Imagine stepping into a secret garden, a serene and exclusive oasis where the tradition of afternoon tea thrives amidst modern-day hustle. This unique and quiet space is the realm of The Secret Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop, an enchanting private club dedicated to the art of tea and the warmth of companionship.
With a shift to a private club format, the Secret Garden now offers its themed afternoon tea experiences primarily to club members, with a gracious door left open for the public to reserve unsold tables a week in advance. This blend of exclusivity and community generosity marks a new chapter for this beloved locale, ensuring a balanced blend of privacy and open invitations.
Reservations
The reservation journey for guests begins with anticipation, as club members secure their spot up to six weeks in advance while the wider community watches for Wednesday announcements. Every weekend from Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 5:00, the tea room transforms into a themed wonderland, reflecting the season, a holiday, or perhaps an artistic muse.
Not just content to remain static, the club embraces evolution, closing its doors briefly in January to prepare a fresh theme, stimulating its returning patrons’ senses and imagination. Such commitment to thematic richness and serene hospitality has earned the Secret Garden notable mentions, including a feature in King5 Evening magazine during Britain’s National Afternoon Tea Week.
Themes
The diligently chosen and crafted themes extend beyond mere decoration to infuse the menu offerings and table settings. Looking through these carefully curated experiences shows that afternoon tea is not just a meal; it’s an immersive journey. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the delicate china, contributes to a narrative that complements the tea and culinary delights.
Special events punctuate the calendar, from thematic transitions that require the tea room to rejuvenate and reimagine itself to pick-up orders designed for those who desire a taste of this exclusive world in the comfort of their home, demonstrating the club’s flexible adaption to its patrons’ needs.
The Atmosphere
This transformation into a private club has preserved the intimate and personalized afternoon tea atmosphere and elevated it. The Secret Garden’s decision to offer what was once an entirely public experience in a more controlled, member-focused format speaks to their desire to cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and to prioritize quality over quantity.
The club’s journey and its seasonal rebirths serve as a talking point in the community, inviting the locals and potential newcomers to share in the joy of discovery and the timeless tea ritual. Whether a spot is secured by a member weeks in advance or a neighborhood resident happens upon an open table, the Secret Garden continues to bloom in the hearts of all those who enter.
