A Truly Magical Afternoon Tea Experience We had the absolute pleasure of enjoying the full afternoon tea experience at the Queen's Library Tea Room in Richmond with our family and friends--and wow, what a gift this place is. From the moment we walked in, we were transported. The space is stunning--elegant, whimsical, and full of thoughtful details that make you feel like you've stepped into a storybook. Every teacup, table setting, and floral arrangement felt curated with love and intention. The staff were incredible--warm, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable about the teas and the entire experience. You can tell they care. The owners, too, clearly pour heart and soul into this place, and it shows in every detail, from the menu to the atmosphere. The teas were absolutely delicious, each with its own unique flavor and story. The food was equally impressive--fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Everything we tasted was fantastic. It's rare to find a place that creates not just a meal, but a memory. Our time here felt almost miraculous--something truly special we'll never forget. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Richmond, this is it. read more

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Finding The Queen's Library is half the adventure -- and not entirely in a good way. I never would have spotted it had I not been given the address that the front door faces (which is 3rd St. not Clay St); it's tucked away with minimal signage, and I was practically standing in front of it before I realized it. First-timers, come prepared. Then there's parking. On the day we visited, a convention across the street had swallowed every available spot in the area. One-way streets, detours, and a full 25 minutes of circling later, I finally made it inside. Hot, from walking 6 blocks away, and frazzled is not the ideal headspace for a genteel tea experience. All of this makes the news of their upcoming move to Stony Point genuinely welcome -- easier access could transform the whole outing. Once you're in, though, the vibe delivers. The room is styled like a Victorian English salon, all refined and atmospheric, with a soundtrack pulled straight from beloved period films -- Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility -- that quietly transports you to the Regency era. The service is polished and professional, the presentation elegant. Having taken tea in both England and Scotland, I can say this holds up -- it's the real thing. The food is authentically English as well, meaning sparse and understated. Don't arrive hungry expecting something hot and filling. It's not that, and England is not known for its food. That said, the chicken salad with lemon infusion was the standout offering. We sampled six tea flights -- three hot, three cold -- and the first hot flight was genuinely fragrant and lovely. The rest were pleasant but unremarkable. The sparkling options were a nice palate cleanser. It's expensive for what it is, so this probably isn't a weekly habit. But as an occasional indulgence -- especially for fans of period dramas and Regency fantasy -- it's a charming little escape. Fortunately, you can go to Stony Point and avoid the parking adventure. And a suggestion for the wonderful owner. Invest in DEVONSHIRE or CORNISH clotted cream. It really makes a difference. ANNNNDDD, I've been drinking tea every since the visit, so it made an impression. read more

I wanted to enjoy this more than I actually did, especially since I took my sister there for her birthday and wanted it to be special for her since she enjoys English experiences. Starting with finding the place, I couldn't. I live nearby, know the area, and could not find 221 E. Clay St. There's no signage, and there's no door marked 221 on E. Clay St. Where you actually walk in is 414 N. 3rd Street. But they don't advertise that (except by putting a small sandwich board on the sidewalk WHEN they're open) and won't tell you that, even after asking twice. I literally had to photograph the block, circle 3 doors on the photo, send it to them, and ask them which door do we come to. It was like pulling teeth. You have to book and pay, including gratuity, in advance. It's a gamble, but given the high ratings, I took the gamble. The place is adorable, starting with the gift shop, which is filled with (of course) teas, tea service sets, books (mostly by Jane Austen or similar), accessories, and trinkets. Very lovely. And expensive. You're greeted when you walk in, and the service is very professional. The servers look the part, are well-trained and present the service with explanations and a smile. The tea room is lovely to look at--(mostly) appropriate English style chairs, sofas and small coffee tables, but wasn't at all comfortable for us. We were seated at the very front of the room in two armless chairs, which meant my back was to the rest of the room. I had a view of the door, essentially, and didn't get to even see the rest of the room, which I didn't realize was filled with others enjoying their tea. My sister had a lamp directly beside her head, which she had to turn off to keep from being too hot. There are 5 courses of teas, the first and last of which are palate cleansers. The palate cleansing teas were delicious. but did contain caffeine, which we'd hoped didn't. We asked for herbal teas for our service and was accommodated with pleasure (thank you). Of the main three tea courses, I only enjoyed the first, which was truly incredible, very fragrant. Just an explosion of delight for the taste buds. It was a pink hibiscus blend. The second was a citrus blend, but had ZERO flavor. The third was a ginger blend. VERY ginger-y, but unlike any ginger tea I've ever had. It almost tasted like a savory broth. The food served on the tea towers was sadly forgettable. I did enjoy the lemon chicken salad on croissant, but the chicken salad was rationed so thin, I barely knew it was chicken salad. The other sandwich, likewise, was all bread. Such meager servings! Again, forgettable. I literally forget what was on it. I do remember a slight hint of pimento cheese. The second tier of breads, I could've completely done without. But at $65/person, I wasn't leaving a crumb! Even the desserts were forgettable. I expected the food, as minimal as it is for afternoon tea, to be incredible and full of flavor. It was not. Even the tea sets and towers you served with are not as lovely as the ones they have for sale. I expected to use the good stuff. I was also surprised to see many children's books on one of the book shelves in the tea room. I really would not have been pleased had there been a noisy toddler running around during our tea. I think the rave reviews gave me expectations that just didn't live up to the experience. I love the story of the owners and I want them to do well. I love tea. I love books. It's a terrific concept. They spoke to us about their new location in Stony Point in such a way that almost pointed out all of the misgivings of their 3rd Street (not Clay Street, mind you) location, and that those things (such as the furnishings and decor) would be a major upgrade. I hope the furniture placement (and comfortability), food and other two herbal tea choices, are too. read more

