Finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and clotted cream. This Oregon tea room serves the kind of British spread that makes you feel like you have stepped into a Jane Austen novel. It is a proper afternoon escape, complete with delicate china and the soft clink of teacups.
The tea menu is extensive, from classic Earl Grey to rare blends imported directly from the UK. The scones arrive warm and crumbly, served with strawberry jam and thick, rich clotted cream that is almost impossible to resist.
The service is gracious, the atmosphere is cozy, and every detail feels carefully considered.
Oregon may be a long way from England, but this spot proves that a proper tea is timeless. It is the perfect place to slow down, savor each bite, and forget about the outside world for a while.
Fresh Scones With Clotted Cream and Jam
Honestly, the scones alone are worth the drive to Florence. They come out warm, with a golden crust and a soft, tender center that holds up beautifully against a generous spread of clotted cream and jam.
Clotted cream is one of those things that sounds simple but is surprisingly hard to find done right outside of Britain. At Lovejoy’s, it is the real deal, thick, rich, and just slightly sweet.
The lemon curd option is a nice touch too, adding a bright, citrusy contrast to the richness of the cream. Regulars rave about the currant scone in particular, and I completely understand why.
There is a certain joy in splitting a warm scone at a table with white linens while a proper cup of tea steams beside you. It is a simple pleasure, but Lovejoy’s elevates it into something genuinely memorable. Every bite feels intentional and made with real care.
The Impressive Loose Leaf Tea Selection
The tea wall at Lovejoy’s is a sight on its own. Rows of premium loose leaf teas line the shelves, offering a variety that ranges from classic English Breakfast to floral blends like Rose Congou that genuinely surprise first-timers.
Loose leaf tea served in traditional teapots just hits differently. The flavor is fuller, the experience feels more intentional, and you actually slow down to enjoy it rather than dunking a bag and moving on.
Guests can also purchase their favorite teas to take home, which makes for a lovely little souvenir. I picked up a small bag of Paris tea after my visit and it instantly brought me back to that afternoon.
The staff is knowledgeable and patient when helping you choose. Whether you are a seasoned tea drinker or someone who usually sticks to coffee, there is something on that list that will click for you. The variety is genuinely impressive for a small coastal town tearoom.
Lovejoy’s Salmon Bisque, A Standout Dish
Not everything at Lovejoy’s is sweet, and the salmon bisque is proof that this kitchen can do savory just as beautifully. Rich, naturally flavorful, and deeply satisfying, it has become one of the most talked-about dishes on the menu.
The bisque has a smooth, velvety texture without feeling heavy. It tastes like it was made with real attention to the quality of ingredients, not just a base poured from a carton. Several guests have called it the best bisque they have ever had, and that kind of loyalty says a lot.
It pairs wonderfully with a cup of black tea or even one of the more savory herbal blends. The contrast between the warm, creamy soup and a clean, slightly astringent tea is genuinely satisfying.
On cold, foggy Oregon coast days, which are plentiful, this bisque feels like exactly what you need. It is comfort food done with skill, and it keeps people coming back to Lovejoy’s even between special occasions.
The Macarons and Sweet Treats Worth Saving Room For
By the time the dessert portion of a Lovejoy’s visit arrives, most people are already pretty happy with life. Then the macarons show up and everything gets even better.
The texture is spot on, slightly crisp on the outside and chewy within, with fillings that are bold enough to actually taste like something. These are not decorative macarons. They are made to be eaten and enjoyed with full enthusiasm.
Beyond macarons, the display case holds tarts, pastries, and seasonal treats that rotate with what is fresh and available. The sticky toffee pudding cake has earned its own devoted following, with guests returning specifically for another slice.
Owner Tess has been known to pull up a chair and share a new flavor directly from the case with guests she recognizes. That kind of personal touch makes the sweets taste even better somehow.
Saving room for dessert here is not optional, it is genuinely part of the whole experience and well worth the extra stretch.
The Charming Old Town Florence Location
The location of Lovejoy’s adds a whole extra layer to the visit. Sitting right in Old Town Florence, it is surrounded by local shops, waterfront views, and the kind of relaxed coastal energy that makes you want to slow everything down.
Old Town Florence has a genuine charm to it. The streets are walkable, the buildings have character, and there is always something interesting just around the corner.
