McKenna's Tea Cottage — Restaurant in Seal Beach

The service here is beyond ridiculous. I attended a party here which consisted of 18 people. I have never experienced this type of low quality service from anywhere. First off they couldn’t seat us until 1:30 regardless of the table being set up already. They claim they have a 2 hour maximum period to enjoy the tea party. Well, let me tell you none of this experience was enjoyable. After waiting around 45 minutes I had to order something because I was starving. I ordered a salad that came with fruit on it. The chicken was OVERLY salted and just overall very boring considering the price. Secondly, none of our pre-set food was served. They forgot about it, and all of us were sitting there wondering where it was. Not one waiter or waitress stopped by to check on us, asking if we need anything. It comes around to 2:30 and they proceed to tell us that if we go overtime it will be an extra $50! What happened to the 2 hour time limit. When we addressed the situation they said it was their mistake and would not be charged. Well they lied because upon checking the bank statement there was an extra $50 charge. Finally the food came out and it was average. Still no service asking if we were okay, If we needed anything. Not even to have water refilled! Clearly these people are not trained properly nor have the proper customer service skills. When we had to cut the cake they didn’t clear any tables, offer any new setting, nor offer a knife, it was utterly ridiculous. Lastly, the chef was sitting outside smoking and complaining. That was not okay and so unprofessional. After going back and fourth with the managers who were extremely rude, they deemed us not fit for any type of accommodation. Overall, do not come here! There are so many other professionally ran places...

This used to be my favorite tea establishment pre covid. Coming back after opening I noticed a few slips, dusty interior, service a bit slower and just not as polished and professional but the food and concept were always top notch. Today I'm just sad. The food was average. The sandwiches were just not as fresh and the scones weren't perfect. Average at best. The service as clearly lacking. We were told to pick a table, so we did. The room was half full. There was a server joking and chatting with a table. It took a good 10 minutes for a different person to appear and the only words were, "do you know what you want". Well we certainly did because we had read that menu 20 times! Our order was taken and our tea delivered. The food was brought in a timely manner. That was the last we saw of our "server" until I chased them down for the bill. We needed more clotted creme. I know, just decadent, but whatever. I got up to look for our server and was watched by a woman making phone calls for the business, she looked up but clearly not her job to help. Finally located the other, read "not our" server, and she did provide the creme. We finished our tea and food, which again, was ok. I finally tracked our server(?) down outside on the patio and was given the check. I'm almost embarrassed to say it but I left a 10% tip, half of my normal. I hope the young person who almost waited on us realizes that it is an indication of the low level of service we received. I'm sure they are a lovely person but serious training in the art of...

The tea itself was good, the sandwiches bland, and service was ok. I bought a groupon for a friend and I to go enjoy a pot of tea and some food. Groupons can only be used if you make a reservation. We arrived and were seated fairly quickly since there was a party before us. We were placed in a separate room from the other parties. We were given the run down on the menu and left alone for about 10-15 minutes. We ordered our tea and was left alone again. The tea and the rest of the Lady Hamilton tea set arrived at about the same time. The scones were delicious. The sandwiches as I said were lacking a bit of flavor. they were cut a bit small, but that may be because it was a sampler of 4 sandwiches per person. Unfortunately my tea cup was dirty when I turned it over to pour myself tea. They did replace it quickly, and I was grateful, but I am left wondering why a dirty cup had even been left out to be used. My companion ordered the pomegranate rasberry tea and did not think the flavor was strong enough. It was overall a pleasant experience. I however didn't like that the groupon doesn't cover everything like expected, I had this presumption that it would cover the entire cost of the service I chose, that is not the case and you will be paying the tax on site. This is probably to give people a chance to tip but I still thought it odd. The staff was friendly, of the two people we saw, but being in a separate area made me feel a tad isolated and I am not sure if I was pleased...