Tea Time

Time for Tea -
​much more than just a cuppa in Metro Atlanta

Afternoon Tea at The Ginger Room

Quaint, charming, dainty and oh so pretty.
​This was the unanimous verdict when I recently visited The Ginger Room for afternoon tea with my dear friends Barbara and Paula. 

I’d been hearing great things from fellow Brits in Atlanta about The Ginger Room, so decided it was time to check it out for myself. And inviting Barbara and Paula, two lovely Georgia Southern Belles, to join me ensured the perfect American perspective on the whole “British tea” experience too.  

The Ginger Room was established in 2018 by Londoner (and avid tea drinker) Dr. Karl Walbrook and his partner Angela.
​Located in downtown Alpharetta (look for the red phone box outside - you can’t miss it), the building dates back to 1856 and is the oldest house in the city. 
Reminiscent of a traditional British Tea House, the tiny property is packed with charm, crystal chandeliers, vintage artifacts and eclectic antiques. 

The Parlor

Upon entering, we found ourselves immediately in The Parlor being greeted by Angela, who proved to be a friendly and attentive hostess. We were shown to our table, which was beautifully decorated with white linen, fresh flowers, dainty doilies, and of course, several pretty teapots. On the wall, an ornate painting of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler provided a gentle reminder that we were, in fact, in America's Deep South
​and not the English countryside after all.
​
Our most difficult decision of the day was deciding which brews we fancied from a choice of over 30 blends of national and international tea. Barbara picked strawberry, elderflower and rosehip. Paula went for the wonderfully named “Sundae Funday”. And boring old me stuck with good old English breakfast tea. All of this was served in three individual teapots, so we could all try out the different flavors in our cute china teacups. 

Tea for three

And next the glorious cake stand arrived, absolutely packed with delicious offerings: 
Bottom tier sandwiches- cucumber dill, egg & watercress, smoked salmon, coronation chicken
​ (plus pimento cheese sarnies to add a little Southern flavor into the Brit mix). 
Middle tier - homemade scones with clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd. 
Top tier - ginger cake, macaroons, shortbread biscuits, and a selection of petit fours. 

Just when we thought there was no room for any more, our server presented one last treat - a warm Bakewell tart adorned with a union jack flag. 

Brit treats with Scarlett & Rhett

Everything tasted delicious, but the freshly-baked scones were the biggest hit with us all. Barbara was a little hesitant about trying clotted cream for the first time, but she loved it.
​And the specially-imported Fortnum & Mason
​lemon curd was to die for.​

Before we left, we took a sneak peek inside the beautiful Walbrook Room (which can be booked for private events), as well as browsing the little gift shop.

The Walbrook Room

What a treat to enjoy traditional British afternoon tea right here in Metro Atlanta.
​As my two friends and I agreed, The Ginger Room is the perfect place for a special occasion or an elegant ladies lunch.
Tea time doesn’t get much prettier than this.
​

Book your Afternoon or High Tea at
The Ginger Room