While Mrs. HB and I were out and about on our mini {working} holiday in Spokane last month, we stopped by a few antique stores in the area. As we were getting into the car I noticed a “tea shop” across the street and asked Mrs. HB if she wanted to stop in for lunch.
“Who knows… maybe they even serve high tea? Wouldn’t that be fun?”
Anywho, as we walked in, I noticed the place was pretty dated, but I quickly looked past that because the shop was hopping {which is always a good sign}. We inquired about the $22.95 high tea, and the shop owner said that she was swamped but if we came back in an hour or so, she would be ready for us.
Okay, cool. So off Mrs. HB and I went to check out a few more antique stores while we waited for a table.
Now, I don’t like posting bad reviews, because in real life there are hits and there are misses when it comes to eating out. We’ve all laid down our hard earned money at a restaurant and walked away dissatisfied. So with that thought in mind, I’ve decided to go ahead and tell you about this place, but I am going to leave out the name of the establishment.
If you want to play detective, that’s your deal. The restaurant business is hard, and I’m sure the owner has put in a lot of hard work and I’m not looking to hurt her online reviews or anything. It just wasn’t a place I’d recommend. Clearly, there are customers that love this place. Mrs. HB and I just aren’t in that group. Simple as that. I’m also putting it out there because I’m curious if my reaction was way off base. Maybe this is what high tea is like in your neck of the woods and I’ve just never experienced it like this, so I’d love your opinion.
Okay so here we go.
By the time Mrs. HB came back to the tea house it had pretty much cleared out. I think I noticed 2 other customers in the place as we were being seated.
The waitress handed us a list of teas they had available, took our order and then disappeared. Immediately Mrs. HB and I noticed the fake flowers on the table. Which, was no biggie, I mean, lot’s of places have fake flowers, right? But then we noticed the fake flowers were in a plastic vase. That was sitting on a paper plate. And that our plates were sitting on paper doilies. And that the table next to us had foam plates.
And then we really started looking around…
There were fake flowers… EVERYWHERE. On every table, on the walls, hanging from the ceiling, in the corners, in every nook and cranny. There were even old dolls with crocheted dresses staring back at us from the window.
None of the furniture matched. Or the silverware. Or the tablecloths. Or anything really. It looked like the furniture, pictures hanging on the wall, and all the knickknacks came right out of a thrift store. Which in all honestly, totally doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t. You know I love a good thrift store. But as the saying goes, presentation is everything. And you can have a store full of thrift store finds that looks incredible and well, one put together with thrift store finds that does not.
Case in point. Neverland Tea in Vancouver, Canada. Their high tea runs $35 CAD/ $27.79 USD {so about 5 dollars more} and is in an extremely high rent district {the tea shop we went to in Spokane, was not}. The Neverland Tea Salon was furnished with old and mismatched furniture as well. Their tea stands, tea cups and silverware didn’t match either. But their eatery was clean, simple and elegant.
I think an argument could be made that while one shop spent money on fake flowers, unnecessary paper products and cheesy wall hangings, the other chose to spend their money on paint, light fixtures and a select few special touches. But what do I know? I’m just a girl, sitting down at a table, waiting to be dazzled with some scrumptious finger foods.
Back to the story.
Our tea arrived, and it was, well… tea. It wasn’t OH MY GOODNESS this is the best cup of tea I’ve ever had kind of tea, but it was fine. And then the first course of our “high tea” arrived.
Now, I’ve been to a lot of high teas {or if you want to get technical, afternoon teas}, and I don’t ever recall one of them serving orange slices. Or grapes. Or scones that take you 5 bites to finish. Or even scones that were filled with butterscotch chips. Have you? Maybe this really is the norm at a lot of places, just not the ones I’ve been to?
The second course
- White bread {with crusts} stuffed with ham and giant pieces of iceberg lettuce.
- More white bread cut out into the shape of a daisy {which was bigger than the palm of my hand if you are looking for a size reference} with cream cheese and cucumber slices.
- Day old mini croissants {like the kind they sell at the grocery store} with a warm crasin and chicken salad.
