New Lexington cafe delivers picture-perfect setting for afternoon tea
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Lexington, if you’ve been missing Greentree Tea Room, which closed in 2020, then check out the latest tea place in town.
Lexington Tea and Brie opened in late June at 219 N. Limestone, where Sorella Gelateria opened a location before moving to Jefferson and Short.
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But the spot has had a makeover.
“I was retiring from the corporate world in February and I saw the building and thought it was perfect for a tea room,” said Lexington Tea and Brie owner Elizabeth King, who left Lexmark after 26 years.
She wanted the space to look like a French cafe, with lots of Instagrammable touches. The result is pink and posh, perfect for girly get-togethers (but everyone’s welcome, including men.)
Although it’s only been open a short while, it’s already attracting fans who come for the vibe as much as the 90-minute tea experience.
The tearoom can seat up to 28 and it is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and does take walk-ins if there’s space. Reservations are recommended. You can also book the tearoom for private events such as bridal or baby showers or birthday parties and they can put together custom boards of fruit, pastries, charcuterie and cheese, including the namesake brie.
The tearoom serves Elmwood Inn Teas from Danville and baked goods from local bakeries such as La Petite Delicat on National Avenue.
Tea and sandwich menus will change with the season, King said.
Afternoon tea is $30 for adults, $20 for children and comes with your own pot of fresh tea and a three-tier tray of savory finger sandwiches made in-house with spreads such as cucumber Benedictine, smoked salmon, olive nut and prosciutto and brie; scones served with clotted cream, lemon cream preserves and butter; then a top tier of sweets including tiny cheesecake tarts, macarons from La Petite Delicat and lemon bars. Individual pastries also are available separately.
Kids also have the option of sandwich spreads such as peanut butter and jelly and Nutella.
King said that they also can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
Besides tea, the cafe offers coffee drinks including cappuccinos, lattes and espresso. The tearoom also has a liquor license so they can serve wine, mimosas, cosmos, espresso martinis and other cocktails. And they have “mocktails” for those looking for something special without alcohol.
King said that she hopes to add cafe hours in the morning with more baked goods on the menu eventually.
Lexington Tea and Brie
Where: 219 N. Limestone
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Online: Lexingtonteaandbrie.com
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