The last time I'd visited downtown Mount Dora was during the annual art festival. Anyone who has attended the event know that finding a vacant table in one of the town's permanent restaurants is a feat in itself.
On a more recent morning when I didn't have to fight the crowds, I set out to investigate a tiny and intriguing respite, the Windsor Rose English Tea Room. We might have missed the restaurant, which is tucked just off the town's main thoroughfare, Donnelly Street, if not for its Union Jack snapping in the brisk breeze.
On a more recent morning when I didn't have to fight the crowds, I set out to investigate a tiny and intriguing respite, the Windsor Rose English Tea Room. We might have missed the restaurant, which is tucked just off the town's main thoroughfare, Donnelly Street, if not for its Union Jack snapping in the brisk breeze.
Arriving around 12:30 pm, we were greeted promptly and seated at one of several tables for two. In fact, the largest tables seat only four.
Arriving around 12:30 pm, we were greeted promptly and seated at one of several tables for two. In fact, the largest tables seat only four.
Floral chintz tablecloths under glass, floral English bone china, crystal sugar bowls and hardwood floors create a delightful tearoom ambience amid a charmingly clutter of bric-a-brac.
Floral chintz tablecloths under glass, floral English bone china, crystal sugar bowls and hardwood floors create a delightful tearoom ambience amid a charmingly clutter of bric-a-brac.
A British bobby's helmet, framed photos of the royal family members past and present, U.K. souvenir mugs, teapot cozies and jars of English fruit preserves are for sale. Prices range from $2.99 for a package of English tea bags to $270 for a commemorative Royal Wedding Wedgewood set.
A British bobby's helmet, framed photos of the royal family members past and present, U.K. souvenir mugs, teapot cozies and jars of English fruit preserves are for sale. Prices range from $2.99 for a package of English tea bags to $270 for a commemorative Royal Wedding Wedgewood set.
A lovely vase of gladiolas decorated the cashier's counter, along with freshly baked desserts.
A lovely vase of gladiolas decorated the cashier's counter, along with freshly baked desserts.
My friend and I decided to share the Windsor Rose "full English tea for two" ($15).Our server approved of our choice upon learning this was our first visit, since it would provide a wide sample of goodies.
My friend and I decided to share the Windsor Rose "full English tea for two" ($15).Our server approved of our choice upon learning this was our first visit, since it would provide a wide sample of goodies.
The presentation arrived in short order on a trilevel serving piece dressed with floral sprigs. The bottom layer was brimming with four types of finger sandwiches, the middle with a pair of hefty scones, butter pats and whipped cream; the top tier held three luscious desserts. A pot of tea, insulated by a floral cozy, was delivered instantaneously.
The presentation arrived in short order on a trilevel serving piece dressed with floral sprigs. The bottom layer was brimming with four types of finger sandwiches, the middle with a pair of hefty scones, butter pats and whipped cream; the top tier held three luscious desserts. A pot of tea, insulated by a floral cozy, was delivered instantaneously.
The pairs of finger sandwich triangles were refreshingly light and included salmon and cream cheese on white; smoked turkey with butter on wheat; egg salad with cream cheese on white; and our favorite, chopped walnuts and cream cheese with a hint of raspberry preserves on pumpernickel. The tea was piping hot and wonderfully mild.
The pairs of finger sandwich triangles were refreshingly light and included salmon and cream cheese on white; smoked turkey with butter on wheat; egg salad with cream cheese on white; and our favorite, chopped walnuts and cream cheese with a hint of raspberry preserves on pumpernickel. The tea was piping hot and wonderfully mild.
We then tackled the scones. While prepared a bit differently than I remembered from my London high tea introduction to this Scottish quick bread several years ago, they were immensely enjoyable. Baked with raisin bits, they had a light, cake-like texture. I slathered on some strawberry preserves for a wonderfully sweet taste treat.
We then tackled the scones. While prepared a bit differently than I remembered from my London high tea introduction to this Scottish quick bread several years ago, they were immensely enjoyable. Baked with raisin bits, they had a light, cake-like texture. I slathered on some strawberry preserves for a wonderfully sweet taste treat.
We paused to catch our breath and let our food settle a bit before dessert time. Two of the pastries were chocolate: one resembled a brownie, dusted with confectioners' sugar, but had a distinctly strong, spicy flavor that we were told was ginger; the other was fudgelike, with a cookie crust and a walnut-bit garnish. The morsels were very rich and large enough for sharing.
We paused to catch our breath and let our food settle a bit before dessert time. Two of the pastries were chocolate: one resembled a brownie, dusted with confectioners' sugar, but had a distinctly strong, spicy flavor that we were told was ginger; the other was fudgelike, with a cookie crust and a walnut-bit garnish. The morsels were very rich and large enough for sharing.
The pièce de résistance was the pair of Queen Victoria sponge cake slices, crowned by a fresh strawberry sliver and powdered sugar, and filled with strawberry preserves and cream cheese. The mixture of flavors had the effect of being sweet but not cloying. We shared one slice and took the other one home.
The pièce de résistance was the pair of Queen Victoria sponge cake slices, crowned by a fresh strawberry sliver and powdered sugar, and filled with strawberry preserves and cream cheese. The mixture of flavors had the effect of being sweet but not cloying. We shared one slice and took the other one home.
All in all, we had a lovely time. Our server wasn't as charming as we might have expected, but was efficient enough. The Windsor Rose is worth a visit on your next Mount Dora outing.
