Steeped in Charm: Enjoy a Cuppa at Silver Scone Tearoom

Who says teatime is just for cold days spent inside around the fire? From Alice in Wonderland-esque towering tiers of treats to modern spots with a fresh twist on tradition, we found vibrant corners and Instagram-worthy cups all around the state, perfect for a summer garden party–inspired day out. Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or you’re only here for the pastries, these spots are guaranteed to be your cup of tea.

Visit Honey Cup Café & Tearoom, in Manchester

Learn how to brew the perfect cup of tea (and Summertime Iced Tea Recipes) with 27Teas

Silver Scone Teas • New Ipswich • silversconeteas.com 

For an authentic taste of England, visit Silver Scone Teas in New Ipswich. Owner Jane Elwell keeps her tea parties stocked with jams straight from England and simple but delicious scones made her way. Photos Courtesy/ Silver Scone Teas

Go down the rabbit hole and see what treasures await you during tea time at Silver Scone Teas in New Ipswich.

Owner Jane Elwell has traveled the world, and at each new place, she was asked to host tea parties at her home.

Elwell, a born and bred Londoner, was more than happy to oblige.

 “I suppose we have tea in our veins instead of blood. I grew up going to tea. It’s kind of universal over there. Everyone, even working-class people in England — three o’clock and everyone stops for tea.”

Silver Scone Teas, which opened in 2021 in the New Ipswich Village District, is in a charming 1830s home with an intriguing past. Here, the Rev. Ralph Waldo Emerson officiated the wedding of Charles Barrett III and Abigail Hartt, whose father helped build the USS Constitution. 

Each tea parlor room is beautifully appointed and decorated personally by Elwell, who studied fashion design at St. Martin’s School of Art in London. Some feature sparkling, cut-glass chandeliers, fireplaces, bookcases stocked with Harry Potter novels, and naturally, books on the history of tea. There’s even a red British telephone booth filled with decorative items and teacups — a feast for the senses.

After all, the aesthetics are an important part of tea time, Elwell says.

“That’s the part I like the best, I suppose, is how it looks — the aesthetic of everything.” 

Their most popular tea party is “Alice in Wonderland,” but other themed teas include “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe”(including a wardrobe you can walk through), a fairy tale tea; a forest walk tea, and of course, a Harry Potter tea.

“You would never recognize this place in October when we did Hogwarts,” she adds. 

Silver Scone is open four days each month, and the menu changes constantly, but Elwell always sources her teas and jams exclusively from England.

Teapots warming in cozies are provided for each guest, along with a timer for the perfect cuppa. Each tea features specially homemade treats, fancy silverware and fresh scones — plenty of scones.

“Scones are literally coming out of the oven as people are arriving,” Elwell says.

Visitors may be surprised by their simplicity, and that’s the whole point, she says.

“American scones all have so much stuff in them. There’s always chocolate chips or blueberries or something or other. English scones are not like that at all — they’re different in texture. These are very authentic British scones,” Elwell says.

Teagoers at Silver Scone Teas are encouraged to dress up for the occasion. Elwell holds themed teas based around Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Wicked and more at her 1830s-era home. Photos Courtesy/ Silver Scone Teas

With help from a small team, Elwell generously fills her three-tiered caddies with delectable delicacies. Savory treats on the bottom can include cucumber-filled sandwiches and croissants stuffed with homemade chicken salad. The second row may contain Elwell’s homemade scones, tiny jars of jam and her version of traditional clotted cream, a mock concoction of mascarpone cream and heavy cream. Tempting cupcakes and other treats adorn the top.

But there’s no need to follow the British way of tackling these delights.

“We always start on the bottom and work our way up, but we don’t judge,” Elwell says. 

Just as tea can be served in endless ways, Elwell says there’s more than one way to eat a scone. 

“If you want to carve it in half and make it into a sandwich, you can. But if you go to London, they’ll expect you to just take the whole scone and break a little piece off, and put a little spoonful of jam and cream on the top. You can tell where people are from in England too, depending on what they put on first.”

With the huge popularity of her themed teas, Elwell has found that Americans are in sore need of a little “me” time. She hopes customers walk away with a little piece of British camaraderie and spirit.

“I just think the world is such a busy place. To be able to stop and just relax and have a cup of tea in the day … I think it’s a nice tradition to have, and I just think the house
is suited for it,” she adds.

Bonus Brews & Bites

Silver Fountain Inn & Tea Parlor

103 Silver St., Dover; silverfountaininn.com

Relax and enjoy a wonderful stay at this three-story Victorian bed-and-breakfast and have a tea party in their parlor. Etiquette lessons also available.

The Cozy Tea Cart

104A Route 13, Brookline; thecozyteacart.com

You can’t talk about tea in New Hampshire without talking about this café complete with tea, events and more.

Arcana Apothecary Tea Room

354 W. Main St., Tilton; arcanaapothecarytearoom.com

Experience the delightful art of Victorian tea with a variety of savories, tea sandwiches and more, including shared teapots. 

The Barn at Harrisville Inn

797 Chesham Road, Harrisville; harrisvilleinn.com

This historic spot is now open for afternoon tea each Thursday and Sunday by reservation. 

Fezziwig’s Food & Fountain

112 State St., Portsmouth; pickwicksmercantile.com

Tea service includes your selection of flavorful teas served with delicious accompaniments. (Not to mention the atmosphere is set for royalty!)