As some of you know I live in central Ontario Canada in a small city called Barrie. It’s about an hours drive north of Toronto. (On a side note it is a very Canadian thing to tell a person how far you live or have to drive based on time and not kilometers. I think it’s because we are just such a big country!)
My business partner and bestie and I are great imbibers of tea and it’s accompanying treats. There are two places in town that are a more traditional English style tea rooms and we went to both and tried them out.
The first place was Campbells British Food. This is a restaurant and grocery store combination. The grocery component is of course, British food items most of which are non perishable. There is a freezer with what I understand to be locally made British specialties such as pasties and haggis. I didn’t spend lots of time shopping since we were concentrating on tea and snacks.
The tea room area is nicely appointed with comfy chairs, a fireplace and big windows. The view is of the parking lot of the plaza and the road but it is situated on a small hill and the long view is across the street into some woods.
It was quiet when we arrived for afternoon tea and the staff was smiling and prompt to seat us. An extensive menu of loose teas and a large selection of sandwiches and other lunch items tempted but the scones and turnovers were catching our eyes.
I ordered a pot of tea. (I made a digital note of my tea selection and it was not saved. It was a version of Earl Grey) I also ordered a shop made scone with butter and jam. Sara ordered an apple turnover, also shop made and a pot of tea called Blarney Blend.
The tea came in individual pots which poured well and vintage tea cups. Both of our teas were lovely and Sara very much enjoyed her turnover. The scone was a teabisk type and was warmed and very delicious. The jam was raspberry and I’m assuming a British product. (I forgot to ask)
I really enjoyed our tea and scone. It was a quiet place on the other side of town for a lovely cuppa. We want to go for a Scottish brekkie one day! They also have an afternoon tea or a high tea which looked quite tempting.
We enjoyed our tea and snack and will surely return.
Join me next week when I tell you all about English & Miller Tea Room and Gifts.
Campbells British Food
274 Burton Ave #18 Barrie, ON L4N 2P9
705 722 6446 http://www.campbellsbritishfood.com
Tell me about your favorite tea room in the comments below.
Le Petit Chapeau 