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I really like the new setting at Stony Point. The lobby is a storefront and then behind one of the bookcases you enter a very well thought out venue. The tea includes a 6 course tea tasting - three cold and three hot. The tier of food was tasty as well. We had multiple servers and they were all efficient and helpful. A couple of things gave me pause - I didn't like having to pay in full prior to attending - including the tip. The restaurant area is large and there were only three groups when I attended so I was disappointed that we were all seated very close together rather than spread out where we had more privacy. read more

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If you know me, I love tea time. I grew up going to high tea with my mom and it's been a special tradition for me for ages. I adore The Queen's Library Tea Room. Not only are the owner's incredible, their staff is absolutely great. The entire business feels like a big family. I adore their new location, they've been in it for quite some time now, but I really love all the space and different rooms. The natural lighting is so delicious and the various chairs are quite comfy. I like that the first room is an homage to their first location, the second is a delicious brick room, and the last is a stunning mural room. The tea tower is my favorite part. They source different bites from different local businesses like Mosaic Catering and 2 1/2 Irish Men. A fan favorite is always the goat cheese bites. I loved the roast beef pimento cheese sandwich this time around. They used to have these little cheesecakes that were my ultimate favorite dessert. They rotate the desserts. For this afternoon tea, you typically get a chilled sparkling tea and three teas they choose for you. Keep in mind their teas are caffeinated, so I've made notes in the past requesting for low-caffeine teas. This is my go-to tea spot in Richmond. You can book a table on their website. There is free two hour parking nearby and they have one gender neutral bathroom. I highly recommend checking this spot out. read more

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You'll be treated like royalty at Queen's Library Tea Room! The space is simply splendiferous! The details are incredible and fit for a princess! If you arrive "earl"y, you can browse the gift shop! And once you are served their variety of teas, which are introduced with flair, they won't "lord" it over you by hovering, you can relax and have a peaceful tea time! The food is catered from local venues and are selected with thoughtfulness. The owners are lovely and welcoming! What a breathta-"king" experience! We had our company winter gathering here and I dub them the "crown" of glorious tea parties! read more

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Thanks to having a southern belle for a daughter... I've been going to tea for about 10 years now. I've had a lot of "experience's", but let me tell you... Queens Library delivers!!! Go for the ambience, a win across the board. Stay for the food - I love the locally sourced eats and the improvements on tradition (I mean, how many times can you eat a ham biscuit and the same cucumber sandwich at tea before you want some variety). The space is beautifully decorated and the natural brick walls are incredible. The entire staff is so sweet and knowledgeable...and I love that they are family-run. read more

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What a lovely experience! This wasn't just Afternoon Tea, this was a full-on experience! We learned from the enthusiastic wait staff what tea came from where and how it paired with each course. The food was wonderfully fresh and it was a very relaxing two hours! read more

