- THIS TEA ROOM IS CLOSED - 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. 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. 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.
