For years, I’ve wanted to go to Lady Camilla for afternoon tea. Their old location was in Georgetown, Washington D.C. This location closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I found out they were working to re-open in Alexandria, VA. Personally, Alexandria is easier to get to, so I was excited about the change.
Fast forward to this summer, the new location in Alexandria has opened. Upon entering on a Friday afternoon, the first thing I noticed is that it’s busy and fully booked. We waited 20 minutes after our reservation time to sit at our table. Someone who was waiting with us said she has come multiple times since Lady Camilla opened, and it is always busy.
It’s a lovely waterfront view (if you just look past the cars in the parking lot). It was nice to sit by the window, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
Since we went on a weekday, we were given a menu with the cheaper weekday prices. If you can not go on a weekday, then you will be paying more. For “Tea for Two: Full [afternoon] Tea,” we paid $103. The price on the menu does not show the 18% gratuity they automatically add to your bill.
With Tea for Two Full Tea, you each get to choose a pot of tea. I chose the Jasmine Silver Needle white tea, and it truly was delicious. They provide a tea strainer that you can put over your cup when pouring so the loose leaf tea does not fall into your cup, but honestly, it fell in anyway.
We were allowed to choose three sandwiches, so it was a happy surprise when two of each sandwich came out for us to eat; chicken salad, smoked salmon, and brie & apple. They were all fantastic, but the chicken salad sandwich was probably the best I’ve ever had.
Surprisingly, we were allowed to choose from the menu three options off the scone and croissant list, instead of them bringing out the options available for the day. We went with a white chocolate cranberry scone (delicious but could have used more white chocolate), apple croissant, and pain au chocolat croissant.
Mmmmm, the desserts were chosen from the menu too. Red velvet and chocolate ganache teacakes, along with lemon blueberry and strawberry tartlets. Actually, I’m ready to go back. It was pricy but all the food and tea was quite tasty.
If you’re up for a fancy Afternoon Tea, head on over to Lady Camilla’s in Alexandria. Happy Tea-venture!
Rory, Tea & Me 