How do I make a reservation?

Members of the Royal-Tea Club can reserve tables up to 6 weeks in advance by phoning us at 253-826-4479. We are usually in our office from Wednesday- Sunday from 11-4, but are often here on Tuesdays as well. 

 

Non-members can phone in reservations one week in advance by phoning us at 253-826-4479.  The list of available tables for non-members is updated on Wednesdays for the following week.

 

Please note that our answering system does not record incoming calls.  You must speak to us directly, to book a table.  Payment via credit or debit card is required at the time of booking.

 

Can walk-in guests be accommodated?

We prepare just the quantity of food that is required for tables booked, so are unable to seat folks the same day.

 

Are children welcome?

Our venue works well for introducing elementary age children to fine dining and table etiquette. We offer a child's version of our afternoon tea experience with smaller portions and choice of peanut butter and jam, peanut butter and honey, or cheese sandwich for $61.  This option is appropriate for children aged 5-11.

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What about younger children?

While we love kids, we aren’t set up for toddlers. We use antique bone china at each place setting, we don’t have toddler-safe seating, and it is a multi-course meal that takes upwards of an hour and a half, which is more than most little ones can comfortably manage. Now that we are operating as a private club, we have created a more elegant, vintage-inspired atmosphere conducive to quiet conversation. We do not have a changing station, high chair or nursing station.

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Can we split an afternoon tea?

Part of the charge for your afternoon tea experience is the, well, experience.  We require each guest to purchase a meal.  We realize that we serve more food than most folks can comfortably consume at one sitting and are happy to bring take-home boxes to your table. 

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Are you able to accommodate special diets?

The labor to create special meals is just not something we are able to do. We offer a vegetarian option and a nut-free option, as those just require us to omit an ingredient or two, however cross-contamination is always a possibility due to the limitations of our kitchen.  Gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, etc require a completely separate product to be created. We could never produce truly gluten-free foods safe for Celiacs, as flour particles are always present as we bake daily.  We cook like your great grandma did, using plenty of butter, cream, cheese, eggs, and sugar.  There's no low sodium, egg-free, low carb, or sugar-free version of our scratch cooked menu.

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What is the dress code?

We do not enforce a dress code, but most guests adhere to the tradition of dressing up a bit for the afternoon tea experience.  Smart casual dress is about balancing comfort with a touch of elegance. A knee-length or longer dress, floral print skirt, or tailored trousers paired with a pretty blouse would be appropriate for ladies, and for men, slacks with a collared shirt. 

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How long should we plan to be there?

Our tea experience is served in multiple courses at a relaxed pace.  Please allow 90 minutes to enjoy the meal, but you are welcome to use your table for 2 hours.  You might wish to look around the gift shop before leaving too!

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What if I need to cancel my reservation?

Cancellations of a day or more in advance will be refunded as store credits, and we can rebook you for the following week if there is space available.  Last minute cancellations will be refunded as store credits less a $20 per person late cancellation fee. 

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What if I need to change the number of guests in my party?

If you need to add a guest to your booking, call us to check availability.  If you need to reduce your number, we will give you a store credit for the cancellation.

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Can I book a private party?

Members of our Royal-Tea Club can book private parties of 7-14 guests on Wednesdays and Thursdays, or semi-private parties on Sundays at 4:00. We hold some club events on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so some days may not be available.  Non-club members wishing to hold a private event in our dining room may wish to become club members and consider the membership fee as a room rental charge.

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Can I bring in a cake or other outside food?

We serve more food than most guests can eat at one sitting, including a variety of delectable sweet treats.  There is no need to bring in a cake.  If someone with severe food allergies is included in your party, please call us to discuss how they might be safely able to join you.

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Do you accept cash payments?

No, we are cash free.  We don't find the accounting/daily sales tallying to be an enjoyable part of the operation of a business.  Accepting only card payments has dramatically reduced the time we used to spend on the drudgrery of bookkeeping so we are free to create more delicious treats and fun experiences.  Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover are all accepted!

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