However, when I heard they were overhauling the menu and concept, I tried to keep an open mind and visited the newly revamped tea room on New Year's Day 2017. Unfortunately, it was a major disappointment. Some items that were included on tiered stands at other tables were missing from ours—such as crumpets— and we weren't informed that we could order additional servings of the items we did like, like the finger sandwiches.
To make matters worse, the Huntington Signature Tea we tried was far too floral for my taste. I really miss their Blackberry Tea! Additionally, since I prefer more savory snacks, I felt that what we received didn't warrant the price we paid. I truly wish our experience h...
This place has become the worst since Bon Appetit took over! If I could give it zero stars, I would! I used to visit frequently because I loved the service and the buffet, but everything has changed for the worse. The service was terrible, the scones were disappointing, and the sandwiches were not any better. When we requested more scones, they gave us one with the berries missing, and another batch that clearly wasn’t up to standard. To make matters worse, when I asked for just the scones to be boxed up, they included jelly and half-eaten sandwiches, ruining the scones by the time we got home. I was so angry! We spent $140 and had a terrible experience. Please avoid this place if you're exp...
From that moment on, I was treated far better than during my previous visit to that unimpressive venue in Sierra Madre. I apologized for not being dressed appropriately (which I felt was important), and I was warmly assured that I was just fine. As someone who only visits tea rooms a couple of times a year on my own, I’m used to being charged the same as other guests but receiving less. That was definitely not the case today. I was unsure how inappropriate it would be to ask for a takeaway box, so I focused on finishing the healthier items first. When I felt like I might burst, I was offered a box to take my leftovers home. I left feeling relaxed and at peace, thanks to the wonderfully kind...
NEW OWNERSHIP IS NOT IMPRESSIVE!!! The Tea Room is now under new management, and my previous 5-star review has dropped to 2 stars. I've been a loyal customer for over 20 years, and the recent changes to the menu and tea selection have been disappointing. I appreciated the freedom we had to choose exactly what we wanted from the buffet, without having to wait for the waiter or waitress to bring additional items. Moreover, they no longer sell their loose tea. My wife and I visited the Tea Room just before Christmas last year to replenish our stock of the traditional holiday tea, Goldrush, only to discover that the new management has chosen to discontinue this source of revenue.
Book a table now
We were seated in the West Room near the fireplace, where natural light bathed our table and delicate red roses rested in water beside a lovely white china teapot. Traditional English tea was served in a shiny metallic pot, while exquisite handcrafted treats were presented on a three-tiered stand. The warm scones on the top tier were truly a highlight, paired with raspberry jam, lemon curd, and clotted cream served in charming china ramekins. I look forward to the chance to meet and photograph Jeff and Claudia soon. A round of applause for the team!
The food was beautifully presented and very satisfying. There was a great selection of options, and everything we tried was delicious. Everyone at the table sampled different types of tea, and they were all fantastic. I especially loved the Huntington signature blend.
The tea is excellent, and the food is fairly priced. I’m definitely looking forward to returning. The only drawback is that there’s an entry fee for the library, which can make it a bit expensive if you're only going for the tea.
This restaurant is on the expensive side, but the all-you-can-eat sandwiches, fruits, appetizers, and freshly brewed tea are excellent. The venue is compact and very popular, so it's advisable to make a reservation.
Book a table now
We were able to make a last-minute reservation and enjoy the gardens on Free Day! The standout items were the delicate tea and scones; however, at $50 per person, it didn't quite justify the cost.
The variety of scones, pastries, and teas is simply amazing!
