The White Hart ~ A Coastal Victorian Tearoom

Happy Summer Tea Friends!  

One of my summer pleasures is visiting new tearooms while traveling. Saturday was my birthday and what better way to celebrate than going out to afternoon tea.

A favorite travel spot of mine is the Monterey Bay. Carmel by the Sea, Monterey and Pacific Grove are idyllic towns. Last year while walking in Pacific Grove I came across The White Hart. The beautiful Victorian immediately caught my attention.

I was thrilled to learn the home serves as a tearoom to the public two weekends a month and can be rented for private parties as well. 

I knew I wanted to celebrate my birthday there.

We made reservations for 11:30 (right when it opened). The White Hart does not have set seating times like many other tearooms. This makes for a relaxed experience in my opinion.

I was happily surprised to see the decorated table when we arrived. So sweet!

A birthday card on the table!

Noritake teacups

We enjoyed a white tea and the tearoom's black blend.

EB Foley plates

Well the highlight was the incredible edibles!

We started with apricot and cherry scones accompanied with homemade lemon curd (delicious) and clotted cream. 

This tearoom truly had the freshest and some of the most innovative sandwiches I've tasted at a tearoom. During our tea, the chef came out and introduced himeself. 

Scottish smoked wild salmon with ginger and wasabi aioli on a puff pastry ~ so fresh tasting!

The aioli was very light and did not overwhelm the salmon.

We've all had the traditional cucumber finger sandwiches. I liked how they added radishes to it along with the green onion tie on the top.

All of the desserts were divine. The size of the apple cinnamon spiced bundt cake was adorable. I've never seen bundt cake tins that small.

Yes, the food and tea was delcious, but what really stood out was the sincere warmth of the proprietors. They really made my birthday special and you could sense their love of the tearoom experience. I really felt like I was a guest in their home.

If you ever happen to be in Pacific Grove in California, afternoon tea at The White Hart will really elevate your travel experience.

I would love to return during Christmas time.

Have a wonderful week filled with good tea, books and conversation!

Nora

Please join me at the following tea parties:

Bernideen's Tea Time

No Place Like Home

Antiques and Teacups

Martha's Favorites