B and I headed to town (Nottingham) for brunch today following recommendation from a friend. We were devastated when we arrived to find it had closed down and we set to the cobbled street in search of a replacement. As we wandered between Jamie's Italian and Carluccio's trying to decide where to eat I spotted this little archway directing us to Thea Caffe, a gorgeous tea room hidden away down a gated alley. As you can imagine, I couldn't contain my excitement!
I think I looked a bit like Charlie standing at the entrance of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and I hurried through the gates, dragging B with me.
"Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things."
- Chaim Potok
We walked through the courtyard (which you can make out in the reflection of the lovely welcome sign)...
It was slightly too chilly to brave the outdoor area but as soon as the sun is back out I will be sitting in the courtyard with a pot of tea and a slice of cake. I can't wait. So we ventured inside...
 |
| The courtyard |
We were greeted and served by a lovely waitress dressed in a pretty, traditional apron and a lovely smile. The staff all seemed very passionate about the shop and who could blame them - I can definitely think of worse places to spend my working day! The tea room was much bigger than expected and almost every seat was full - and yet I still felt like I'd uncovered a hidden gem. How none of my friends have found this before I do not know but it will definitely be a regular stop in from now on.
Once we had read the 'Specialist Tea Directory' and selected our drinks, there was the pressing matter of rumbling tummies to deal with. The menu was filled with pastries, brunch, afternoon tea and lots of delicious treats. I opted for the Eggs Benedict and was not disappointed. They even had the option of gluten-free muffins. Finally! Somewhere that offers soy-milk AND gluten free without restricting the menu!
The waitress arrived shortly with a tray full of mismatched chinaware and some delicious tea! By this point we were feeling very English which was quite fitting with the greying clouds that were passing by out the window.
 |
| Gluten-Free Eggs Benedict |
Mountains of cakes, scones and other yummy treats temptingly displayed on pretty cake stands were very hard to resist although I just managed to keep enough self control to pay the bill without caving at the sight of the lemon drizzle slices.
 |
Scones, cakes and other delicious treats! |
The room was decorated with delicate wallpaper, art, potted plants and, of course, some tea pots.
 |
| A pretty little tea pot display - I wonder if they would notice me smuggling the green one away with me? |
 |
| Some of the lovely chinaware |
“If you are cold, tea will warm you;
if you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.”
― William Ewart Gladstone
 |
| And another pretty cup and saucer |
"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea."
-Bernard-Paul Heroux
One thing is for sure - now I've found this little tucked away tea room, tea at Thea Caffea is the answer for everything.
And as their sign quite rightly says...
Everything stops for tea.
