On a sizzling summer day, the Beehive Tea Room offers cool respite back in its vintage Willow Room—a little parlor arranged with overstuffed chairs and low tables. The lamplight is soft, the mural on the wall is vague and dreamy and, frankly, the room makes a lovely hideaway. Red Chinese bookshelves, as well as selections of red- and green-covered hardbound books arranged in the small “study,” are like eye candy for writers who are known to hang out in cafes and procrastinate. Teas are, of course, a highlight at Beehive. Loose leaf, properly steeped in individual pots, the Beehive offers a full selection—from a heady chocolate mint to delicate mint verbena. Coffee, chai, hot chocolate, and Italian sodas are also available, not to mention locally-brewed beer—as are indulgent cakes and other goodies brought in from local bakers. You can also reserve space in advance and throw a full-on afternoon tea party complete with scones, Devonshire cream and more. For a real treat though, try the terrific tuna sandwich. It’s a generous serving of chunky albacore tuna salad with Dijon mustard, crisp romaine, a bright slice of tomato and always best on whole-grain bread.
