A summer day at Pinkadilly Tea

By Alane Callander
For the Stafford County Sun
Published: July 24, 2008

There’s a new and very different activity available for little girls (and little boys) and for big girls (and big boys) and for grown-ups, too. It’s just the thing to break up a summer that might be getting boring.

I was driving through Fredericksburg when I noticed a new restaurant where the historic Smyth Cottage is located, on Fauquier Street. The sign said “Pinkadilly Tea.” I actually thought it said “Piccadilly Tea, but I soon learned differently when a friend and I stopped there for lunch.

You see, when you walk in, there are pink tablecloths on all the tables. If that’s not enough to get you into a little-girl mood, wait until you see all of the lace accessories, curtains, dainty tea cups and knick-knacks decorating the place.

I was a bit taken aback. How different in this age of women in the boardroom and the “House” (of Representatives) and potentially in “the oval office.” It didn’t take me long, though, to suspend belief and place a Victorian hat—selected from a wide array of choices—on my head and seat myself at one of those lovely pink tables with lace coverlets.

I was glad I had decided at the last minute to leave my sneakers at home and wear a nice pair of sandals. The ladies and the little girls there were all dressed up for the occasion of going to tea. They were wearing the precious Victorian hats, as well. Next time I go I’ll have to pull a frilly dress out from the back of my closet.

At the table next to my friend and me sat a party of six, including three little girls. They were enjoying what in England would be described as tea and crumpets. Most of the places at the tables were full of customers.

In looking at the menu, I learned that there are four alternative tea services available. “The Queen Elizabeth” includes soup of the day, quiche, tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, petite desserts, warm scone with lemon curd and Devonshire cream, plus a pot of tea of your choice. “The Princess Anne” offers the same minus the soup and quiche.

“The Lady Caroline” is soup, quiche, the scone and cream and tea. “The Little Miss (or Mister)”, designed for ages 10 and under, is simply tea sandwiches, petite desserts, fresh fruit and lemonade (pink, of course) or a pot of herbal tea.

My friend and I chose selections from the regular lunch menu. Everything was fresh and tasty. Of particular note was the homemade tomato basil soup. Cream of crab is also on the menu. Something tells me that everything served at this place is thoughtfully prepared, since they take so much care with the table settings and the décor.

In this day and age of paper napkins and vinyl tablecloths, it was charming to sit down at the table and notice a white cloth placemat and a folded white cloth napkin. I was reminded of the delicate linens, inherited from grandmothers and great aunts, that I keep stashed away in drawers at home. Those types of linens need to be bleached and pressed, like in the old days. The ladies who run Pinkadilly Tea must stay very busy. Something tells me, though, that it is an act of
love.

I can remember as a little girl getting out my tiny china tea set and setting up the dolls to have a tea party. That’s what Pinkadilly Tea is all about. Retreating to another world, the world of little girls (and boys) playing tea party or the world of the genteel in the early days of our country, Mary Washington’s day, for sure.

As a woman who supports the Equal Rights Amendment and who expects men folk to help around the house, I can still enjoy the world of lace and pretty teacups. I was delighted to see one gentleman at the restaurant with his young girl. What a lovely quality time activity for a daddy and his daughter.

Pinkadilly Tea should be congratulated for providing entertainment with a historical perspective, as well as delicious food and exquisite tea choices in porcelain pots with pretty fabric covers.

Alane Callander is a south Stafford resident active in many local causes. Reach her at .