And then there was the plate of dessert. Which at first glance looked promising. And then we took a bite, and asked for a to go box because we didn’t want to be rude.
High tea, or afternoon tea, {no matter what they call it on the menu} should be light, delicate and elegant in my opinion. The food we were served at this particular tea shop in Spokane was not. We were both disappointed that we had spent $22.95 each on something we could have made at home. The staff however, was very pleasant, attentive and made good conversation.
Hey, sometimes we walk away from a restaurant and can’t stop talking about how good the food was, and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we leave a restaurant and wonder if this really is what high tea is like here in the states and we’ve somehow been spoiled by hitting only the awesome ones? Who knows.
~Mavis
P.S. How about YOU? Have you had a restaurant experience that left you shaking your head too? I’d love to hear about it.
Lisa says
Sounds like an old “lunch room” trying to make a buck off the tea craze. Either way, major fail….. I’m guessing the baked goods were commercial or inexpensive mixes.
Melissa says
They baked goods actually look homemade – my guess would be they don’t get busy enough or at least serve enough full afternoon teas to use up their supply quickly enough and they have pushed their luck serving desserts passed their peak here to save time/money/effort?
Susan S. says
those dolls are crazy scary to me! yikes! the food looks very odd and not the usual light fare provided for a tea service. in a word… strange.
Diana says
The person with a yard full of pink flamingos is criticizing fake flowers, shabby-chic furnishings and the style of food offered at a one-of-a-kind boutique/proprietorship? I’m sorry, but this was beneath you, Mavis’. It was snobby and cruel.
Lindsey says
I would disagree. 50 bucks for the two of them? Where is the value? Cheap food, cheap decorations, cheap place settings. Looks like the place is ripping people off by overcharging for a substandard experience.
RL says
I too would disagree. she said up front she was neither naming (or even yelping) the restaurant and she was VERY specific on what she didnt like or enjoy.. – if you are going to snipe at Mavis – realize you are acting as low as you are claiming she is and your only reason appears to be a dislike of Flamingos. not the same at all.
Ruth Hopper says
The name of the shop appears in the fourth photo…stenciled on the plate glass window. A bit of googling shows many 5-star reviews. Looks like Mavis caught them on a bad day…or maybe they caught HER on a bad day. We all value honesty but the tone does seem at odds with the Mavis we know and enjoy.
Our grandmothers instructed us to ask ourselves, “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?”
Diana says
Beautifully said, Ruth.
linda says
wow snarky girls! A review is a review- I’d appreciate saving my $50 if it didn’t live up to high standards. If you liked it- it would be yours to review.
Sue says
Diana, did you actually read her article? Having a snippy day perhaps? I’m thinking that you did the ‘Evelyn Woods Just Skim It.’ read. As I read each and every word and that is totally NOT what I got out of it. She was very classy in her review. I probably wouldn’t have been. The world is made up of opinions.
Lynda says
Big difference, Diana. It’s (free) pink flamingo comedy, not promise of a $50 high tea experience.
Linda says
At least pink flamingos are in, while the crochet dolls are sort of tacky very grandmothery from the 50’s. I went to a tea house, although not that expensive, things were very crowded, one lady had to get out of her seat so someone could go out to rest room – not even in their party. Very tacky not to have enough seating room. For $50 for two I would expect real cut flowers- simple – and no foam plates, also no white bread with crusty- that is NOT high tea.
Sue says
Well, Pinky and the girls are very tasteful looking out for the back garden. Mavis has the most beautiful and well kelp yard that I see on any blog. Go Mavis, you Rock!
Cheri says
I, too, disagree. Just because one lives thriftily doesn’t mean that’s what one wants or should expect when enjoying an expensive treat.
Tejas Prairie Hen says
Interesting. Have never had hot tea anywhere, high or low. Sweet, iced tea here in Texas is all I know, so I would have no idea what food to expect from the kind of establishment you went to. But my taste buds do know what tastes better than just so-so, and I would expect better than foam or paper plates and fake flowers. As for the dolls, I would expect genuine antiques in excellent condition, or at least high-quality reproductions in correct clothing for the time period. Yes, the crochet should have been a warning. Live and learn. 🙂
Sue says
I appreciate your honesty, but think you should have just not posted about this place. If it was my shop, it would certainly hurt my feelings.
