Utterly disappointing. I read some of the good reviews here and assumed they were all genuine. I came here with 2 friends yesterday. There was a post put right in front of the door to say - “please wait outsideto be seated” which acted as a barrier too. It was a bitterly cold day, and we waited quite a while. While inside, we asked the waitress for a table for 3 and she questioned where was the 3rd person in a very unfriendly way, when I told her our friend was running 10 min behind, she told us we had to wait outside until all people in the group arrived. Then when we stepped in, we saw several empty tables and asked if possible to have the table in the middle as the space between other tables are all very small, we were given a stern No and ordered to sit in a tiny corner beside the old piano. Also it puzzled me why they let so many people wait outside in the cold while they had more than several tables free? Especially that they don’t take reservations… When our friend wanted to use the bathroom, she was told it was “out of order”, when I asked when it would be repaired, I was told “maybe a few days time”. How can they accept customers coming here for tea with a long wait out in the cold but without toilet facilities, do the staff not use toilet facilities themselves? We ordered scones but the cream coming with the scone was a tiny tub put on a cheap thin paper “cup” which was the size of a tablespoon .. When the group next to us were leaving, one of the chairs fell on us, maybe time for them to reconsider the space but also replace with some proper chairs! I felt guilty suggesting friends this place thinking it would be a cozy place for a catch-up but turned out to be a rather unpleasant experience. But seems most people there are tourists, so guess most people wouldn’t bother too much and the tea shop is in a good location. Have been to over 45 countries but don’t recall anywhere I have had such rude service from a simple tea place, certainly not anywhere in London where I have lived for...
Read moreWalking into English rose café, I was immediately enveloped by its charm. This quaint tea room, nestled in a picturesque part of town, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The decor is a delightful mix of vintage and cozy, making you feel like you've stepped into a friend's living room for a warm, inviting tea session.
The tea selection here is impressive, boasting an array of choices from classic Earl Grey to exotic herbal blends. Each brew is lovingly prepared and served in delicate china that adds to the overall experience. Accompanying the tea, the assortment of scones, sandwiches, and pastries are both delectable and beautifully presented.
What truly sets [Tea Time Haven] apart is its staff. They are the heart and soul of this place, greeting each guest with genuine warmth and attentiveness. Their knowledge of tea and recommendations based on individual preferences are commendable, making the experience personal and enjoyable.
However, not everything was perfect. On my visit, the restroom facilities were unfortunately out of order. This was a significant inconvenience, especially for a place where you spend a leisurely amount of time sipping tea. Additionally, the lack of guest Wi-Fi was a bit of a letdown, particularly in an age where connectivity is almost expected in such establishments.
In conclusion, E.R. café is a charming spot for tea enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. While the lack of certain amenities like a functioning toilet and guest Wi-Fi did mar the experience somewhat, the delightful teas, scrumptious treats, and the warm, welcoming staff more than make up for these shortcomings. It's a place I would recommend to those who value the art of tea and a friendly atmosphere, with the hope that they will address these small issues...
Read moreMy experience here was positively dreadful, and I don't intend to return here ever again.
I visited The English Rose recently with my wife, and we took a seat outside - there wasn't much available seating directly outside the restaurant, so I found myself sitting on the sidewalk fully exposed to both the elements (it was a cold, windy morning), and the extremely loud traffic from the street (tour buses, angry motorists, and pedestrians shouting into their cell phones to be heard over the street noise).
Ordering our food and drinks proved to be a chore, as the people running the shop promptly forgot about us. We waited for about fifteen minutes before my wife had to go back inside and remind someone that we were still waiting to put in our orders. I ordered a hot chocolate and a piece of cake - the former took about fifteen minutes to come out and was lukewarm at best when it arrived. I had half a mind to send it back, but by this point, I was so cold and miserable that the idea of waiting another half hour for another attempt at hot chocolate sounded thoroughly unappealing.
My cake followed several minutes later, and it was similarly atrocious. It had an odd texture, and it left a weird aftertaste in my mouth. It took me several minutes after the cake came out to actually find this out though, as our waitress neglected to bring us our silverware with our food orders, leading to yet another cold, noisy, and interminable wait.
In short, my time at The English Rose was an experience in protracted misery. Avoid this place - London is filled to the brim with tea shops, so go anywhere else....
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