531 Main Street
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 484-5456
Wed - Sun: 11:00am to 3:30pm
BJ Gardner's English Tea Room has authenticity down to the very accent of BJ
himself. The little tea room is tucked in Pleasanton's spruced up downtown in
between boutiques and high-end antique stores, though it is not easily missed,
due to the large British flag out front.
The menu is well-planned--a selection for everyone. There is a good variety of
teas, mostly black, and some decaffeinated, but one could also order a pot of
french press coffee, or even a glass of wine. The Tea Room offers six luncheon
teas, ranging from $10.95-$17.95. Each one offers the pot of tea, with as many
hot water refreshers as needed, and a selection of "English biscuits."
Reminding us Americans that by "biscuit" they mean "cookie." I have personally
tried the Windsor tea for $11.95 and the Balmoral tea for $15.95.
BJ Gardner's Tea Room
Both choices come with a wonderful selection of tea sandwiches, ranging from the
mint-cucumber-basil, to my favorite of cream cheese and egg salad on half white
bread, half rye bread. It's the most delightful heart attack you'll ever almost
have. Both also come with a pork slice (think a classier version of pigs in a
blanket), and a truly delectable tray of biscuits and battenbergs. Personally,
I had no idea what a battenberg was before I ate one, so allow me the pleasure
of sharing my ignorance. The battenberg is a rectangular treat of pink and
white sponge cake wrapped in a sweet marzipan and rolled in sugar--they're very
rich, so I suggest slicing them before popping them in your mouth. Also on the
dessert plate in the Balmoral tea is a petit four, which is another welcome
treat.
However, as a devoted tea reviewer, I must give my wholehearted push for the
Balmoral tea over the Windsor for one reason: the scone.
The scones are made by a local catering service and we had the benefit of
arriving just in time for a fresh batch. The scones are accompanied by
strawberry jam and devonshire cream, which was all I wanted to eat for the
entire remainder of my natural life. I attained a sort of blissful nirvana
alternating bites of a devonshire-smeared scone with sips of a fragrant Earl
Grey. Despite the dainty sizes and small portions, both the Balmoral tea and the
Windsor tea menus are enough for those of us with a healthy appetite for lunch.
BJ Gardner's Tea Room
The decor is very quaint, with small tables covered with floral print
tablecloths. Each table is already set with mismatching teacups that all have
their own element of charm. The service is excellent and very friendly. Each
person I had talked to knew all about the teas served and could make an educated
recommendation. I tried the Ceylon and the Earl Grey, both of which were very
well prepared so that even my first cup of tea was not too weak and my last drop
was not too strong. My companion had the Yorkshire Red house tea, which was
beautiful in color and flavorful.
One of the best parts of this place is that there is an English grocery store in
the back of the Tea Room where one can purchase the items served at the teas.
The meat products, such as the meat pies and sausage rolls appear to be made
fresh and then frozen in the grocery store, as they are unwrapped and available
for individual purchase. Some of the other items, such as the cookie selections
are packaged. The finger sandwiches are freshly made and only for the Tea Room.
However, a package of imported battenbergs is quite reasonable, should one want
to invite friends over for a tea at home. BJ Gardner's English Tea Room is
wonderful for quaint afternoon with friends, or as an inspiration to finally
display your tea cup collection at your own high tea.
Reservations are recommended, though I have gotten the last table when I have
walked in unannounced.
