London Tea Room brings teatime to Morganford

As a devoted city resident, Im never happier than when good things happen to good neighborhoods particularly mine.

So when a near-archaeological renovation of a beyond-unsightly corner storefront on Morganford Road revealed gorgeous gold brick and a painted Hyde Park Beer sign, Im sure I wasnt the only Tower Grove South resident who saw a cozy new tavern in my future.

But my visions of pints were quickly replaced by something even better: the chance for a spot of tea at the London Tea Room, recently relocated from Washington Avenue downtown.

With a hip interior boasting dark wood beams, exposed brick, sleek marble tabletops and huge windows that frame a gorgeous streetscape, London Tea Room is decidedly not just for dates with Grandma.

Tea house blends, many varieties, typically organic is obviously the thing here, and at $4 for a generously sized white porcelain pot, its also a bargain disguised as a luxury. Try the Irish breakfast tea, so bracing you wont miss your coffee, or lavender Earl Grey, a fragrant twist on the bergamot-infused classic.

Get over the fact that most savory English pastries are, at best, a 3 on the looks scale, and devour a steaming, spicy sausage roll ($4.95); a piquant cheese and onion pasty dripping with melting cheddar ($6.25); or a buttery, pillowy croissant hiding a fried egg and minced bacon inside ($3.45).

Significantly more gorgeous and a cant-miss is the blueberry scone, top-hat tall, golden-crusted with a tender crumb and unbelievably decadent when slathered with rich Devonshire cream and thick, fruit-forward strawberry jam.

And while you linger over your tea, make sure to savor a slice of chocolate olive oil cake, a gluten- and dairy-free marvel that had me wishing for more the moment it was gone and glad that London Tea Room is now a mere block away.

Where London Tea Room, 3128 Morganford Road More info 314-241-6556; thelondontearoom.com Hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

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London Tea Room brings teatime to Morganford