Crown and Crumpet Tea Salon

Ever since my first visit to England some years ago, I’ve since then become a tea enthusiast. Some of the lessons I’ve learned and discovered about Tea Time have been: Afternoon Tea, or “low tea,” usually taken in the afternoon, is served in the sitting or withdrawing room where low tables are places near sofas or chairs. And the traditional time for High Tea, or “meat tea,” is generally around four or five o’clock serving heavier food courses other than pastries and cakes. And that I prefer milk over lemon in my tea!

It is a pleasure to see quality tea rooms and salons being established all over the Bay Area. One of the best salons I’ve visited is Crown and Crumpet. Situated in no less than the most quintessential atmosphere, Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, is this witful gem. The décor is a combination of American country kitsch and British Victorian.

They offer 12 varieties of Black Teas, 6 varieties of Green Teas, 5 varieties of Premium Teas, 5 varieties of Oolong Teas, 4 varieties of White Teas, and 6 varieties of Fruit/Herbal Teas - in other words, something for everyone. They have a stupendous selection of sweets, treats, and sandwiches offered along side those 38 tea types, which can be grouped in five different arrangements. Asides from the main draw, they also offer breakfast, lunch, and early evening food fare options. There is also a mini-boutique within the salon where you can browse through or purchase unique Americana items.

Though a bit pricey, this salon more than makes up for it, not only in the huge quantity and quality of teas and food items available, but also excellence in table, customer, and party-planning service(s).

Teas I recommend:
Merry Mango Black Tea
Strawberry Fields Green Tea
Peach Oolong Tea
Oriental Beauty Premium Tea