A beautifully decorated spot for tea or a small celebration. Exceptional service and delicious tea and food. Able to accommodate food allergies.
D Howa
Loved our gluten free options. Service was friendly but very slow - we waited a long time for the server to come back to the table so we could ask for salad forks. It was very cold inside.Dietary restrictions: Option for gluten free items
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Royal Tea Delight
Katy H.
The food, tea and service here is amazing! I love Main Street in Sykesville and as others have said, the tea room was warm and cozy. I loved the relaxing background music...I felt like I was enjoying a tea service at a spa. We chose the Royal Tea and started with the very extensive tea menu. We were served a small appetizer followed by a fresh soup with salad, the next course included scones and clotted cream and then fresh fruit. While the portions were small, there were so many courses that we were starting to get pretty full when our server brought out a beautiful 3-tier presentation of tea sandwiches and various treats. We actually wound up needing to bring some home! Everything was delicious and we never felt rushed in the slightest. I love supporting local businesses and it's even better when that local business turns out to be this outstanding! I will definitely be back.
Renee Wendel
Ordered the light afternoon tea. Cost $35 dollars including tip for one person. The waitress was nice and my company was good. But......cost ,$35 with tip. Food ok, not worth the cost. Got a scone, half a cucumber sandwich, one teaspoon of chicken salad on a ginger snap, one 1 inch puff with cheese, one 2 inch puff with ham and cheese, one half slice of orange with a half of a strawberry and 3 sweets - which were all miniatures. I enjoyed mu friends company but definitely wouldn't go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Dorothy Hinds Nelson
Had our annual teaparty gathering at Kate Pearl tearoom, formerly Sweet Simplici Tea. Our reservation was made over the phone and in-person.We discussed the time allotted, the fact that we may be a bit noisy because of the white elephant game played, and also discussed the number of guests in our large party. Clearly there are communication issues between staff because we were told this would be no issue at the time of discussion.The 1st thing that was disappointing was the seating arrangement, we were seated all over the room apart from each other.Secondly, while we were playing the game, we were told by one of the servers that we should keep quiet, even though we were scattered all-over the room.Thirdly, one of the servers told one of our tables that they will need the table soon at 2 :30 even though we were given until 3 o'clockThe final thing that happened, one of the customers, who was not a part of our group, stood up, came over to us and told us to be quiet.That was it for me. I told my group we are finished and we should go.I believe they were still serving us.I paid our bill and left.At no time did a manager come out and speak to us or offer any solution to the situation. We set our expectations and verified that this would not be an issue. We were completely caught off guard with the lack of care to us as just even general customers.I was hoping we could build a relationship with the new owners as we did with the previous one, however, this is no longer possible. I've come here for 10 years at least and it's so disappointing to say that we will not be going back.
Recommended dishes: Scones
Theresa Speights
Disclaimer:The Kate Pearl Tea Room formally owned by Robyn and named "Sweet Simplici-Tea."The wonderful reviews you see on here are adopted from all the hard work of former owner Robyn who was absolutely our dearest friend and we truly will miss her kindness.Overall experience:Will not return and would not recommend!Service & Experience:The service was less than subpar. We have been valuable customers of the previous Ownership for many years and have made this our traditional place we host our annual Tea Party for the "Habiscus Tea Club."This club is comprised of generations of women whom we take part in celebrating our traditional Tea party as we would normally do like back home in Jamaica. For many of us we travel from all over the world for this meet up every year. Traditionally we come together on Good Friday. We have had very successful events here and made this little tea shop very popular as many people see us come dressed for the occasion every year. We have always been welcome and usually have the location automatically booked by previous Ownership. To our surprise our dear friend sold her business and we were not informed which we totally understand her moving on. However, after informing the new owner of our yearly event we were welcomed back!We enjoy an elephant gift exchange which the manager said it was okay. We had a party of 24 guests and not informed that we would be separated in 6 different tables all over the dining area which made communication very different than past years.At the conclusion of our event, most of us left 30 minutes early due to the slow service and unwelcome attitude by staff. Also I was later informed that a woman whom I initially thought was perhaps worked there in the kitchen who sat by herself for over 20 minutes. My assumption she worked there was because of how she was dressed in combat boots, oversized white shirt and black cargo pants. I only assumed this because my brother attended culinary school and usually they dress like this for the back kitchen. I was later informed this was in fact a patron and she approached one of the elders and stated "she wasn't a part of the tea party. " Her hostility and the way she looked seemed off. Again this was not the experience we are accustomed to receiving. Most of us kept receiving bad looks by staff and the mangers and decided we were leaving.When my mother exited outside she informed me that one of the staff members held the door and didn't say thank you, but in fact her mannerism expressed showed she wanted us to leave. She didn't say a word! In disbelief I thought perhaps my mother just felt a way and not thinking they would be this bold, rude, and disrespectful. However, after reading the rebuttal from a review of one the other guests in attendance from the manager, she stated that we were asked to leave. This is not true at all and was a lie! We were never asked to leave and in fact we left early on our own.This confirmed to me and every woman in our club that this appeared to be racial. All of the women come from generations of educators, doctors, lawyer, nurses, and scientists. We are not a wild party people as if we cannot behave. We are highly educated individuals and just wanted to drink tea in celebration of Good Friday.Not only is this concerning that the Manager felt so comfortable in her response to say that they asked us to leave, but she felt comfortable to say: "she understood if we didn't return."If this happened to me I wouldn't pursue any further action, however, you not only disrespected my mother but the elder women of our community. This is shameful and I really pray that you think about a response and the way that you treat people. You can't buy customers nor can you purchase great customer service.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Shari Holiness
