Frequent Questions

Do you need reservations during the weekdays (Wednesday-Friday)? 
Answer: no, we are happy to welcome you during the weekdays without a reservation. Please note however that there is limited seating in our tea room. Our four tables are available on ‘first come/first served’ basis during the weekdays as well as after our high tea service on Saturdays (from 3pm to 5pm). Due to times of limited seating (eg: an occasional private event), we invite you to text us in advanced if you would like to ensure a table (if available, we will hold your table for 20 minutes from the time you have requested).

My party is larger than 5 guests for high tea reservations. How do I reserve for a party of 6+?
Answer: please book two tables and add a note in the “Comments” section that you would like to sit near each other. While we cannot move tables together (our vintage tables are a bit cozy!), we try to make sure your group is seated at neighboring tables that are close enough to chat and enjoy your tea time together.

How much does the High Tea Service cost?
Answer: $50 per adult and $45 children under 10 yrs old.

Why can’t I get a reservation online for next month?
Answer: reservations can only be made as early as four weeks in advance. The reservations open up each week on Thursday evening (for Saturday slots) and Friday evening (for Sunday slots). Please be patient as we only have 30 seats/covers per weekend and currently they do book out quickly.

Is there a wait list for high tea reservations?
Answer: yes, there is a wait list. Once all four tables have been booked, the reservations system will automatically ask you if you would like to join the wait list. Every Tuesday, we will have contacted each guest to confirm their reservations for that weekend service and will contact the waitlist accordingly starting Wednesday morning.

Can we purchase your loose leaf teas to take home?
Answer: yes, we have 2 ounce tins of loose leaf tea for purchase as well as 1 ounce “discovery” tea packets.

Do you offer Small Bites and Baked goods during the week? 
Answer: yes, we have a pastry box displaying our mini pastries/delights. These can include mini lemon pies, chocolate millionaire bars and Lynne’s shortbread cookies that pair very nicely with your tea. (Scones and Crumpets are offered during the weekdays, but can sometimes be limited on the weekends after our high tea service).

Do you have warm Scones during the week for purchase?
Answer: during the week we will have freshly baked lemon scones (and occasionally double chocolate scones on limited supply). You can also purchase these to take away / to go.

Do you have any Gluten-Free options?
Answer: yes, we are pleased to now be able to offer a gluten-free prefixed meal for the High Tea Service (upon 14 day advanced request).

For the Queen’s tea, depending on availability, we will ask for 48-hour advanced notice to prepare the gluten free options as well. (We are currently testing out gluten-free mini treat options, including: brownies, caramel macchiato cookies and mini chocolate croissants lovingly made by Rainbow Poppy.

Do you have any Vegetarian options?
Answer: currently our only vegetarian option during high tea is to switch out the ‘Salmon & Brie’ and/or the ‘Ham & Havarti’ for a ‘Sunflower Butter and Strawberry Jam’ sandwich (or an extra cucumber sandwich).  Please note this in the comment section at the time of placing your reservation.

Do you have any Gift Certificates for purchase?
Answer: yes, we have gift certificates (on nice cardstock) for purchase. Please contact us via phone or email if you are unable to physically come to the gift shoppe.

Why is nobody answering my phone calls, direct messages and emails?
Answer: we have been humbled by the overwhelming response from the community and did not anticipate the great amount of inquiries that the Tea Trolley would be receiving. As we launch our Small Business and try to get back to each and every email, DM, and phone -call please allow us 5-7 business days to get back to you. We appreciate your patience.

Do you offer any tea sandwiches during the weekdays (Wednesdays and Thursdays)?

Answer: Yes, we have a Queen’s Tea. On Wednesdays (and depending on supply, Thursdays), we offer a limited number of “Queen’s Tea Towers”.

The Queen’s Tea is a mini-tea menu for $24 (This is presented on a two-tire tower stand and includes: 1 cucumber/cream cheese and dill tea sandwich, 1 egg salad & capers tea sandwich, a mini lemon scone, two mini pastries and a pot of tea). No reservation is needed for Queen’s Tea Service; however as this has become more popular, we encourage that you text or call/email us in advanced to ensure an open table in our Tea Room and to confirm that our kitchen has adequate supply for your party. We are happy to hold/reserve a table for you up to 20 minutes of your expected arrival. *Queens Tea is Not available on Fridays, as the kitchen is busy prepping for weekend high tea.

Can we rent out the Tea Room for a private party?
Answer: yes, we are happy to book a private event for you in our Tea Room (with or without the high tea menu). Maximum 15 guests. Requires notice at least 4 weeks in advance. Please refer to our website tab labeled “Private Space” and email us at teatrolleyatascadero@gmail.comfor further planning.

Can we rent out the Back Patio for a private event?
Answer: yes, we are happy to book a private event for you in our back patio (with or without the high tea menu). Comfortable capacity 14-16 guests. Requires notice at least 4 weeks in advance. Please refer to our section labeled "Private Space” and email us at teatrolleyatascadero@gmail.comfor further planning. 

Can We have our High Tea or Queen’s Tea on the Back Patio?

Answer: Unfortunately, the answer for a High Tea is -no, we cannot. Although this would certainly be lovely, serving our high tea is not possible simply due to the table size and the large amount of tableware that is needed to serve our proper high tea experience. We can oftentimes serve Queen’s Tea on the back patio depending on the circumstances of that particular day.