoli soup, cute finger sandwiches (the salmon mousse and the ham with apricot are to die for!), yummy scones with REAL clotted cream and strawberry jam, rich chocolate cake to finish. The Earl Grey tea was the best I've tasted, perfectly complimented with steamed milk (on request). My friend visiting from England was impressed with the attention to detail and beautiful presentation, and, although they didn't carry her favorite Lapsang Souchong, she loved the organic green tea pearls. Everything was freshly-made, delicious, and served professionally. We were left alone for the duration of our stay; one of the owners came by to see if everything was to our liking (it was!). The fact that we were allowed to linger for an hour beyond finishing our food without feeling harassed or pressured to leave was a plus, considering that the Dorset is not a traditional tea room, but a cafe that serves afternoon tea. Easy service system (order at the register, food is brought to you), which we caught on quickly. Lots of funky little things catch your eye in the small, European-style space: the menu is printed on wall-mounted glass, beautiful flowers on each table, attractive china and place settings, creative presentation (their iced teas are served in little wine carafes!), and rotating artwork. It's a nice place to be in: calming with classical music played in the background. Our first visit, however, was hectic with LOTS of lunchtime activity and chatting ladies-who-lunch scattered all over the space. Everyone seemed to be having fun (including ourselves), but it was difficult to hear our own conversation sometimes. Overall very tidy, clean, and lovely experience. We plan to come back with the kids for a lazy Saturday breakfast and try that quiche that everyone was raving about ...