Lynchburg's Only Authentic English Tea Room
Visit the Ploughcroft Tea Room. Owned by Patricia Hutto. The Ploughcroft Tea Room is poised to be a "must do" in the historic downtown Lynchburg area. Experience authentic British cuisine, converse with friends over some hot tea or simply stop into our gift shoppe and pick up some items that are sure to take you to the olde country. The Ploughcroft Tea Room has seating for up to 30 people and is open on Tuesday - Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Sundays the Tea Room will be closed except for reserved private parties.
The Inspiration of The Ploughcroft Tea Room
Patricia Hutto is the founder and owner of the Ploughcroft Tea Room. She was born in Dover, England and spent most of her childhood years all over the beautiful countryside to finally settle in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, England. Here is where her family moved into a historic house named Ploughcroft. At one time this historic house was a pub named The Plough. As a young adult, Patricia moved to the United States. She opened her first tea room in Virginia Beach, VA and soon partnered in a couple of other British- themed restaurants. Patricia always admired the Blue Ridge mountains and ultimately sold the businesses and moved to the area in the early 90's. She longed for a authentic British Tea Room and the atmosphere and socializing that comes with a tea room. The Ploughcroft Tea Room will soon be open, right here in historic dowtown Lynchburg, Virginia! See you soon!
Defining Tea Times
Afternnoon Tea
This is the one that comes to mind when people think of English tea ceremonies. It all began back in the mid 1800s, when the Duchess of Bedford started having a tray of tea with bread and butter served to her in the mid-afternoon. You see, in those days, lunch was served at noon but dinner was not eaten until 8 or even 9 o'clock at night. The Duchess found herself hungry during those long afternoon hours. It became a regular occurance and as she began to invite other high-society ladies to join her, having Afternoon Tea became the 'in-thing' for the upper-class women. Along with tea, there would be small pastries with clotted cream or preserves, delicate sandwiches, and scones.
High Tea
Many people use the term "High Tea" to describe the event I've mentioned above, probably because it sounds more elite. But High Tea is a much different thing. It was served later (around six in the
evening) and consisted of a full, dinner meal for the common people. Tea was still served, but there would also be meats, fish or eggs, cheese, bread and butter, and cake. It was more of a man's
meal, than a ladies social diversion.
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