Kings’ Carriage House
251 East 82nd Street, New York, NY 10028
kingscarriagehouse.com • 212-734-5490
Elizabeth King and Paul Farrell, proprietors of Kings’ Carriage House, met more than 40 years ago in Paul’s native Dublin, Ireland. She was visiting from the U.S., and once they were introduced, Paul confides, “She kept looking for excuses to keep coming back.” On many of her frequent return visits, they traveled together around Ireland, and both became enchanted with the traditional manor house hotels for which the countryside is well known.
When they married and returned to New York, Paul says, “Elizabeth was determined to find a place where they could re-create if not a manor house itself, at least the atmosphere and elegance of one. When she spotted this turn-of-the-century town house on the Upper East Side, she knew she’d found it.” They convinced the owner to consider an offer, which he did, reluctantly, Paul states, “But he was sure we’d be out of business in a month.” That was 28 years ago!
The couple was responsible for renovating the neglected two-story building, and as a result, they installed as many European country house features as possible. An antique oak bar, a charming collection of Staffordshire china, comfy chairs, and wide-planked floors offer the first impression that they succeeded. The intimacy of an authentic carriage house extends to the three dining spaces. The first floor Willow Room, named for the collection of antique blue-and-white china, seats 20 guests. The two second floor rooms, the largest, Mandalay, and the more intimate, Hunt Room, together seat 50, a feature that makes the venue so popular for private events, Afternoon Tea, and High Tea, one of the very few places in Manhattan to offer this more substantial meal.
Though the two are often used interchangeably, Afternoon Tea (both classic and vegetarian) and High Tea are two very different experiences. At Kings’ Carriage House, the classic tea ($29.95) comes with the requisite sandwiches: among them, pinwheels of oak-smoked salmon, sesame chicken salad, goat cheese tartlets with mango and tomato. Vegetarian choices include saffron hummus with spiced carrot, poached pear, and Roquefort butter. Scones with butter and jam and sweets, such as baby poppyseed cakes, baby chocolate pistachio tea cakes, and lemon squares follow.
For High Tea ($39.95), add an entrée, such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and potato cake, a cup of soup with baby truffled grilled cheese sandwiches, or seared salmon fillet with pistachio crust and mango-papaya salsa. A glass of Brut Rosé or Prosecco can be added to any of the teas ($10).
Another delightful option for visitors is to order an “Afternoon Tea Box to Go” ($29.95), perhaps to enjoy at a picnic in nearby Central Park, while on a carriage ride through the park, or before a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street) or the Guggenheim Museum (Fifth Avenue at 89th).
Overall, this intimate carriage house setting brings exceptional charm and elegance to the tea experience in New York. Gilded paintings, crystal chandeliers, and antique furnishings collected from all over the world are all part of the atmosphere. Expert staff add to the experience. Dinner is also served Friday and Saturday—with one restaurant reviewer calling the cooking “royally good.”
Kings’ Carriage House serves afternoon and high teas Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested.
