Rose Tree Cottage in Pasadena

We decided to take an evening drive through Pasadena and came across a beautifully decorated house for Christmas, with lots of "open" signs that piqued our curiosity, so we decided to knock. We were greeted by a lovely gentleman with a hint of an English accent, who has been running this place since the 70s. He’s transformed the first floor of his home into a tea room and another room with a variety of traditional English desserts. It’s a pity we arrived just before closing, but we’ll definitely be back! We bought a pack of scones (10 for $25) — they were so fresh, and following his preparation tips, they turned out absolutely delicious with jam 😌. Big thanks for the detailed explanation on how to bake them! He even repeated the baking time and temperature just to make sure we got it right. As a charming tradition, there’s a dress code for the tea service — ladies are required to wear dresses with hats, and gentlemen in suits. There’s also a lovely backyard, and parking is not an issue at all. Service Take out Meal type Other Price per person $20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Free parking garage

The Rose Tree Cottage was established in 1979 by Edmund & Mary Fry. They are doing the full teas on Saturdays & Sundays, with 2 seating times each day. The cost per person is about $80, but when you see the delicious assortment of foods, and the many courses, it is more than a reasonable price. Everything is made fresh each morning. The quality & taste is superb! My Mom Edna, her friend Phyllis & I went for the full tea at the lovely Rose Tree Cottage a couple of Sundays ago. It was my first time there. From the moment I saw the house, I knew it would be a wonderful luncheon! Edmund greeted us at the door, and after a short wait, he took my Mom's arm, & escorted us to our table. The dining room was full of men with jackets, & some ladies wore hats. The walls are full of British memorabilia, so fun to look at. They requested we not use our phones, so as not to disturb the other patrons, everyone complied. The meal started with a glass of sparkling Elderflower, The Queen's favorite, it was so refreshing. The tea is English Village blend especially made for them, and it was lovely. We had a little starter of grapes & crisps, then came the savories: easy to hold in your hand, almost like a Yorkshire pudding vol-au-vent filled with Seafood (Shrimp & Lobster), or Beef Wellington, or Cheese and Tomato, We each had 2, they were very tasty. The Beef Wellington was so tender. Tea sandwiches of Smoked salmon & cucumber came next, along with more Sparkling Elderflower & tea. Edmund & Mary & our server, I apologize I have forgotten her name, made sure all the guests had everything they needed. The scones were baked at 4 in the morning, came warm with Devon cream & a 3-fruit preserves (Peach, Plum & Apricot) I was starting to feel very full, but then came dessert: a lovely tulip-shaped chocolate cup with sponge cake, clotted cream & the most beautiful blackberries & raspberries. I would have taken the chocolate cup home, but it was so hot out, I knew it would melt before it got to the car. The last tray to come around was filled with little petit fours & shortbread cookies. I did not resist! They have a lovely little shop adjacent to the dining area, full of goodies from across the Pond! It was a very wonderful experience! My thanks to our hosts & the staff! Service Dine in Price per person $50–100 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

My husband, daughter, and I had a delightful time at Rose Tree Cottage. Edmond's regal greetings set the tone for a royal experience in this elegant tea shop, while Mary's refined baked goods and jam added a delicious touch. The charming decor evokes an English tea setting, and with Janet as the perfect server, each visit becomes a delightful journey into the heart of sophisticated tea culture. After the service, Edmund took “King Charles“ outside to have pictures with us. We left with full stomachs and full hearts after our wonderful experience. Service Dine in Meal type Other Price per person $50–100 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes English Clotted Cream Parking space Somewhat difficult to find parking Parking options Free street parking Parking There are a number of street parking spots, and there is a small parking lot.

Rose Tree Cottage is a delightful place for afternoon tea, and a wonderful spot to be proposed to! I had chosen the spot to celebrate my friend’s birthday, and so my fiancée, with the blessing of said friend, conspired with Edmund and Mary, the owners of Rose Tree Cottage, to craft a wonderful surprise proposal! We were treated to a delicious tea in the garden, with fun British decor, and great music. The food was wonderful, and I’ll never forget being served a ring and a rose in a silver serving dish by Edmund as our butler! Mary was kind enough to video the proposal as well. It was a total surprise, and I said yes! Service Dine in Meal type Other Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

Believe the reviews that say they are rude. I could not believe how they followed us around as if we were going to steal stuff. They even roped off the rear of the store in front of us, lest we approach their precious Barbour jackets. As for tea, well, the Huntington does a lovely tea, and I would return there before I would ever try high tea here. What a disappointment. Food: 2 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 2

