There is no surer sign of spring than the opening of “pop-up” tea rooms. Many Charleston area churches host spring tea rooms where old favorites like okra soup, chicken salad, shrimp salad, and tomato pie as well as desserts such as Tipsy Pudding, Hummingbird Cake, and Lady Baltimore Cake, are made and served by volunteers. The tea rooms usually operate for only a week or two in the spring and are open only for lunch. There are often gift shops with handmade items as well as an opportunity to tour the historic churches and grounds. Below are some of the most notable.
Old St. Andrew’s Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road, is hosting the Annual Spring Tea Room from March 13-18, and March 20-25, 2023, with lunch served from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. To make reservations for parties of 4 or more, call 843-990-6281. For more information, click here.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Tea Room will be held from April 24-28, 2023, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. The church is located on the corner of Church and Cumberland Streets in downtown Charleston. There is also a small gift shop. For more information, click here.
Two tea rooms operate during Spoleto:
Grace Church Cathedral Tea Room and Boutique, 98 Wentworth Street, will be open from May 29 through June 3, 2023 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. There is also a gift shop, the Church Mouse Boutique. Takeout orders are offered when the tea room is open. For more information, call the Chairman at 504-578-8543 or email clarkcromwell@gnail.com. To see the menu and other information, click here.
Second Presbyterian Church’s “Seconds Please” Tea Room, 342 Meeting Street, will be held in the Parish Hall on Friday, May 26, and Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm. For more information, click here or call 843-723-9237.
–Tidelines Editors