The Queen's Library Tea Room - Our aperitif! - Tea Rooms Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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What a lovely way to spend a morning with friends or family. Made an online reservation (prepaid) for four at their 11am seating time, about a month early. The space is beautiful: colorful antique velvet furniture, beautiful artwork featuring diverse women (as a woman of color, I appreciate their effort to create a welcoming and inclusive environment), and well lit thanks to the large storefront window. Excellent and attentive service from Daniel, one of the owners. They know their teas and partner with local bakeries to put together a delicious and pretty three-tiered assortment of savory and sweet bites. They gave us a little box to take home our extras. Our group could hardly believe 2 hours went by so quickly. If you love afternoon tea, this place is a must. I hope they succeed to grow their space, maybe even add a shop to buy teas and other goodies. read more

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I came here for a party a little while ago, so I'm hoping some of the issues I have in my review are not issues any longer. Staff were polite and kind. We were not served any water. By the end of the tea party I was so thirsty and dehydrated. There was very, and I mean very sparse food served. Especially if you have allergy considerations, it seems it isn't the best place to handle that (I have been to other tea rooms with more expansive options; or options at all, they really gave me the same food as everyone else minus anything they'd have to alter at all, so it was basically like two crackers and some butter). My biggest complaint however, as a tea person, is at no point did they take the tea bags out. Of black tea! I started asking them when they put the tea down what the steep time was so I could try and time bag removal. I was shocked they would've let the tea sit on the table and just completely oversteep. If you aren't a tea person and don't care much for eating a good portion of snacks with your tea party, this would be a fine place to return to, if you just like the nice staff and think the building is pretty. read more

This place is easy to miss if you're not paying attention. The sign is inside the window in a little frame. It's an adorable tea room and the staff obviously has a passion for it. They have only been under this new ownership for a couple months and while they have some kinks to work out, overall we had a nice experience. We chose to sit at the first table by the door as the other seating options were low couches and low tables which is a nice aesthetic but wasn't ideal for our group as we had someone with us who has knee problems. The tea selection is all Fortnum & Mason which is a wonderful line of teas. The Smoky Earl Grey was a fun surprise but we also liked the regular Earl grey and Afternoon tea. We waited probably an hour from the time we sat til the time food was brought out. Tea was served almost immediately but food was more of a wait. You do have to ask for glasses of water if you want it in addition to your tea. The food was nice and is provided by local businesses such as Mosaic Catering. They have these goat cheese bites that are nice but I wish came with crackers. The AC didn't seem to be working but the door was propped open so it wasn't unbearable but not ideal. If you are looking for a spot to have a nice afternoon tea this is one of few local options. So I really hope this place does well. read more

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The Queen's Library Tea. Room is a quaint, charming venue in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood.The building dates back to the early 1900's, providing a vintage charm with tin ceilings and exposed brick. The tea room decor is reminiscent of a Victorian parlor with high backed velvet chairs and ornate couches, and antiques and books placed throughout. There is beautiful butterfly and floral artwork on walls, windows, and doors. The tea service is lovely served with delicate patterned china, a tiered plate of assorted tasty bites, and delicious tea steeped right at your seating area. The seating areas are spread out to allow for private conversations and comfort. the owners and staff are lovely and quite attentive and kind. Be sure to browse in the delightful gift shop on your way out. The only negative comment is the temperature. It was quite hot and humid outside and the AC in the tea room wasn't providing an expected level of cooling. read more

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An amazing tea room the ambiance is so inviting and the staff were very attentive. The teas were so flavorful. The smells of the teas made it inviting to taste it even more. I loved the food tiers a great balance of flavorful tastes. Great overall experience. I am setting up a tea for my group! read more