The tea room offers a truly incredible experience. You won't be surprised to learn that they've served several prominent members of royalty from around the world. Edmund and his staff give a level of personal service rarely seen these days in the restaurant industry outside of Michelin-star restaraunts. The indoor space is small, but utterly charming as every square inch is covered in British memorabilia. The food is cooked every day, on site, via a famous traditional AGA stove. The course includes sweet and savory, but tips a little more on the sweet side, which pairs perfectly with their personal blend of tea. If you inquire, Edmund will show you a picture of where their ingredients are sourced from -- most notably the fields where their elderflower drink is grown. It's a PROPER tea room which means jacket and tie for men, and no children who cannot sit still for the 1.5 - 2 hour service. They don't accept mastercard or discover, and would prefer cash or check, so plan accordingly. Directions via google can be funky, but there's plenty of nearby street parking. Reservations are ONLY taken one week in advance via a 10am phone call for a 1pm or 4pm service. The prix fixe price might seem on the high side, but you'll understand once you taste everything. Arrive early to browse the store, come hungry, pet the cat outside, and feel like royalty. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

Super personable service. I brought my British mom here who was visiting from Canada. She loved the shop to browse in, the food that we were served, but especially how welcoming Sir Edmund Fry and Mary are. It was the highlight of her trip! Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

I Went to Rose Tree Garden with my family for the first time and we will be back. If I could give 10 stars for service i would. We never had to ask for more of anything, our needs were anticipated at every mark of the experience. The food is delicious and the whole spread is truly a traditional English tea. Edmund and his wife who own and run the Rose tree cottage are the most pleasant business owners I have met. They greet you upon your tea time and check in throughout the tea to make sure everything is perfect while giving you high tea tips. Can’t wait for our next tea! Service Dine in Meal type Other Price per person $100+ Food: 4 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4 Recommended dishes English Clotted Cream

I do not understand the good reviews. We came to pick up a few gifts for Mother's Day. We rang the doorbell and a man asked us what did we want. He was so rude. We told him we were there to shop for Mother's Day. We should have left at that … More

An atmosphere of refinement, an oasis of calm, with perfect tea served elegantly. Freshly prepared British scones served by a true British gentleman. For those who thought Edmund was rude, he probably thought you were rude, and did not want to encourage you to return. Why should their home be disturbed at times they are closed? And why should their personal driveway be blocked? Those who expect a noisy, crash in anytime place should eat at MacDonald's. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

So lovely here. I love picking up the delicious scones and phenomenal sticky toffee pudding which they bake there. And all the curds which they also make; so heavenly and so special. No other store bought stuff will compare! Edmund was so kind to chat with me as well and it was such a pleasure to stop by. They have goodies that you can’t find anywhere else, so its just a fun place to browse too. Lovely garden for tea. All around my favorite bit of Pasadena.

My husband and I stopped by on our anniversary, and Edmund went out of his way to make it special. Five star hospitality with a healthy dollop of English charm. Also, Rose Tree Cottage has the best shortbread cookies, scones, and lemon curd I’ve ever tasted, all made in house by Edmund himself. We purchased all of the above (2 jars of the lemon curd, please and thank you!), none of which will see Thanksgiving. Thank you again, Edmund and Mary, for the jewel that is Rose Tree Cottage. 💗

I do not understand the good reviews. We came to pick up a few gifts for Mother's Day. We rang the doorbell and a man asked us what did we want. He was so rude. We told him we were there to shop for Mother's Day. We should have left at that point. We finally go into the store and start shopping. It was so uncomfortable because we were being followed and watched. Finally, we found gifts for our family. Out of the blue, an older lady asked us to move our car out of the parking lot because they were expecting a hundred people. Really? I will never step foot in Rose Tree Cottage

Los Angeles is a city of teleportation, and this delight of an establishment is no exception. Stepping inside saves you a flight to the English countryside, where places are not numbered, but named, such as it is at Rose Tree Cottage. Edmund and Mary make you feel both at home but also supremely pampered. Their grace and wit accompany the fullest of tea experiences. Your Welsh Rarebit, Toad in the Hole, and other favorite savories are all here. The freshly-baked scones have nary a crumble. And yes, the tea is delicious.

The best British afternoon tea experience! We love Mr Edmund and Mary and all their staff. I also buy their freshly baked scones, clotted cream, jams, teas and Elderflower lemonade regularly. I always get a warm welcome from the owners and also from their cats :) Can't wait for things to reopen and go for another afternoon tea with family! They also sell beautiful tea cups and they also have a nice collection of clothing from Barbour. This is a must visit place in Pasadena.

