- Bloomsbury Tea Room - Ethel Brodie
A touch of England can be found In the town of Capitola, along the California coast. Proprietor Jennifer Coffey realized her dream by creating a tea room.
Carrying On an English Heritage
When pastor’s wife, Jennifer Shaw Coffey, wanted to slow down and be refreshed, she always found herself seeking out a little tea room. So it was only natural that she was inspired to open her own place of repose in the year 2008.
She found a small cottage built in Capitola, California, in the 1920's that had been vacant for a few years but was ideal for what she had in mind. Decorated in the pleasant style of a country cottage, with lace curtains, intimate tables in several rooms, and multi-patterned china tea service, the place invites intimacy and conversation. Jennifer even provides a selection of hats for those who want to dress the part, although many patrons arrive wearing their own elegant styles.
She believed that there was a need for such an enterprise, even though she had never done anything like it before and, by her own admission, was not a cook. With the assistance of her two sons and her daughter, Jennifer took a leap of faith and began serving afternoon tea.
Soon she had a following as families, friends, groups (such a the Red Hat Society ladies), special celebrations and those just wanted a place to unwind found their way to the Bloomsbury Tea Room.
The Tea Room Menu
Concentrating on a few menu items, Bloomsbury Tea Room is able to offer several options for patrons. There is a Full Tea which includes soup or salad, sandwich plate, dessert plate and, of course, a choice of tea. Or there are variations with choices from any or all of the above, down to a pot of tea served with only a lemon tea cake. Full Tea is $22.00; sandwiches are in the $10. to $13.00 range; and desserts are $5.00 or less.
Menu items are also available ala carte for those choosing to make such selections. All selections are homemade by the Coffey family. Included are sandwiches on homemade bread, soups – a specialty is the creamy artichoke soup, and luscious desserts such as mousse cheesecake and bread pudding.
A memorable English tea includes fresh-from-the-oven scones served with homemade lemon curd, Devonshire cream, and homemade jam. The treat conjures up visions of the English countryside.
Special Tea Experiences
A visit to the Tea Room is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the fine art of dining out. A Teddy Bear Tea creates memories for little ones and allows them to share the tea experience on their level.
As the child grows older, a Children’s Tea becomes a special treat and a time for practicing manners and conversational skills while enjoying a selection of items made especially for the young. The cost is $8. per child.
The Bloomsbury Tea Room is open Tuesday through Saturday afternoons and is a special treat for all. Groups are welcome with advance planning and Jennifer is a gracious hostess who makes everyone feel at home. The Tea Room address is 911-B Capitola Avenue, Capitola, California, and reservations can be made by calling 881-477-1798.
What a delightful irony that Mrs. Coffey is the proprietor of a tea room!
RWC101
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
