UPDATE: The name of the teahouse is being changed due to another Paddington Tea already in existence in LA, but owner Angela Grant is still hoping to open this spring.
++++
You know what traditional English tea rooms are missing? Singing waitresses. That is, until now.
Liverpudlian-turned-Santa Rosan Angela Grant isn’t content just to open a cozy English tea room in the former Sawyer’s News space in downtown. This winter, she’s mixing it up with a combination teahouse, theatrical experience and cafe that’s, in her words, “a place for people to go, feel special and have a laugh,” she says with a cheery British accent.
Grant makes no bones about the fact that clotted cream, bone china, scones and pinkies-up teas are definitely aimed at the gals. “The guys will probably hit the brewpub next door,” she says, hoping to attract bridal parties, baby showers, book clubbers and the ladies-who-lunch-set.
Inspired by a trip back to Merry Old England recently, Grant knew the teahouse was her destiny, adding the idea of waitresses breaking into 40s and 50s-style crooning for special events and, well, whenever the time feels right. “Paddington Tea Room will be a place where women can go and truly be comfortable,” she says, anticipating a February April open.
Guys are, of course, welcome. Provided they know how to properly use a napkin and don’t muss the doilies.