The Britannia Tearooms — Restaurant in San Diego

Out of this world! The sheer details and passion curated by the owner and executed by supportive staff just floored me. I splurged on a themed afternoon tea. Theme was Outlander (the books and show)…and while I have neither read the Outlander books nor show- again, the love and creativity the owner puts into themed ($70.00 plus tax and tip per person) warrants that price point. Guests had a take home gift. We had a create your own Clan/draw your Clan’s Shield/Crest. And there was a little quiz/trivia played both had prizes for the winner. The menu was obviously themed (Outlander/Scottish treats) instead of the usual British afternoon tea/delights. I have been to the Aubrey Rose and Marlene’s Teas & Cakes for British afternoon teas. While those places are exceptional in their own rights, I am writing this review specially for Shakespeare’s Afternoon THEMED Tea. I make this distinction because I know what to expect with British Afternoon Tea. I was absolutely blown away by Britannia Tearooms (Shakespeare’s) THEMED Tea/experience. I did not take photos because I did not want to be rude. We were seated in the Mad Hatter Tea Room (a different theme but bear with me)…there are other themed teas hosted throughout the year. Like Harry Potter, Paddington Bear, Agatha Christie/Murder mystery, Alice and Wonderland (cosplay and costumes encouraged); and others like Outlander to choose from. So on that train of thought: no stone (this is Irish but Blarney Stone- pun intended) unturned. There was a leek soup (a highlight), a temperature hot, not spicy hot appetizer. The main tray, which one s always deceptively filling, had Scottish-esque twist on finger sandwiches. My favorite was the Scottish “cheese” toastie. My friend enjoyed the lox (salmon) on a special cracker, also tasty/good. Of course a palate pleaser cucumber finger sandwich, kind of unremarkable. There was a pickle sandwich and an egg/hash mash up which were new to me. The scone was savory vs sweet and albeit dry because no offense Scottish/pretty authentic. I point it out because the usual closed cream, fruit/rasp spread and lemon curd accompanied the scone; the savory scone which was, confusing to my taste buds. As if that were not enough there was a whole other desert only plate in addition to the main grapes, strawberry, and pot/parfait of mixed berries and cream. Hands down highlight are, well, to state the obvious: the teas! We started with a very specified Outlander tea. Enjoyable. Then ventured off to a Harry Potter Butter Beer tea (delightful on its own accord) and my pick a berry forward hibiscus decaffeinated Roobios tea. I was floating but totally worth it. Bathrooms were also no detail unaddressed- impeccably clean and on theme. Their Mary Poppins Gift Shop carries popular teas for purchase and other chotchkies/knick knacks. The register also has refrigerated pastries, jams, and cremes available for purchase. Place is huge. Again, we seated in the Mad Hatter room (sat about 25 people in various 2-4 tables and one much larger table). Had 4-5 servers besides the owner hosting. AND the other side of the business with the usual British Afternoon Tea service. I mean she must have been up at 7 am making all of the food for 12:30 pm service…just incredible. Hands down a phenomenal experience to treat a mom, daughter, friend, girlfriend/SO/partner to. Thank YOU for such an awesome day with a friend I have not seen since Halloween. We treasured the time and space Britannia Tearooms made possible. Bravo! Bellisimo! Encour!! Definitely want to experience future Themed...

UPDATE 3/30/25 I made reservations online and told them about the special occasion we were celebrating. There are vegetarian options also. We were celebrating my friend's birthday. The staff came out with a lit tiny cupcake and sang happy birthday. Roman (pictures) was our server.

We came early and should have looked at their extensive tea list. Each of us picked a different tea so we could try them. One friend got a green tea, I got the French vanilla black tea, and the other friend got white ginger mango tea. They were all fun to try. Then we tried the mimosas with the rose, pomegranate orange, orange, and hibiscus. We liked them in that order. If I got it again, I'd get the mango or plain prosecco. They were served with edible mini daisies.

The stew with the tiny leaf croissant was lovely. It would have been even better with a thicker broth and a softer ground beef. The veggies were perfect. Then the tiered plate came out with the vegetarian goodies on top, separated. The sandwiches, sausage roll, and open faced toast with egg salad on it was amazing. We loved the ham sandwich with the pickle spread. The cucumber sandwich was melt in your mouth. Our favorite was the chicken salad sandwich. The dragon cheese and mustard open faced sandwich was interesting, we liked everything.

Our raisen scone that was delicious. The cream, lemon curd, and strawberry and rhubarb jam was divine. Strawberries, blackberries, and grapes were also served with it.

Finally, we had a banana dessert (unfortunately two folks had hair in theirs), a lemon cupcake and a cardamom shortbread with chocolate on it.

We were stuffed and saw that some people were taking to go containers. I regret not bringing home some scones.

The bathroom was clean and had about three stalls. There was only an air dryer. Lots of free parking available.

We can't wait to come again!

Last time: The door said that they close at 4 pm, but that means only seating. I got there about 4:30 PM and am glad I walked in. The young dark haired woman (from the south of the USA, Anika) was so helpful and gave me a menu pamphlet for future month menus. She told me about the upcoming Agatha Christie murder mystery which will be in mid April.

The place had a fun vibe and was clean. They have goodies to buy at the front and in the back there is a little store. My workmate loves tea and cats and they had some tea towels, mugs, and a variety of teas. It was fun shopping! The only thing missing were the English chocolates and toffees that would have been fun to include in the gift. The saleswoman explained that they have them at their other shop. I think they would be a hit here!

I was scouting it out for a girl's birthday tea and it looks like it will be a great place to try.

I especially was impressed with the way they greeted me when I entered, gave recommendations, and we're not too busy with closing to offer more information.

I bought a sausage roll and a different grandma's savory pie. I can't wait to try them. I wish they would have had some hot to order like they do at their other location.

We are excited to come back. There is parking, tight spots, but plenty. It's on a corner so getting there may...

Tea was excellent, most of the place was cute, some of the food was very tasty and some of it left something to be desired, staff did their best (I'm not blaming them) but there weren't enough of them so the service was marginal. The eye-watering, luxury price felt wildly unjustified - it was not a luxury experience. If not for the final straw, I'd say it was about a two and a half star experience and I wouldn't have bothered to write a review.

But there was a final straw. See attached photos. Imagine walking into a bathroom stall and seeing... that.

I used to be a fan. I don't mess with that IP anymore, its author has caused too much pain to people I deeply care about. My sincere hope is that the owners somehow don't know that many folks would see their choice as a strong and unwelcoming message, but it's 2024, widely known, and I'm not giving them the benefit of the doubt. (And for the record, no trans employees nor patrons - both of which were present at the time of my visit - should be used as tokens if the owners want to reply with excuses. I don't care if the owners "have a trans friend," especially in a state where trans people are protected by law and therefore cannot be discriminated against directly.)

In a twist of irony almost too painful to bear, one of the members of my party accidentally went in the wrong restroom because they're only labeled "Witches" and "Wizards" with no indication of men and women for those unfamiliar with the IP. She decided she was a wizard and went in the men's. (Without incident.)

Even if I was still a fan and there was no other context, I think sitting on a toilet with a mannequin dressed in a Moaning Myrtle Hot Topic Halloween costume dangling over my head would be several...