Looking for something different for your next gathering with the girls?
Grab your fascinator, dress up for afternoon tea and head to The Olde English Creamery on Zaragoza Street in downtown Pensacola. Most of us in my group didn’t have fascinators lying around, so we donned our most elaborate and festive hats for our reservation at the delightful bistro that is an homage to one of Britain’s favorite pastimes – afternoon tea. Turns out, they sell fascinators there, so you can purchase one at the Creamery.
We had the traditional afternoon tea that, in addition to the famous hot beverage, comes with a tiered platter full of finger sandwiches, scones, mini-sausage rolls, clotted cream, jam and other sweet treats. We had fun trying some of the different teas: Yummy Berry Herbal (wild currant and fruity tasting blend), Buckingham Palace Blend (signature tea is a popular blend which boasts jasmine and hints of bergamot and is served annually at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in London) and Lady Blue (a unique black tea taste with passionfruit, grapefruit, orange and grenadine flavors). Even those of us that don’t typically drink tea found something tasty to sip on.
The eats were delicious and even though it was teatime, don’t let the name fool you – there’s also wine on the menu!
The Olde English Creamery is a cozy restaurant that celebrates the joy of coming together over tea. It’s about taking time to be together and spend time talking. It was a full house the day my group was there with many families or groups of friends getting into the spirit of the English afternoon tea.
TANIA HENSON
Tania Henson opened The Olde English Creamery in March of 2019. Originally from London, she has lived in the Pensacola area since 2008.
“I’ve watched downtown be revamped since about 2010 and then it really kicked in around 2013,” Henson said. “I always used to come downtown, and I always thought that there’s not enough of a tea place and I’ve always loved tea. It felt like it would be a good fit for Pensacola because it’s also a historical city.”
It was immediately well received, and they quickly developed a strong following, which helped keep them going through COVID and the bay bridge being closed.
Many groups of friends and families make it a tradition to return to the Creamery for afternoon tea.
“We have a lot of solid repeat business September through May with all of the locals, and then in the summer we have visitors that come back every year. Once they visit, they love it.”
The work is labor intensive, and the china has to be hand-washed, but it is worth it for the charm and experience that people love. There are two to three seatings a day and they are open Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are needed but keep an eye on the Facebook page for possible availability for same day walk-ins. They also host parties such as showers and birthdays and have special events throughout the year. Look for St. Nick-themed parties in December.
WANT TO GO?
What: The Olde English Creamery
Where: 221 E. Zaragosa St., downtown Pensacola
When: Seatings are 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays; 12 p.m. and 2 p.m on Sundays
Contact and More Information: Call 850-542-7969 for reservations; visit facebook.com/theoldeenglishcreamery for more information.
