The Ploughcroft Tea Room Brings a Taste of Britain to Central Virginia

If you are a British immigrant or if you simply enjoy the finer things in life, such as a good cup of tea, 1215 Commerce Street in Downtown Lynchburg is your next mandatory stop.

The Ploughcroft Tea Room is an authentic English tea room with a cozy atmosphere and plenty of English favourites on the menu and for purchase in their gift shoppe.

This establishment opens at 11:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, so you can come in and enjoy The Ploughcroft's authentic English feel for brunch, lunch, or even afternoon tea (which is served from 2:00 to 5:00.)

There is an assortment of fine foods on the lunch menu, whether you prefer the soup du jour, a Cornish Pastry, a hearty Steak and Ale Pie, or a more dainty plate of cheeses, breads, fruits, and relishes (Ploughman's,) to name a few.

If you're not in the mood for lunch, enjoy one of the afternoon teas available-- the Victorian Afternoon Cream Tea (complete with scones, Devon cream, preserves, sandwiches, sweet treats, and fruit) or the more modest Afternoon Cream Tea (with scones, Devon cream, preserves, and fruit garnish.)

You can also choose to have a pot of tea any time, which is delicious with items from the Al a Carte menu. My friend and I enjoyed a plate of assorted English biscuits (cookies) with our endless pot of PG Tips tea.

As for the tea, there are four to choose from: PG Tips (as mentioned,) which is an black tea, and one of England's favourites. Of course, there's Earl Grey, for a little different taste, derived from Oil of Bergamot. If you prefer to push the tea envelope, you can choose Darjeeling, with a hint of wildflowers and Muscat grapes. Lastly, if you prefer a little smoke with your tea, choose Lapsang Souchong, which has been smoked-dried over pinewood fires.

Whatever your tea, your snack, or your combinations of these, there's something for everyone inside this cozy, friendly, authentic tea room, for every budget.

And before you go, don't forget to stop by the case of English favourites to buy for your home-- from chutneys to biscuits to candies, you will never be without a taste of England.

As you pay for your bill, don't forget to sign the guestbook and tell them you'll be back--with friends--and soon!

I highly recommend this establishment to everyone, and will be returning again and again. Good luck to this new business! May it blossom like a beautiful flower!

[[Menu descriptions taken from takeout menu of The Ploughcroft Tea Room.]]

Ploughcroft Tea Room
1215 Commerce Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
(434) TEA-SHOP (832-7467)
http:www.ploughcrofttearoom.com
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Afternoon tea served 2:00-5:00, reservations reccomended.)