Arriving at Lovejoy’s after a morning stroll along the waterfront feels like a natural reward. You settle in, order your tea, and let the day find its own pace without any pressure to rush off somewhere.
The neighborhood is also easy to explore before or after your visit. Plenty of small boutiques and galleries sit nearby, making it simple to turn a tea reservation into a full afternoon out. Parking nearby is generally manageable for a coastal town.
The British High Tea Experience at Lovejoy’s
There is something almost theatrical about sitting down for high tea at Lovejoy’s. The full experience arrives in courses, with tiered stands, delicate china, and a sense of ceremony that you just do not find at your average coastal cafe.
The setup is thoughtfully arranged. Finger sandwiches come first, followed by warm scones, and then sweet treats that make it genuinely hard to pace yourself. It feels indulgent in the best possible way.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you want the full high tea service. Plan to stay at least two hours, because rushing through this would honestly be a shame.
The staff knows the menu well and will happily walk you through the tea options. It is the kind of slow, savored meal that feels like a mini vacation all on its own. Lovejoy’s has made authentic British tea culture accessible on the Oregon coast, and that is no small thing.
The Warm and Welcoming Owner Tess
A place takes on the personality of the person running it, and at Lovejoy’s, that is very much a good thing. Tess, the owner, brings an energy to the space that is hard to describe but immediately easy to feel.
She moves through the tearoom like someone who genuinely loves what she does. Stopping to chat, sharing a new tea flavor, pulling up a chair for a moment with returning guests, it feels natural rather than performative.
Guests who have been before often mention how Tess remembered them, their preferences, or something specific from a previous visit. That kind of attentiveness is rare and it makes the whole experience feel personal rather than transactional.
She has also shown a real commitment to the Florence community, hosting events and creating a space that feels inclusive and welcoming to all kinds of visitors. The warmth here does not come from the decor alone. It comes from the person who built it and keeps showing up for it every single day.
British-Inspired Savory Menu Items
Lovejoy’s is not just about the sweets. The savory side of the menu holds its own with dishes that pull from classic British and coastal Pacific Northwest traditions in a way that feels cohesive and genuinely tasty.
The chicken pasty is a standout, a golden pastry filled with savory chicken that has the kind of satisfying heft you want after a morning exploring the coast. Bangers and mash also show up on the menu with a richness that earns every bite.
The clam chowder deserves its own mention. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, it is the kind of chowder that competes seriously with anything else you will find in the area. Coastal Oregon and clam chowder are practically a love story, and Lovejoy’s version is a highlight.
Everything is made fresh and in-house, which you can taste in every dish. There are no shortcuts here. The kitchen clearly takes pride in the quality, and that consistency is a big part of why guests keep returning and recommending it to friends.
The Decor and Atmosphere Inside Lovejoy’s
The inside of Lovejoy’s feels like someone built a love letter to British tearoom culture and then placed it gently on the Oregon coast. Every detail has been considered, from the white tablecloths to the vintage decor pieces that line the walls and shelves.
It is cozy without being cluttered. Elegant without being stuffy. The kind of place where you immediately relax your shoulders and settle in.
Authentic English decorations give the space a layered, lived-in quality that does not feel like a theme park version of Britain. It feels like someone who genuinely loves that culture put it together with real affection.
There is also a gift shop area where you can browse branded accessories, loose teas, and other goodies to bring home. Guests often linger there after their meal, picking up a small reminder of the afternoon.
The overall atmosphere is one of the most commonly praised aspects of a visit, and honestly, once you are inside, it is very easy to understand why people stay the full two hours.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Lovejoy’s
A visit to Lovejoy’s rewards a little bit of planning. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends or if you are coming in a group or for a special occasion. They fill up, and for good reason.
The tearoom is open mornings through early afternoon, generally from 10 AM on most days, closing in the mid-afternoon. It is a perfect anchor for a late morning or early afternoon outing along the coast.
If you have mobility needs or special requirements, calling ahead is genuinely worthwhile. The staff has shown real thoughtfulness in accommodating guests, and a quick heads-up makes the experience smoother for everyone.
Dress up a little if you feel like it, but do not stress if you show up in casual clothes. The vibe is welcoming regardless of what you are wearing. Budget at least two hours so you are not rushing through courses.
Address: 195 Nopal St, Florence, OR 97439.
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