Since the place is popular, it sounds like you might have ordered something that is not their best option — they might offer something else that would have knocked your socks off.
I kind of understand why you posted about this place, but I too found some of your comments unnecessarily snobby and mean. If you can’t say anything nice, it’s better to not say anything at all.
renay says
I politely ask that you not post negative reviews either.
Heather says
Why? This is her blog, she can post whatever she wants. She posts about her life, the good and the bad.
Gina says
YES! THIS!!!!!
RL says
Excuse you?? her blog HER RIGHT. truly if all you are after is only positive reviews why are you even reading it. she states up front its not positive.
why do you think you have the right to tell Not to write what she wants?
I find your arrogant comment far more negative than her review..’
Molly says
totally agree with RL I enjoy all of her blogs and this review was way more classy than I would have been if I had paid $50 for that “high tea”. Mavis is always an open and honest person and I give her props for taking on a hard subject with humor, class and style.
Tiffany says
Agree! It is her blog. If I’m looking for a review of any business or product I’m looking to buy I go to my friends or do a Google search, which often takes me to blog reviews. How do we know where to shop, find a contractor. ..if not for reviews. We need the bad as well as the good. She was very polite as many have mentioned; she could have been rude and named the place as well. Every individual is entitled to their own opinion and welcome to share it.
Heather says
I love your blog. You’re honest and open about your life and that’s why we all keep coming back to read it. I appreciate your honest review of this place. I don’t understand the rude comments. This is your blog, you can write whatever you want. This is your review of the place, happy to read your honest opinions. Keep up the great blog.
Rita says
Thanks for posting the review Mavis. You didn’t name the “establishment” so no harm. I’ve never been to a high tea mainly because it has never really appealed to me.
Barb says
I for one appreciate a REAL review. From the pictures of the food and the ambiance, I can tell your review is much nicer than mine would have been. I dislike reading rave reviews by a blogger, only to find out the product/restaurant/whatever is really not up to par.
Tracy says
I do wish Americans would finally “get it” that the fancy, elegant tea you’re thinking of is properly referred to as “Afternoon Tea”. High tea is a simple workman’s lunch served at casual establishments on the “High Street” (main street) typically in smaller towns. It’s often also called a “Ploughman’s Lunch” and often consists of a large crust of homemade bread, a big wedge of cheese, and some fresh veg or fruit. Accompanying beverages could be “builder’s tea” (a black tea with milk and sugar), or a pint. The use of the word “high” has nothing to do with elegance or a high level of culinary expertise– quite the opposite. When looking for a relaxing, elegant, and delish afternoon respite, I always look for places that reference it correctly as “Afternoon Tea” and steer well clear of any place that insists on calling it “High Tea”– it just means they don’t have the faintest clue.
I think you were kind in your review. I would have bailed at the first sign of plastic, fake or even dried flowers, and started to run at the first sight of paper or foam plates!
Lindsey says
I have lived in England and in Scotland for many years. At this point the terms high and afternoon tea are used almost interchangeably, perhaps to appeal to the Americans to which you so condescendingly refer.
Cheri says
Yes, why so condescending? We don’t have tea as a tradition here, so we do the best we can to use the proper terms. Your corrections were helpful, but the first sentence could have been kinder.
RL says
thank you for a review that i as a reader can benefit from.. for some, possibly many the lackluster menu you encountered are what they either expect or like. It is a lot of food for the money & for some thats all that matters.
I personally wouldnt have enjoyed it either just from the photos. and then add the cost.. for that $$ i have had FAR better meals at little mom & pop joints. so knowing ahead to not waste the money is a GOOD thing..
as for hurting the restaurant owners feelings? a: this was posted on a blog, not yelp or other such site so very unlikely the owner would know to even look
and more importantly, if the owners feelings are hurt rather than the owner LEARNING from this review. then i have No Sympathy for the owner.
