Tea & Sympathy

So you've just finished watching Keeping Up Appearances and you're craving a good "cuppa" Earl Grey in a lovely tea cup that even Mrs. Bucket (pronounced Bouquet!) would serve to a jittery Elizabeth. Where to go? Tea & Sympathy, where else? Now you might not think, "English food, vegan paradise!" Don't miss out on what I find to be one of the coziest establishments in the city. Open for lunch and dinner, indulge in their homemade soup (varies, always vegetarian, always non-dairy), baked beans on toast, lentil casserole (divine) and fresh beetroot salad. Don't forget a cuppa tea (blackberry or apricot are both delightful). The vegan options for dessert are non-existent though, so unless you want to whip up your own vegan Victorian Sponge Cake or apple crumble, just head to nearby S'nice for a vegan cupcake.

I was there recently on a crisp fall day, and had a bowl of butternut squash soup, served with two rolls (one white, one multi-grain, hold the butter, of course!) and a piping hot pot of blackberry tea.




Stop by Carry on Tea & Sympathy, the sister shop, next door, for tea, Ribena (blackcurrant concentrate), cups, and more.

Feeling more like Onslow and Daisy-inspired fare? Head to A Salt & Battery, one shop away, for some chips and homemade mushy peas, and wash it down with a Magners Irish hard cider.

Tea & Sympathy, 108 Greenwich Ave. (between 12th & 13th St.), New York, NY; A Salt & Battery, 112 Greenwich Ave.