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I would say this place is 3.5 stars, but I rounded up to 4. Pros: - staff were really nice while we were there - knowledgeable about the food and drink we were served, could answer questions - super cute decor, nice large space to accommodate groups - the 3 teas we were served were from an exclusive brand, and were really delicious (Irish breakfast, earl gray, and peach black) - they offered dietary friendly options (vegan, gluten free, etc) - they use local places for their food options, which I love to support! - really responsive over the phone and through text - good amount of street parking around (no lot) Cons: - the food did not fill me up enough for a "meal", and $55 per person seems slightly steep for just snack portions - the vegan tea tower was skimpy compared to the "regular" one - we were not given a tea menu, just served teas, so we got no choice option - there were no decaf teas served, so we had to either skip out on a tea or drink additional caffeine - the staff did not time the tea for us, we had to ask about steep times; also left the leaves in the pot so the tea did eventually over-steep on the table - they do not serve water, you have to ask for it separately (I would recommend to the business to bring water when you serve your patrons, tea can be dehydrating!) I enjoyed being here with a large group of friends, but in comparison to other tea rooms I've been to, I prefer an order-off-a-menu style of tea and food, personally. Great place if you want to just be served and not have to think about making choices, though! read more

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What a perfect afternoon! My friend was visiting from out of town and I thought this would be a great way to catch up. We were greeted and sat next to Thomas Jefferson! Our little area was far enough away from other groups that it was easy to hear each other and learn more about the teas from Austin. The whole tea tower had delicious items we savored one by one. The four teas we tried were all good in their own way. I think I liked the rose petal tea and the sparkling ginger green tea the best. I tried to get tickets to take my mom and her friend in December, but they were already sold out! I am excited for this business to take off! I can't wait to go back with more friends. read more

For one, you need to pay and reserve ahead of time online, and rather than pay for individual items you pay for a 2 hour experience. I'll admit I had my doubts about being sold an "experience", but was pleasantly surprised by how good it was! Not only are all the teas (you get to try 3 over your time there) very good, the foods are all locally made! In a city where so many serve teas with artificial flavors and pre-boxed goods, it was a relief to my palate. Host was a young gentleman clearly very passionate and knowledgable not just of the teas, but the local businesses they supported with the service and the rich history surrounding the brews! also very kind to someone who chooses to go to these alone rather than with groups. I didnt feel neglected and was left comfortably with my book and drink~ read more

The Queen's Library Tea Room - Tea for one portions were very generous with variety - Tea Rooms Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The food: The food was absolutely amazing. They are able to accommodate a vegan diet and source their goodies from local places, such as the breads from Two and a Half Irish Men. The service: The service was friendly and fast. Hannah took care of me and she was knowledgeable and kind. I would love to come back and see her again. The vibe: I thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere here. I felt like I stepped into the world of Bridgerton -- think kitschy, elevated, and charming. read more

The Queen's Library Tea Room - Tea Rooms Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I felt like a princess! The high cost is mostly for the nice atmosphere and for the tea server to educate you on teas. read more

The Queen's Library Tea Room - The tea is delicious. So much better than a keurig! - Tea Rooms Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

First time for Mothers Day theme, great experience!-tea offerings were great, food was delicious, and the knowledge of the teas by the staff was fantastic! Can't wait to return soon! read more

As a tea enthusiast of 20+ years, I can confidently say that my experience at the Yelp party hosted at The Queen's Library Tea Room was nothing short of fantastic! The selection of tea brands available for tasting was truly impressive, and each cup I tried was a delightful journey of flavors and aromas. My personal favorite was the peach black tea. The ambiance of the tea room was cozy and inviting, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon of tea exploration. The staff were knowledgeable and passionate about tea, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience. Also I had many great conversations around the table and my fellow Yelpers were very inviting being this my very first event. Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or someone looking to explore the world of tea, Queens Library is a must-visit destination. I left feeling rejuvenated and inspired, eager to return and continue my tea journey. Highly recommended for tea lovers of all ages! read more

I had never been here and knew no one who had when I scheduled a bridal tea here. I think it turned out just perfectly! They were able to accommodate food allergies and made everyone feel welcome. The atmosphere was wonderful and had so many special touches. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to have a tea, luncheon, etc. I hope to go again soon! Amy C. read more

Unbelievable experience. Team members went above and beyond. Everything was delicious and served in the fanciest manner possible. If you have a love of the finer things (or a 5 year old daughter...) don't miss this experience. Will be back. read more

We held a baby shower here, and it was beyond wonderful. First, I will mention pricing. It is beyond fair. Quite possibly, the best pricing in the city. The coordination with the owners prior to the event was amazing. They answered emails within a day and returned calls within hours. Discussions re: food, teas, and seating were easy and accommodating. Special diets were taken into consideration. The room has been beautifully decorated with a victorian flair that is really worthy of high tea. The food on the tea towers was substantial and delicious. The service during the event was spot on. There was never an empty tea cup or tower. The special guests were treated like royalty. Finally, this is a new, family run business that is operating as if it were a seasoned company. I would highly recommend it for your special event or high tea. *Note - Air conditioning problem resolved. There are no issues with temperature control. read more

