TEA TIME

One of my treasured childhood memories takes place at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens: indulging in delicious sweets and lively conversation with my mom and aunts at the Rose Garden Tea Room. Now, as an adult, it’s still a treat to visit the grounds with friends, and I have been anxiously awaiting the tea room’s reopening, which will finally happen on May 24.

The Rose Garden Tea Room first closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic, and then underwent an extensive 18-month, $11.2 million renovation that included restoration of the original building’s facade and a new outdoor dining area. “This renovation celebrates one of our most beloved historic structures, acknowledging what has been one of the area’s most iconic dining destinations since it first opened to the public many decades ago,” says Huntington President Karen R. Lawrence.

Built in 1911, the structure was designed by architect Myron Hunt to serve as a billiard room and bowling alley for Huntington founder Henry E. Huntington. In 1928, the Huntington opened to the public and the space became a tea room that served lunch for visitors, staff, and researchers. The Huntington’s English-inspired tea service began in the 1980s and continues to present day—with a few modern updates.

The tea room will offer a selection of teas, seasonal housemade scones, and a variety of savory and sweet offerings, including smoked salmon with dill cream cheese and caviar; banoffee tart with dulce de leche, banana jam, and caramel crunch; and buckwheat financier with lemon pistachio glaze. A high tea option will include champagne and elevated offerings such as lobster salad in phyllo with Maldon sea salt and shaved black truffles. huntington.org