We know why Irish eyes are smiling; they are spying a proper cup of tea and delightful nibbles at the newishly-opened Kathleen O’ Byrne’s Irish Tea Room. The eatery is located in Boonsboro Shopping Center.
The tradition of taking tea—fueled by this side of the pond’s love affair with the PBS television show “Downton Abbey”—is alive and well here.
The tone is set with lovely pastel hues on the wall and accented across the space. Whitewashed cabinets hold stacks of cheery cups and saucers. Tables are adorned with fresh-cut flowers. Crisp linens drape across laps.
There is tea, of course, and scones and other pastries served on elegant stands with curds and clotted creams and jams. Another offering steeped in tradition: delightful finger sandwiches, elegantly cut and trimmed of crust. Look for heartier fare, too, like bangers and mash.
The room not only feeds the body but the soul. There are heartwarming afternoon tea times to share with friends, as well as children. There are special events—not just for mum but for dads too, including a menu for Father’s Day that included a classic prawn cocktail, scotch eggs and beef tenderloin glazed with herb butter and served with creamy horseradish sauce. And there are gatherings that celebrate literary giants, like Jane Austen.
But most importantly, Kathleen O’Byrne’s Irish Tea Room adds another delicious layer onto the wonderful cuisine scene in Lynchburg.
Kathleen O’ Byrne’s Irish Tea Room is located in Boonsboro Shopping Center, 4925 Boonsboro Rd., Lynchburg. Call 434-473-5983, or visit www.facebook.com/CatherineOByrnesIrishTeaRoom.
By Patrick Evans-Hylton