Deborah says
I too have had bad experiences in what at first glance seems to be a lovely place for a light snack. Some times the most charming places serve terrible food. I have also walked into what looked like a shack and walked out with the most amazing banana leaf wrapped chicken I’ve ever tasted. That being said, one always takes a chance when going to a new eatery. It is always nice to fine those hidden gem’s that become a special place to go for an outing.
I like the adventure a small shop offers, and will probable never grow tire of the hunt.
Conni says
Thank you, Mavis. You told of your experience, were careful not to give the name/address of the shop, and you opened an interesting dialog. One of the reasons so many of us follow your blog is our desire to get the ‘most bang for our buck’ and this post does this: a lesson in not making assumptions about a good or service but checking out the ‘clues’ presented. Good job!
Lynne says
We had a local place with a similar decor that was just a luncheonette type place. It always got rave reviews but mainly because the food was simple but delicious, clean, and reasonably priced. The single mom owner worked her buns off but was just totally clueless re decor and had no money. It was always busy because people wanted her to succeed.
Jo says
Those dolls are tea cozies. The tea pot goes under the crocheted skirt. Not something I would have but authentically related to tea. I’ve actually been in a few restaurants like this. The food is usually bad but they are places where I don’t think the owner knows that because they are so proud of their real tea shop. I just stay out of them now. It certainly doesn’t offend me and I wouldn’t write a review like this because my negative reviews are saved for bad service. But as others have said, it’s your blog. It will be very easy for people to search out this shop online. Spokane isn’t NYC.
Teresa says
I grimaced a little after I read the blog post because I thought it was unnecessary. That said, you didn’t reveal the place and so kudos for that. I enjoy your blog and learn a lot from it so ‘thank you’ Mavis. Hi to Lucy the Puggle Princess.
Lindsey says
I am with the “your blog, your decision” crowd. If you are ever in Seattle, you might enjoy the Queen Mary tea room. It is excellent and the decorations are fun. (https://queenmarytea.com/) One of the best times I went was when a group of girls about 7 years old were there, all dressed up in party dresses and shoes and even little gloves for a birthday party one of them was having. They were all trying to be so excruciatingly polite and old fashioned, and the two adult chaperones were marvels at keeping them all engaged in a conversation about the tea industry. The owner came over with a tray showing them little piles of what the different teas look like before they are brewed…it was very sweet. Plus, they do great afternoon/high teas.
Arbie says
First off… What is bad about telling the truth ? And gently at that!
My goodness! It looks like a bad tearoom and the food looks awful to me.
I have been in some great tearooms and some awful ones as well. Nowadays many of us are “foodies” and we are use to fresh “clean” food that is healthy and tastes good (imagine that) . Why pay good money for something bad?
We work hard for our money and the person taking it also needs to be working hard to earn theirs.
Some people have trouble realizing when they are not with the times.
Mavis keep sharing your thoughts with us… which is why we follow you! We still have free speech in America .
Gina says
I am just chuckling and still puzzled about why you would spend $25 for lunch! Anywhere! That is not you! Next time, read the reviews before you commit and of course bring your own tea bag and just order a cup of hot water! Haha
Cheri says
You can’t really get a decent tea for less than that, I’ve found.
Lilli says
You get what you pay for. You obviously didn’t receive what you expected. Perhaps after looking around, your expectations were to high. If I went to a barn, I wouldn’t expect much. I live in a small town where restaurant ‘s struggle to make a profit. We have had several surprises that were huge disappointment ‘s. On our budget, it makes it even worse. I was surprised at your decision to write this post. Somehow I find it disappointing. Yes it is your blog but seemingly beneath you. Perhaps a post on disappointments and frugal fails would have been more tasteful.
Janet says
Having lived in Spokane for 11 years, I know just how small a place it actually is. Anyone who lives there could easily determine what place you’re talking about. If you’re going to give a bad review, own it. Name the place. But, apparently, people are being sued for negative reviews that kill businesses. You’ve named enough details and provided enough pictures to accurately identify the place. So, be careful! I personally would not have written the review. I don’t know how many establishments I’ve not liked over the past half century. I simply choose not to revisit. Different strokes for different folks and all.
