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:











Comments

  1. What a beautiful birthday you had my friend! This tearoom is absolutely delightful. The food is quite artistic and also looks yummy! So glad you were able to celebrate your birthday in this wonderful tearoom!

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  2. Oh my - what a lovely tea. The setting was beautiful and the food looked amazing. Now I want a pan that make the tiny bundt cakes - perfect for tea. Happy birthday - it looked delightful.

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  3. Ooh Nora, Happy Birthday wishes are sent to you!!! What a wonderful tea room that you chose to spend your special day. Yes, the presentation of the food looked like perfection. Isn't it so nice that the proprietors have such pride in their establishment? How I would love to visit that delightful tearoom. Thank you for sharing your special day with us!

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  4. Oh now I want to go there. It looks delicious. I also love when the chef is innovative. How lovely that the chef came to your table.

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  5. Nora, I think you chose the perfect tea room for your birthday. It sounds like you were quite pampered which is lovely on your special day. The food looks fabulous and the china is beautiful. I would love to visit The White Hart. Thank you for sharing your outing with us and Happy Birthday, my friend!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  6. Now that's the perfect birthday treat for you, Nora! What a perfect tea! I have been to several tearoom a in the Monterey/Carmel area, but not that one. A very Happy Birthday to you! Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  7. Happy Belated Birthday, Nora! Afternoon tea in a gorgeous Victorian home is the perfect way to celebrate your special day! I especially liked how they decorated your table for your birthday. Hope you get a chance to return to the tea room in December for their Christmas teas!

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  8. Oh Nora, Happy belated Birthday! My oh my, the tea room sounded heavenly! I love how they made it extra special for you :)

    It was so good to spend some time on your blog this evening...I have missed you! Hugs!

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  9. Dear Nora:
    For starters - I WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! This tea room looks amazing and I know was the perfect place for the day. You needed that Nora. Thank you so much for sharing, linking and participating in my blog! I hope you continue to celebrate all week too!

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  10. Wow. That is a proper tea room. A belated Happy birthday!
    Amalia
    xo

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Thank you for visiting today and taking the time to write a comment. Both are much appreciated.
Nora