– A Revisit to the English Rose Team Room in Carefree, Arizona-
While visiting the Carefree Art and Wine Festival recently, I made it a point to drop in at the English Rose Tea Room and the newly relaunched, expanded gift store next door called Jo London. (Jo London is now closed.)
As you can see in the photos, the place was packed with ladies doing high tea while adorned in fashionable hats. One can either wear their favorite hat, or choose from a large selection kept in the back room of the tea shop. Wearing a fancy hat for some reason just seems to enhance the formal tea experience!
Children are quite welcome and there is a special tea service for them that includes trays of kid-oriented tea sandwiches and sweets along with tea or hot chocolate. Jo Gemmill, the owner, offers etiquette lessons for children in addition to catering, hosting bridal and baby showers, as well as tea leaf readings!
The new gift shop next door is named Jo London, and offers gifts in “the quintessential British style”. I think the sofa filled with pillows is a perfect visual of what that means. Oh, the dog sitting on the sofa is a sculpture – not real! They have very
cleverly mingled antique items with new and the “Union Jack” motif is represented everywhere. The card selection was astounding, and it’s a store you can’t leave without purchasing something.
On this beautiful sunny day, the place was filled inside as well as the beautiful outdoor patio area. And, for the gentlemen, the menu offers some wonderful sandwiches and salads. This is definitely a place the entire family can enjoy.
More Information:
English Rose Tea Room and Jo London
201 Easy Street
Carefree AZ 85377
– Tea service runs from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.
P.S. Most people don’t realize that Carefree is at 2,400 feet altitude which is considered high desert. Temperatures can drop at night and put the cacti in danger of freezing. Only in Carefree and only outside the proper English Rose Team Room will you find a cactus wearing a very appropriate “snood”. Cheers!