Katherine says
I’ve only ever had “afternoon tea” at a tea shop once. There was a small group of us, my mother, aunt and several cousins. The shop was clean and looked nice except for all the dead animals draped over the back of the chairs and feathered hats in the seats of the chairs so we could “dress up” for tea. It made my skin crawl and I left without ever sitting down.
Mavis, honestly I think were were quite kind in your “review” and were undeserving of the negative comments.
To the person hating on the flamingo’s, we know they are tacky. That’s what makes them so fun.
Cindy Brick says
I’m not sure what you’re up to here, Mavis. The tearoom is ‘bad’ because, unlike tea places everywhere, they actually give you a fair amount of food to eat? If the sandwiches and cookies were bad…they sure didn’t look like it.
I have a lot of trouble paying $20-25 for a ‘light, elegant’ meal that wouldn’t fill a bird. That’s happened to me way more than I would care to admit. This looked like everyday food — a little plain, but not untasty.
In a perfect world, we’d have strong tea served in pretty cups with a plate of food that was a good-sized serving…as well as tasty.
Now the fake flowers and dolls with crocheted outfits — that sounds hokey. But the teacups and saucers were pretty!
Mk says
I’m glad she posted. What a joke! Those of you attacking her and critiquing her review are lammmmmmmeeeee.
Mary Ann says
Totally agree! Is everything on a blog expected to be marshmallows and unicorns? Geez!
Mavis — tell us whatever you’d like of your life experiences. Your daily sharing is appreciated!
Paige says
This post made me somewhat uncomfortable. In my opinion, I would have just not shared this one. I am also perplexed that you spent that for lunch compared to your total food monthly budget.
Jessica says
She keeps her budgets separated.. so where she focuses on decreasing her overall food bill at home by sticking to whole vs convenience items.. she splurges on travel, vacation and her bakery budgets. So the idea of being on a *vacation* and splurging on a *TEA* was obviously part of her treating herself.. she is posting how it was not a great one.. Live and learn.. we all do it
Krisitna says
It looks like a great deal of care was put into the decorations and the food presentation, regardless of how tacky they might seem to some. This would definitely pass for an elegant tea room in a lot of places like the farm town where I live, as would the food (open-faced sandwiches!). You didn’t feel like you got value for money, so of course you were disappointed. But someone who doesn’t have the frame of reference you have for such things (world travel, etc) might very well enjoy the experience, especially if the service was as efficient and cordial as you describe.
Jennifer says
I think we are so used to bloggers saying nothing but positive things that we are surprised to read a genuine negative review of something. I found the review specific and generously couched with caveats so that we could feel prepared. Mavis didn’t say it sucked, she didn’t complain to the manager about the quality. She just told us the way it is. Who would ever expect foam plates at a tea house? Plastic flowers and plastic vases? Who can defend that?!
As many, many glowing reviews as she has posted of the bakeries, why can’t she say even once, in detail, that she was bummed and wasted her money? Clearly she’s experienced and can tell the difference. She even offered that maybe she’s wrong. Go Miss Mavis!
Jenn says
I’m a longtime mavis reader- love it! I live in Spokane & have no clue where this place is. Lived here my whole life. ☺️ Fine review, to the point. Too bad you didn’t have a better experience. It happens, even in the fanciest of places.
I’ll email ya a couple recommendations for the next time you roll through! ☺️
Take care
Tammy says
Those dolls reminded me of a cake someone made for my wedding shower. 🙂 It was a Barbie in a rounded cake that was decorated like a big poufy skirt. 😀
It’s too bad that you had a not-so-great experience. I know it is disappointing when we spend money on something and it doesn’t live up to our expectations! Since you had mentioned this experience before, I was curious about it.
Sher says
Keep up the good work Mavis. Love your blog and honesty.
Jennifer Meyer says
Omg blah blah blah wah wah wah! We have bigger issues in the world than criticizing what someone chooses to blog about. Don’t like something Mavis posts? Skip that blog post and move on to the next one. She didn’t name the establishment, didn’t write a review, she was merely telling a story. That’s what she does. She tells us about her day everyday. Good, bad, ugly. She saves us all a lot of money and entertains us and we should all thank her for it.
