Teaspoon

The tea shoppe is located on a cobbled stoned street in the histoic part of high street. The structure is a black facade with a large bow window aligned with twenty six square individual planes of glass. A half moon window adorns its top. Right next to the half moon there is a circular window which looks like the spokes in a penny-farthing. Below penny-farthing window a weighty glass door with gold lettering etched in the Old London font, indicates this tea shoppe is called ,The Teaspoon. It's the quintessential place to be if you wish to partake in a cup of the pekoe.

As you enter The Teaspoon, a tiny shopkeepers bell rings overhead its chime has an amiable feel it draws you in like a warm hug.

The shoppe is a buzz with the noise of the waiters fluttering around the patrons tables, this place is bustling. It's a bright beautiful space warm and inviting with the smells of jasmine, citrus, lemon and a distinct grass like odor that can only belong to the ever popular green tea.

The walls are painted a dark aubrigene which looks almost black with white marble tiled floors a golden vein runs through each tile adding a little sparkle to each step. The east corner of the room has an ornate fireplace constructed in the same white with the golden veined marble mirroring the floors of the tea shoppe. Eight square tables are spread about the room covered with white crisp linens. Each table has a vellum paper menu with the title Afternoon tea. In the Teaspoon afternoon tea consists of Savouries, Scones, Sweets and of course tea.

Under the savouries you can choose from a selection of classic tea sandwiches cucumber on pumpernickel bread made in house with the crusts cut off , altanic smoked salmon on mini bagels with just a touch of dill on top and the cornation chicken. The conation chicken sandwich at the Teaspoon has a secret ingredient of curry powder that adds a little kick to the mayonnaise. Additionally other savoury bites are mini quiches, deviled eggs and crostini.

The scones are freshly baked every day chefs choice which always comes with a side of clotted cream. Depending on the Chefs mood the daily scone can be savoury or sweet.

If you are in the mood for the other side of your palette the sweet temptations range from an array of homemade pastries custard tarts, shortbread cookies and the famous Teaspoon vanilla pound cake.

The Teas are over 50 different kinds though the Teaspoon knows well that there are close to 3000 types of teas in the world. For our little shoppe the teas range from darjeeling, Victoria Grey to the caffeine free options of peppermint to rooibos. The rooibos tea has the distinction of hailing from South Africa. Rooibos or red bush is high in antioxidants and low in tannins, its claim to have a very relaxing effect on the body.

Spanning away from the menu to peruse the room one notices in the centre a massive crystal chandelier hangs above the tables lightening the space to its fullest opulence. Below the chandelier gold and black damask fabric aphosltered the seats and backs of antique queen Anne chairs.

The Teaspoon is in a word breathtaking.

The presnickity septuagenerians were so proud to acquire a place at the posh tea shoppe. They have been waiting for a month to finally procure their place at The Teaspoon.

The older of the two known to her friends as Bea, snapped her wrinkled sun spotted hoove at the waiter who was breezing on by taking care of his many tables.

"Humph" , exclaimed her companion Gwendolyn, Lyn to her closest friends, " it may be all the rage but the service is atrocious, here".

"He will pay dearly for the snub, Lyn when the time for gratuities comes around."

As that note hung in the air Giraffe the waiter in question sauntered up to the two old ewes Bea and Lyn who could not wait to cut him off with their request, " Victoria Grey tea service for two", Bea said with a air of dismissal.

Giraffe just nods and bows over his long spotted legs vanishing into the pantry.

Bea in a hushed but very loud whisper, sliding her hoove over her mouth to obstruct her voice from the rest of the patrons , "it's the tea of the royals", "don't you know".

"Lovely " , Lyn exclaimed in delight. Once Bea sees the waiter disappear she faces her companion and purrs "Lynnie, I wanted to ask if you are going through with the plastic surgery?" The last part of her question is whispered under her breath, the whisper still can be heard by all the patrons in the tea shoppe. Distrection is not Bea's strong suit.

Lyn, ponders this in her head with a slow drawl "Yessss Miss Bea, I have thought it over and I'm just not happy with the way my fur is sagging around my eyes". She rotates her hoove in a circular fashion around the area in question.

Bea, takes up her spectacles that are hanging around her substantial neck on a gold chain and proceeds to scrutinize her friend's countenance paying particular attention to the eye area.

She shrugs and slowly lets her glasses slip down the end of her snout.

With a laser focus on Lyn, she says "You do need it for sure, I can see what bothers you and if I was you I wouldn't hesitate to do Blepharoplasty and maybe while you are at it have them attack the crow's feet too."

Bea waits for the reaction delighting in the look of shock that briefly crosses her friends face.

Lyn, contemplates her next action she has been Bea's friend for a great many years too many to mention and she knows how to play the game as good as Bea maybe even better.

With a slight intake of breath she says in silken tones, " What was the name of your surgeon dear Bea?" Blicking innocently batting her very long straight light lashes. To emphasize her point she criss-crosses her hooves and places her chin on top.

Bea, turning a little pink in her cheeks blinks twice and exclaims, "Who me?" "OH!, Lyn dear you must be mistaken I've never had any type of enhancements."

Lyn looking up at the coffered celing moves her head from side to side as if watching for something to fall.

Bea intrigued looks up too, doesn't see anything shrugs and asks in a condescending manner , " What exactly are you looking at!?"

Lyn finally looks down and says in muted tones, "the anvil" " I was wondering when it was going to fall on your head." She gives Bea the most serene smile, grinning from ear to ear.

Bea now has turned crimson from head to hoove about to lose all her composure when Giraffe comes back his arms ladened with the most beautiful tea service.

Bea calms down to admire the service her colour turns back to white. She notices the tea service is The Royal Albert Old County roses. It's crafted from the finest bone china and embellished with 22 carat gold rim. The design paid homage to an English rose garden.

The set includes creamer, tea pot and sugar bowl, the cups and saucers are separate purchase.

Giraffe set the cups and their saucers down on the table carefully placing the handle to right and left of Bea and Lyn, respectively.

"OH!!!!" The two clapped their hooves together with glee salivating over the experience of this ritual.

He poured the amber liquid, the tea vapour circulates in a serpentine pattern permeating the room with the fragrance of lavender and licorice.

Giraffe asked " one lump or two?"

"Two" Bea says.

The baseball bat comes down precisely twice on her head.