At precisely two o’clock in the afternoon, I would recommend that you slow down for a three-course afternoon tea at Paddington’s Tea Room. Step inside the small storefront on Robertson, only a block away from prime shopping and celebrity sighting, and you will suddenly find yourself back in your grandmother’s living room. Snuggly lounging in a pillow-lined chair against a backdrop of familiar floral wallpaper and knickknacks that bring a smile to your face, you feel at ease sipping Paddington’s famous house tea with a splash of milk and a drop of honey.

“My mom grew up in Australia where she had a proper tea, and she wanted to create a peaceful sanctuary where people could have tea the right way, with fine bone china in the true English tradition of her heritage,” said Jason Tozer, son to founder Julianne Tozer and day-to-day maître d’.

As you catch up with a friend across the table, Tozer, whose family ancestry can be traced back to London where his grandfather served as a British knight, tiptoes over to the table with a beautiful plate of delectable finger sandwiches. While you may try your best to take breaks between each one, I have found it difficult to hold back from devouring them all at once. There is the expected Nova Scotia smoked salmon, cucumber and whipped cream cheese, egg salad, chicken salad, and then my favorite—tomato and a rich homemade watercress spread. I suggest placing a tasty cucumber— which you will find in a bowl in the middle of the plate—on top of each sandwich. Once the cucumbers are gone, I enjoy dipping the remaining sandwiches into the bowl of sweet cucumber marinade.

Five or so cups of tea into the sitting, the caffeine is kicking in, and the scones have arrived. There is nothing better than fresh out-of-the-oven, fist-sized Nan’s Devonshire scones—a secret recipe of Tozer’s great grandmother, with sides of strawberry jam and overflowing clotted cream made on-site. I dare say, I have seen some put three scoops of that wonderful whipped delight on only a quarter of a scone. Yes, it is that good.

Just when you think the three-course tea is ending, realizing a de-caffeinated pot would probably be a smart choice, the “sweets” arrive. If your mouth has not yet watered, now is the time. One can truly appreciate Paddington’s special attention to detail as Tozer smiles and cheerfully explains to the table what lies upon the final plate—raspberry and blueberry stuffed powder treats sit beside chocolate covered strawberries and lavender infused macaroons. These are eaten slowly as you leisurely finish another pot of tea over fine conversation.

Hours may have passed by and you may not have ever realized it; for time stops when having afternoon tea at Paddington’s, and you can not help but leave with a full stomach and a smile. After 23 years of perfecting the art of tea, Paddington’s Tea Room has brought the beauty of tea time into LA lifestyle.

By Danielle Jacoby

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Paddington’s Tea Room
355 S. Robertson Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Ph: (310) 652-0624
Afternoon Tea (Three Courses) – $29
High Tea (Five Courses) – $39