Melissa says
Some tea places can be run by an older proprietor and seem a bit out of date in decor but then delight you with the rest of the tea experience – sadly this wasn’t the case here. To be fair, any tea place I’ve ever been to for afternoon tea requires at least 24 hour advance reservation, because of all the preparation and last minute work that goes into the delicate and dainty spread of a full tea (and having hosted some myself for showers or other parties, the amount of hands on work is no joke!) – that could explain some of the more disappointing food offerings like the full deli-looking sandwich with lettuce and crusts that seems so un-tea-like, and possibly the less than fresh desserts. Not sure why they offered to accommodate within an hour, probably should have just suggested something off the regular menu for you that may have turned out a bit better.
My mom and sister and I are usually super budget conscious but also like to splurge on exploring various tea shops at least once a year – sometimes Victoria or somewhere further afield for us in WA, and sometimes locally – have you been to British Bites in Puyallup? Sweet British woman owns the place and has friendly chats with customers, and they serve a delightful tea with more traditionally English dessert offerings and fabulous scones – took my British MIL and grandmother in law there and they enjoyed it (although they are not big on the fancy presentation and dainty bites- they tend to think it seems silly to overdo tea – I think we think of afternoon tea as a generally British thing but I think it’s actually more of a throwback upper crust/aristocratic thing that doesn’t appeal to many others). I love it all the same!
I know you hemmed and hawed about whether to write this because you didn’t want to seem overly negative, and I was one of those who asked for a review, so that I might choose wisely in future if I make my way to Spokane….that being said, certainly every taste is different and those plates of food don’t look that terrible taken as a whole….but then again I didn’t taste any of it, and that’s what really matters regardless of anything else. And since you asked, yes I have had orange slices as part of a “seasonal fruit accompaniment” to the other courses –
more than once depending on time of year, but some places do better than others with classy presentation and portioning.
We have had a couple places we would not bother going back to, usually sub-par tasting food is the main killer – I can overlook fake flowers – although paper or foam plates would probably give me pause in a CHINA/TEA SHOP, but generally, for people who feel that it’s just an “expensive lunch” it really is the whole package experience that makes it fun as a treat now and then, and believe me it is FILLING. Those sandwiches usually look small and you think, “did I really pay $25 for this?” But between all the scones, sandwiches, savories, fruit, dessert, and all that tea, it adds up and I’m usually stuffed! (Believe me I’m a GOOD eater 😉
Mavis if you find yourself in Victoria it’s worth a trek to the White Heather Tea Room in Oak Bay – yum!
Mrs. C. says
I don’t understand why people got angry over this. It was a kind and thoughtful restaurant review.
Decor (for that location) – tacky
Food – poor
People – really nice
Worth the price? No.
Out of kindness, understanding how hard these people work, Mavis didn’t name the place.
If the food had been incredible, Mavis would have said so. It wasn’t. I’m glad she didn’t like.
Mrs. C. says
Lie, not like. Typo!
Deborah N says
I like your review. You were honest and you gave details about the good and the bad. I think that is what is important. I honestly think it is overpriced for what you got. I would be disappointed too. I could overlook the decorations if the food was excellent, that kind of thing doesn’t bother me too much. Everyone has their own taste. The decorations remind me of something that would be in an older aunt’s house.
Deborah from Texas says
Mavis, I admire you for being able to keep blogging after all this negativity. I’ve never had or been to a “high tea”, but I wouldn’t like plastic everywhere for $22 plus! A tea room should have the feel of elegance and a lady-like atmosphere. I have been to the more elegant tea room like you talked about. We went for lunch. It was an awesome experience. It was Annie’s Tea Room in Big Sandy, Texas. The Annie from Annie’s Attic, where you could buy patterns and such. It is no longer in business due to her divorce. That was the most elegant lady-like experience I’ve ever had. I’d love to go to another place like that. Oh, and their “tea”, was so good! Not just plain tea either.
michelle says
I completely understand where your coming from and thought your review was fair. I am extremely tight-fisted with my money and rarely splurge on extras, however, I save in most areas of the budget to have an occasional fling with my money (a meal out, new home decor, etc.) and there’s nothing wrong with that peeps, it’s called living. I’ve been to some fabulous Tea Houses and the thing that stands out to me is attention to detail in decor, food and service. If I’m shelling out $25 per person for me and my teen daughter to splurge, it better be good.
tia in boise says
(((HUGS))) to you, Mavis for telling it like it is–always. In your direct and honest, but kind way. I so appreciate you and have for many years. Love, love, love your blog. Some people just need to get glad in the same pants their made in. Thank you for all you have shared and helped my family!
