Ye Olde Tea Shoppe

lewis91

You should hate it, But it's cosy and charming. 27th November 2007

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Entering the Teashop is something of a time warp. The dark wood furniture and colossal collection of teapots that the teashop is famous for makes for strong feelings that you've stepped into one of your grandmothers haunts. The place isn't well lit and the decoration is very very old fashioned. It's cosy and quaint. I should hate it. And yet hidden amongst the ridiculous novelty teapots and old ladies enjoying their scones is honest charm. There's no pretentiousness here, no elegant style or attempt to be vogue. It's cosy and quaint and the service is excellent. Most people who come here are regulars and the waitresses know a surprising number of names, they ask after them and their families. The waitresses are all young and their smiles aren't polished, they're just friendly. The drinks arrive in impressive speed considering it's a popular, often busy place. A down side is that sometimes the food comes out a little slower than it could. A chat with the waitress (yes, they even chat) reveals that the kitchen is run by the two owners of the business, and there are never more than two people in the kitchen, even on saturdays when they are full as often as three times in the day and with little room between those. But the food is lovely when it comes, honest and tasty. This really is a step into the time where England was old and people chatted on the streets. This really is Midhurst, but years ago.
Charming and warm.