Overall alright but I’m not sure it’s worth $65 per person for afternoon tea. Detailed review below. I heard about this place from a family friend who had gone and recommended it to me. Something fell together Sunday afternoon and I called them up to see if they could squeeze me in the day before and they could, but usually require reservations a week ahead. I checked out the website, which severely needs an update and looks like it was made in 2010, and it did not have a menu or prices. I can find some menu items on Yelp, but it’s not super specific. When I called to make the reservation, he mentioned at least twice that they were ranked top 10 tea houses in the US, which now that I’ve been I seriously doubt and can’t find the article that says that. First off they let you know they only take cash or check. A little inconvenient these days, but whatever. We walked up to the house, which is on a slightly busy street, but cute. We were let in by Edmond, who let us know that they were going to let everyone in at the same time at 1 o’clock. I think they let us in personally at 1:15, so we had time to look around the shop/waiting area. It’s a converted Victorian house that they’ve crammed every single British thing possibly imaginable in. Lots of things are dusty and the halls are very narrow so when you’re all waiting to get seated, it gets pretty crowded. On top of that another party had a person in a wheelchair that seemed to have a lot of difficulties maneuvering around everything. Also, when we were seated outside we were pretty close to the table next to us. The menu is set, and we only knew a preview of the menu by talking to one of the attendance there while we are waiting. It consists of only English tea that they make in-house, 3 strawberries, some chips and grapes that are already at your table, 2 savory pies and 2 salmon and cucumber sandwiches, one scone per person with clotted cream and jelly, and an assortment of desserts with warm toffee pudding (not fresh, but frozen). The food was fine, but they sell a lot of it in the store and it’s clearly frozen pastry/dessert beforehand. For $65 a person, I expect to be outstanding and everything from scratch. Other things to consider about the experience is that the atmosphere at least outside wasn’t super great. There’s fake grass everywhere and the couple seems to have sponsored a school in Kenya and the pictures are everywhere, literally on the table with your fine China and stuff. You aren’t allowed to take pictures anywhere in the store or outside, and I went for a birthday and would’ve loved to just take a picture of her and I at tea but couldn’t. For birthdays they bring out an extra dessert that was the same as your assortment, and they stick a candle in it. You can blow it out, but no singing, which I kind of appreciate. I don’t consider myself a tea expert, nor a British expert, but I have enjoyed tea houses before like the Chado tea room in Torrance, a Huntington teahouse just 15 minutes away, and I’ve been to English tea in Dublin. All of these options were way less than $65 per person and gave us more/better food and in my opinion was better quality experience. I feel like at every other teahouse that I’ve been to has put more effort into the atmosphere and really transforming the space rather than crowding a bunch of random stuff into an old house. I feel a little bad that my experience was so-so, because obviously the couple that runs this place is very passionate about what they do and have a lot of knowledge about the house and the British royal family in general. The service was nice and the people treated as well and were talkative. I just feel like they should really lower the price for the experience you get.

The Rose Tea Cottage offers the most charming afternoon tea experience in all of (greater) Los Angeles. Edmund and Mary are the loveliest couple who take great care in making their guests feel at home. We even played croquet with Edmund after our tea was over! The sandwiches and desserts are delicious, and their homemade scones are out of this world. I truly can't say enough good things about this establishment. If you're ever looking for a unique and authentic afternoon team experience, there's no better place than The Rose Tea Cottage.

This place has so many rules and has very limited and outdated information on the website. Tea is only available on the weekends. Reservations are only open a week beforehand via phone. Cash or check only, no photos allowed. There is also a shop that is opened at other times but the exact hours are not posted... I called in advance to visit the shop since reservations were all gone. When I arrived, it was closed for a private event until 3. I returned after 3 and the store didn't open. I called and they begrudgingly opened the door to let me in. There are no prices listed for anything and the lady was so grouchy and rude. A small bag of cookies was being sold for over $10... The "fresh and baked daily" scones were refrigerated. Most of the things being sold looked like it has been sitting there for years. I was being followed the entire time I was there and rushed out as soon I paid... Not sure if race was a factor but I was made to feel very inferior and unwanted.

Afternoon tea served by Edmund and Mary and their lovely staff is one of my favorite things! Homemade scones, jam, sandwiches, desserts.. I think we had five courses of deliciousness today, served in the cottage's very British tea room with their own house blend of tea. But the best thing about tea here is chatting with your hosts.. Edmund and Mary have many great stories to tell and are so friendly and fun! Highly recommend this experience!