PA_Val says
One … picking on the pink flamingos is not cool! They are in her PRIVATE backyard, and Mavis is kind enough to share that with us, but it isn’t a place open to the public. And I agree with another reviewer… we know the flamingos are slightly tacky and that is exactly why we love them! Someone has to keep an eye out for the Downtown chicks!
On the review… I did not think it was negative or rude. Mavis posted what she felt was lacking for the price, but she also complimented the server, and that the owner didn’t make them wait but said to come back in an hour. Personally I would rather go explore for that hour, and not be sitting in a waiting area! I think there are certain things you expect and should when you go to an establishment simply based on what type of food they are serving. What would one say if you went to a food truck and got a china set to eat off, we expect throw away plates. Like someone else said, and I think most of us agree, if the food is great we can overlook how a place looks (unless it is just downright dirty). I think it is sad that people can’t take a review for what is worth good or bad…or just neutral. Those making gripes about Mavis’ post, are probably also the ones who whine the loudest when a place with excellent reviews is sub par, and demand the manager and a discount, or written a mean review … wouldn’t it have been nice if some reviewers had been honest ?
I grew up in a small farming town, and even now in a more urban area have never gone to a tea place. In my mind though, I would expect finger foods, and a higher level of sophistication in presentation and service … so Mavis thanks for the honest, insightful, review, and you are right to not name names … 🙂
Angela D. says
The very first thought I had regarding all the crotcheted dolls and artificial flowers was: DUST! Rarely do I see those types of decor in restaurants, and when I do, those items are always covered in dust. For me, it’s hard to get past food safety issues if the dining room isn’t meticulous–is the kitchen?
DK says
After reading some comments I had to go back and re-read the blog thinking people must be looking at something else. I don’t think this was beneath you, I think it was frankly a delicate review! Have you ever read Yelp reviews!? Yowzers, those can be nasty. You stated that for the price you paid you expected a certain elegance, especially if for just $5 more you found that in Vancouver. I’m guessing that they are a bakery/tea shop and people kept asking for high tea so they cobbled one together not totally knowing what goes into it. And to those who are requesting that you only post positive reviews, what’s the point of even having reviews if they are all going to be positive?
Jamie says
I spent a large portion of my life in Spokane and have no idea where this is. I also did a quick internet search and did not find it. Just saying it is not “obvious” like some people say it is. Even if it was, it would be nice to have an honest review, and not lies.
I think disappointment and not getting your money’s worth are what made this a bad experience. $22 for that food would leave a bad taste in my mouth. Especially in Spokane which is a cheap place to live. If she was charged $5-$7 and expected normal lunch type fare, she may have been much happier.
After 22 years together, my husband and I went away for the weekend leaving our kids at home for the first time. We got to the hotel only to discover that the ocean views shown on the website are not accurate. We checked out right away (so we didn’t have to pay) and found a different hotel for literally less than half the cost (saved over $800!). It didn’t have ocean views either, but we were not stuck paying for something that we weren’t getting. If the first place had the ocean views promised, my husband would have happily stayed and paid the price.
I think there is no problem having expectations when you shell out hard earned money.
Emily B. says
I’m surprised at the amount of comments that say she shouldn’t have posted the review. A few thoughts come to mind.
1. If after reading the complete post, your takeaway was she was being snotty- I wholeheartedly disagree. I believe she made pains to keep it above board.
2. This was a COMPARISON post, and clearly one of these things is not like the other.
3. The term high tea service comes with certain mental connotations. Frilly, girly, dainty food, pretty presentations and china. The expectation when selling a “high tea service” should make an attempt to give this experience not only in the physical space but also the food. I may be wrong, but I believe part of the disappointment she experienced was that this wasn’t what it was billed as. She got a deli sandwich, some fruit, and a bar assortment. If that’s what you’re serving, COOL! Own that and sell that.
