TEA and SYMPATHY

“Keep Calm and Carry On,” advises a framed poster upon entrance to Tea & Sympathy. Next to it peeks a portrait of the Royal Family, along with every kind of British memorabilia possible: figurines, mugs, and, of course, teapots galore. Pass the counter that’s outfitted with an antique cash register and backdropped by every imaginable English goodie, from toffee crisps to Cadburys to magical things like Aero Bars and Hobknobs, and enter the tea salon. The daily 10-table tea party features a mix of English comfort food and little pots of perfection that would drive the Mad Hatter sane. Menu favorites include bangers ’n’ mash, housemade scones with coddled cream and jam, shepherd’s pie, Welsh rarebit, and roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. On a quaint stretch of Jane street in the West Village is where you’ll find a quintessential warm and inviting atmosphere for a relaxing afternoon or evening.

Insiders tip: on your way out, pay a visit to A Salt & Battery next door.  This Fish and Chips joint is owned by the same folks, and it’s a Manhattan tradition to conclude a dainty afternoon of High Tea and finger sandwiches with a blasphemously decadent deep-fried Mars Bar.