Steeped in Charm: Enjoy a Cuppa at Honey Cup Café & Tearoom

Take a peek at one of New Hampshire's newest tearooms, and enjoy a respite from life's busyness over afternoon tea and delicious scones

May 13, 2025

Emily Heidt, Emily Reily, Elisa Gonzales Verdi,

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 Silver Scone Teas in New Ipswich

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Honey Cup Café & Tearoom, Manchester

Owner Mara Witt is excited to bring fresh life (and tea!) to the historic Bridge Street building. Photos by Sanico Denaut/ Sunny D Photography

Tucked along a busy corner of Bridge Street in Manchester, Honey Cup is part café and part tearoom — a whimsical escape from the mundane day-to-day, and a step into a modern “Downton Abbey” scene that becomes a place of delectable relaxation and merriment.

After sitting vacant for two years, the historic building caught owner Mara Witt’s attention as a place to bring a charming idea of hers to life. Witt sought to honor its rich history and preserve the stories within it by creating a place that “brings a little elegance to your day and helps you romanticize your life,” she notes. “My hope is for this to be a staple for guests to visit and bring family and friends to connect and pour into each other over a cup of tea.”

Witt moved into the space in February 2024 and spent the next nine months infusing her magic into every detail in time to open to the public last November.

Afternoon tea service includes a bottomless pot of your choice of tea, accompanied by a delightful assortment of treats. Photos by Sanico Denaut/ Sunny D Photography

“I live for the details,” Witt says with a laugh. “From vintage décor to shaping napkins into roses to stamping the toilet paper and even adding little history notes of afternoon tea to each plate, I want to make sure each experience, whether it’s in the café or tearoom, is intentionally infused with joy and fun.”

Afternoon high tea was made fashionable in the early 19th century as a way to fill time between lunch and dinner, and Witt put her own spin on the tradition. “Our space is split with one side for the café (walk-ins welcome!) and the other for tearoom reservations,” she says. “We serve tables that are spread through the tearoom at 2 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I wanted it to be quaint and intimate so people could immerse themselves in their own conversation without being interrupted.”

Whether you’re stopping by for a bite at the café or meeting friends for high tea, Honey Cup Café & Tearoom in Manchester has all of your
Pride and Prejudice-esque tea dreams covered. Photos by Sanico Denaut/ Sunny D Photography

Chef Amanda Spooner creates everything on the menu from scratch. Each service includes a bottomless pot of your choice of tea sourced from The Cozy Tea Cart in Brookline (think deliciously unique black to herbal teas), accompanied by an assortment of treats ranging from chicken salad on a croissant to house-made scones and seasonal sweets. Did we mention that Witt and her team also accommodate dietary restrictions? Certain items can be made gluten free and are available upon request.

“Our focus is not about rushing guests through. It’s about giving them as much time as they want with the people they’re with, and the food really mirrors that welcoming atmosphere.” Witt says. “Creating a space to rest is the heart behind what we do, and we hope that people find it as their home away from home just as much as it is for us.”

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.