4. I would bet that most people understand they’re not paying for a “bring me everything you have in the joint” meal, and wouldn’t be upset to receive small, dainty nibbles as long as they were served and displayed on pretty dishes, and a nice environment.
5. I agree that a 24 hour notice should be required. If you’re going to offer it, do it right, and meet or exceed expectations you shouldn’t take more customers as walk ins to make the $$. You may get some customers in the door the first time, but they likely won’t be back if they leave disappointed.
6. Restaurants, or food service are 100% dependent on customer satisfaction and quality of the products and services you provide. Taking feedback and making necessary adjustments to your business model (which BTW, Mavis isn’t doing by posting a justified review that said she wasn’t happy with the experience) is part of making your business better.
7. Don’t hate on Pinky and the Girls!!! They are adorable, fashionable, dress for the seasons, and serve the in the extremely important role of covertly thumbing their noses at the HOA hit squad. Also, they were GIFTS from readers.
Tea on, Mavis!
Pinkies out- Emily
michelle says
Very well said! I also wanted to add that when you go to Tea Houses, Fondue Bars, Japanese steak houses, etc. you want great food and the “experience”, that’s what your paying the extra money for to enjoy the ambiance and entertainment.
anon says
This is a excellent story and teaching experience for those of us who have never been to a afternoon/high tea. The review-shamers are just being butts; ignore them. You were very honest and even so kind as to leave out the name of the place because the staff was friendly.
Lorien says
Wow! I’m surprised people are so enraged by this! I thought you were very respectful. Regardless, I worked at a tearoom for years and the decor looked shockingly similar to the one pictured here. Kind of granny-esque? It even included the floral tablecloths, doilies, fake flowers, and mismatched china! I think it’s an aesthetic choice, largely. The food really doesn’t look like it’s anything to be excited about and I think that you are entitled to being wowed for that kind of money. To each their own! I love that you shared your opinion honestly instead of sugar-coating it or hiding ❤️ Rock on!
Sarah says
I have to say- I love this entry. I cracked up while reading it… only because as a Spokane area resident I know what place you are talking about.
They have quite the eccentric/ you ate there? Reputation. The hideous decor is partially the reason they are so popular, I believe. Everyone I know that has been there… went because they couldn’t believe when others told them about the decor.
I enjoy the tea. But I can honestly say I’ve never had a fresh, amazing pastry from there. But I do feel the pastures are on par for what the rest of Spokane offers- so I can see the locals thinking it is normal.
Cheri says
I have experienced both high and low teas on rare occasion, and I think your instincts are right on. This isn’t a “real” high tea. It’s obvious that the proprietor has tried very hard to make it lovely and elegant and correct (and she isn’t far off, really), but she doesn’t have the sense of artistry or commitment to tradition that is needed to make it what it “ought” to be. She has also not done enough research to understand what a high tea really is. This reminds me of houses I’ve been in where the owners do the same thing. They obviously put in effort, but they don’t realize what it really looks like to others or how dated and just “off” it is. At this restaurant, if she is this busy, she is probably drawing customers who don’t know any better either, and I would bet money that if she draws any connoisseurs of high teas, they are not repeat customers.
Cheri says
After reading all the comments, I want to join in with those who are defending this post. If you had been nasty, I would feel differently. And I think you had a meaningful question when you asked if this was normal. That was the point I got out of the post, not a review. There is no need to be positive ALL the time.
Gina says
Ladies- I feel everyone is entitled to their own opinion and this is Mavis’ opinion whether we “like” it or not. I personally think the writing was on the wall with the crocheted dolls, LOL! I have been to several midwest tea rooms over the years and the farm mamas generally aren’t fancy and use paper and plastic flowers. I, myself think it’s tacky since I’ve been to more elegant ones as well, so I tend to agree with Mavis on this one. I “get” that she asked us to speak up but I feel like the conversation has been kinda spicy. Sorry Mavis! Love your blog!