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A very pretty dining area, though cramped (people kept bumping my chair), and a similarly cramped gift shop in the basement (beware the trecherous stairway - I slipped and fell, but caught myself before too much damage was done). \r
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The place was so noisy that even sitting at a small table, we had to yell to hear each other. Yes, they welcome children. Which is great if you plan to bring children. I have two little girls, so I know it's wonderful to find family-friendly places. But if you want to leave the little girls at home & have ""adult time"" this isn't the place. At least, not on a Saturday.\r
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The afternoon tea was four finger sandwiches (1/4-sandwich each of cucumber and cream cheese, egg salad, tuna and children salad) one scone, tea and cookies, for $12.00 a person. Or you can choose from a menu of sandwiches, shepherd pie, chicken divan, desserts, scones, muffins, coffee & of course tea. At V's Teas & Treasures in Raleigh - which has much better lemonade & serves lemon curd - everyone HAS to get the high tea for $20 a person. So we appreciated having the various menu (& budget) options here. \r
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Most of the employees were incredible nice. Our server, however, while attentive and efficient, was very cold & brusque. Example: ""I'm going to tell you all the scone flavors now,"" she says, ""cranberry chocolate chip butterscotch walnut and plain."" So, I ask, is that butterscotch - comma - walnut, or is that butterscotch AND walnut? And she gave me a look like I was a pile of dirty socks. \r
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I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy myself, I actually did. Yes, I would like to go back & take my little girls for tea and dessert. No, I would not return with a group of adults to have afternoon tea. Also, be aware that all of the lovely little gift shops & galleries along the street close at 4 or 5 in the afternoon, even on Saturday.
Pros: Family-friendly, many menu choices beyond just ""high tea,"" pretty
Cons: Family-friendly, noisy, cramped, only one toilet in women's bathroom
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