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My boyfriend, who doesn't even like tea, loved his experience here! They explain the significance of the teas with each new pour. Really unique and light flavors! The snack tower changes seasonally, featuring local bakeries etc. they also have theme teas (lord of the rings, Bridgerton, etc). We went to their Ball as well and had the most wonderful time dressing up and listening to the string quartet! The owners are some of the sweetest people too! read more

I dont normally post reviews, however, this place deserves a full 5 stars! The atmosphere is welcoming, the teas are delicious, the food was yummy, and the employees are kind and attentive. My best friend and I have nothing but positive feedback from our great experience and will be coming back! read more

What a delightful experience start to finish! This is a one-of-a-kind place to refresh the soul, and was exactly what was needed. Location: right across from the Jefferson. It is in a building that is (likely) over 100 years old based on the architecture and knowing the neighborhood. Interior space is set up to be like a parlor - couches, comfortable chairs, paintings - essentially, to promote conversation between yourself and those you are seated with. As the co-owner Clarissa explained, it is a library but there are not many books, the words and stories come from all of us as we spend time sharing our stories. Lovely! On arrival each party is greeted in a friendly way for the set time of noon which is the Afternoon Tea, all by reservation. Promptly thereafter, her husband who is the tea expert, comes to each table to explain the selections of four teas - Early Grey, Smoky Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or Royal Blend. He will go in depth if you wish and we did. You receive one pot of tea, but may ask for another though only one at a time. My daughter and I had a Royal Blend and Earl Gray. Both were wonderful. Sugar cubes and beautiful cups and saucers - perfect. Then we were provided with a three-tiered arrangement of savory and sweet edibles. They were graciously able to accommodate a gluten free situation. The savory items are sources from Mosaic, and the sweets from Two and a Half Irishmen (I'm a fan!). We chatted and enjoyed everything and at 1:30 everything wrapped up. Close to the end, Clarissa gave a lovely speech about women often forgetting to take time for themselves and about the importance of the little things we do. It was uplifting and I probably shouldn't even call it a speech but rather, sincere words of encouragement, kindness, and celebration. She said they have been open about a month and I hope they thrive. This is a special place and the serene quietness there was truly an oasis. read more

A group of us went there for a friend's birthday we had a great time! Their location is so cute and quaint. They said almost all of their furniture was from VA and that the food was from local bakeries and delis in the area. Everything was delicious!! Her husband was so knowledgeable in the teas we were being served. I so plan on going there again! read more

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Love this tea room - the tower is full of great treats with a mission! Staff was amazing and cared for all the details to make our day perfect helping to celebrate my daughter's birthday! read more

I can't say enough about The Queen's Tea Room. I am a wedding planner and live in Georgia. I am planning my nieces wedding and hosted her bridal shower at this venue. From the moment I walked in to look into booking it, I was blown away with the owners. They were so great to work with. The tea was so good and the tea towers were plentiful and so yummy! Thank you Clarissa, Daniel and Sarah for all you did to make my nieces shower Beautiful. Everyone loved it and the Flower Bar was a hit! read more

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Several of us met today at the Tea Room and we were sorely disappointed. We all drove a considerable distance to have tea. Four teas were served but the second and third were so weak, they were undrinkable. I am not a fan of Green tea so I could not just that one. The food was fine, but for $65 I expected more comfortable seating, excellent tea and good food. The music was so loud that we had to ask twice to have it turned down so that we could actually visit. The service was very good but just could not make up for the weak and tasteless tea. read more

Lovely, lovely, all around! The staff was so kind and inviting, and the fare was delicious. It's a place you go to enjoy the experience and connect with your friends/family. Highly recommend! read more

The Queen's Library Tea Room - Tea Rooms Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Bought my mom a gc for Xmas. There was a slight hiccup but the owners quickly handled. My mother raved about the food, the tea, the atmosphere, the presentation! She can't wait for me to visit soon so she can take me. read more

The service was excellent and the tea food were excellent. Highly recommend. Would make a great location for a bridal shower or birthday.