Coffee is my go-to morning drink. Two cups every day. Having said that, I do love my afternoon tea….maybe because I am from Scotland and we love a ‘wee cuppa’. Maybe because it reminds me of my mom. I love having tea at her house….she always has an assortment of my favourite cookies on hand. I can be on the healthiest eating diet known to mankind….but when I see her cookie tin…I don’t know what comes over me. I am so pathetic and have zero willpower!
I had the opportunity to visit Brambles Tea House in Naples. What a little gem! The first thing I noticed when I entered was the smell of the freshly baked scones. Brambles makes thier scones fresh every morning and have a feature scone of the day. I will absolutely be going back there.
Brambles English Tea Room and Gift Shop was established in 1995. It has become a permanent Naples tradition. Some of the guests I chatted with described Brambles as a “hidden treasure.” The Tea Room is tucked down a meticulously well kept lush, little passageway called “Rue de Fleur. There is a beautiful lion water fountain, flowered window boxes and pretty ornamental garden accents. It really is a destination place to meet the girls for high tea.
Maurica and I started off with the Brambles Light Delight. $17.50 p/person
Four finger sandwiches: English egg salad on honey wheat, cucumber and cream cheese on country white, Brambles chicken salad on oatmeal bread and honey spiral ham on potato bread. Your choice of the Scone of the Month or Traditional English scone with a few raisins, real Devon clotted cream and strawberry preserve. A pot of tea of your choice.
Their menu also offers full sandwiches, fruit plates, salads, shepherds pie, quiches and amazing desserts too. So if you are with your hubby you can be sure that he will be well fed after his visit. Although seriously…leave him at home and enjoy this with your besties! OH…and champagne…they have champagne!!
I ordered the Enchanted Earl Grey – Traditional Earl Grey blend with vanilla flavour. This tea was amazing! I already have to go back and purchase more. It did not last me long.
Maurica ordered the Pumpkin Creme tea blend – China black tea with pumpkin pie spice and crème. This tea is going to be a fall favourite for me. I love this little teapot with the English cottage on it. And the little mini white teapot is actually salt and pepper shakers.
There was plenty of tea served so we were able to share with each other.
In honour of the upcoming nuptials between Harry and Meghan Markle, we finished with Royal Wedding – China black tea flavoured with raspberry, strawberry, kiwi and a hint of mango – specially blended for the Royal Wedding. I wish you could smell this tea…simply divine…a truly Royal tea! I am actually enjoying a cup as I write. Did I mention that Brambles offers over fifty tea flavours?
Off to the side of the tea room, there is a cute little shop with the prettiest tea party accessories. They import fine English Bone China, Tea Cozies, Carol Wilson handcrafted greeting cards, teapots in all shapes, colours and sizes from Honey Bees, Brown Bettys, Cheshire Cats and Tea Roses. You can also purchase the tea that they offer on their menu in both loose tea or tea bags. To the left of this photo, the counter is filled with amazing treats to go. Try some of their luscious selections. They have Wedding Cake Truffle, Abuelos Mexican Hot Chocolate Truffle, Carrot Cake Truffle, Swiss Mint, Chocolate Pecan Brags, Fudge Love Truffle and Black Forrest Truffle to name a few. Great hostess gifts!
Of course, we were compelled to make a couple of purchases of the tea that we enjoyed at lunchtime along with these sweet little teaspoons. My mom used to have a wooden plaque that hung on the kitchen wall the housed her collection of teaspoons. I will have to ask her what she ever did with them.
You can enjoy your tea outside too. It is such a quaint little setting. I think the next time my granddaughters are down I will take them for high tea outside…I’ll spare the patrons the sometimes loud chatter of the girls and the birds can nibble their spilt crumbs. I will call ahead and reserve the table so that hopefully we can have Brambles resident bear Mr Brambles join us at our table.
Their attention to details makes the entire experience so pleasurable and fun. Brambles do offer full-on high tea parties and children’s menus too. The next time you have some out of town guests visiting you; Brambles is everything girlie and a must visit destination. I recommend you call ahead and make a reservation. We were lucky enough to walk in, but ya’ll know what high season is like down here in sunny, SWF:)
Check out their website for more information and photographs. www.bramblestearoomnaples.com
Visit Brambles Tea Room
340 5th Avenue South, #102
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