Lady Rose’s Edwardian Tearoom
Free School Lane • Lincoln LN2 1EY
01522 524803 • ladyroses.co.uk
Lady Rose’s must be added to the wish list of all fans of Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs. As the front door closes behind you, you find yourself in a drawing room from the early 20th century when wealthy aristocrats employed maids dressed in spotless black-and-white uniforms and a butler who was always close at hand to offer assistance and advice and who maintained at all times a rather haughty and sober demeanor. This was a time when genteel afternoons were never quite complete without afternoon tea served in the drawing room. And here at Lady Rose’s, the tables are set for an elegant afternoon tea, and Lady Rose’s maid (Mrs. Gearing) is dressed in a black-and-white uniform and stands ready to welcome guests. Her Ladyship’s butler (Mr. Gearing, who also bakes all the delicious cakes) waits ready to bring forth from the pantry a tempting array of sandwiches, scones, and cakes, exactly as Edwardian visitors would have expected. Lady Rose is sadly not at home but is enjoying her continuing travels in the Orient and sends letters home from time to time to report that she has received news of many successful social gatherings in her drawing room while she is away.
With Mr. and Mrs. Gearing’s past work as historical costumiers and re-enactors, the room is decorated in perfect Edwardian style. Aspidistras flourish in large planters, an old gramophone with its huge trumpet speaker plays moody tangos, tables are covered with lace cloths, cabinets display all manner of early 20th-century objects, and on the counter and the shelves behind it stands an impressive collection of silver teapots, hot water jugs, milk jugs, sugar basins, cake stands, toast racks, coronation mugs, and any number of original table wares. Even the telephone is an Edwardian original.