My Aunt has organized a yearly event at this establishment for years which has always been a success with the previous owners. We decided to continue the tradition with the new owners and unfortunately it wasn’t the same results. We were told we couldn’t rent the room out which was different for us but we still decided to go thinking we would still enjoy. When we got there, our tables were scattered everywhere which was weird because we would at least think we would be sitting together as a group being that the establishment knew that we were coming as a group. Since we were so far apart, We had no choice but to socialize across the room. As we were still trying to make the best of everything, we were told that we were to loud. This immediately made us feel very uncomfortable and not wanted. Then we were told the different options of the Tea but we had to keep asking what each tea was because they weren’t label. These are women are 60 years old and older. This is something they look forward to every year and it was ruined. Not to mention, it was my Aunt’s birthday. I will not be returning and They are lucky I gave them 1 star because if I could it would be 0
Rashida McDonald
My mom's girlfriends have been doing a tea party every Good Friday for the last 8-9 years and this is the first time under the new ownership that the tradition was a total bust. The new owner and staff were inattentive, slow to serve and replenish teas, food items served were dry. Yes, the group of 27 was loud but that is why the requested the entire room. They placed all of us at different tables rather joining the tables together as has been done in the past. We all felt uncomfortable in this establishment and we got pushed out. Needless to say we Will Not be returning. There are too many nicer establishments to go to for tea parties with plenty more options. Choose the establishment wisely so that they meet your needs and experience expectations and not one that treats it's patrons like trash.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Rashida M.
I posted a review on this establishment yesterday on Google about the inattentiveness of the owner and staff, slowness to replenish teas, food was dry and filling portions are smaller than other area tea party locations. My Mom and her friends have been hosting a tea party every year at this establishment for the last nine years. The business was bought and this experience was much different than with the prior owners. I am placing a review on Yelp as well because the owner responded to my post but left me no option to respond back. You can see my response and the owner response below. I could rebuttal the argument here but I won't waster my energy or your time reading. But you can see the owner doesn't even attempt to make anything right with the group of women or the group organizer as she notes they did hold the door open to push us out. Bottom line is I love patronizing quality establishments that allow vibrant experiences. I have been to many tea party venues within Maryland, DC, and Virginia. If you want to have a great afternoon tea experience, feel free to connect as I can recommend several top notch places within your area.
Review Kate Pearl Tea This is a business where the previous Simplici-Tea store is located. Our group of 8 had agreed to have our original time moved in order for them to accommodate a larger party scheduled at the same time. Knowing there were larger groups coming that day, we had hoped the tea service would have been prepared for all of us who had reservations that day, unfortunately that did not happen. We saw one wait staff person responsible for the whole room of customers and she did the best she could. There is a wide selection of a variety of teas and these were served hot and wrapped in their cute tea cozies. The tea room had some nice decor and beautiful chandeliers, the table settings and tea ware were very attractive. However, sounds of conversations were not well dampened so I would suggest going as a smaller group which could provide an easier flow for conversation. Their freshly made white chocolate and cranberry scones were served nice and warm and were delicious. The sweet and savories presented tasted well enough but nothing out of the extraordinary. I am always happy to root for a locally owned business but I hope management understands that their staff also need to be supported so service does not suffer. There was a person behind the register who spent most of the time folding napkins but if she could have been cross trained to help out the lone server perhaps things would have gone more smoothly? There was a table that had two little girls enjoying tea with their adult companions. They seemed to enjoy what they had, so I do have to give them kudos for providing a venue where a new generation can be introduced to a lovely time honored tradition.
Kristen Johnson
We had a lovely time! The food was absolutely beautifully presented and delicious!!! Definitely go hungry -- you will be full!!! The service was impeccable and the experience is a treasure!!! Highly recommend!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Afternoon Tea, Royal Tea Delight, Scones
Mike B.
Great place for afternoon tea and snacks with some friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Macarons, Afternoon Tea
Lauren Martin
Absolutely adorable tea room and a delightful
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bianca Chang
The main seating area is quiet but with limited seats. The decoration could be more festive. Some saucers are chipped and not matched. If the soup served is warmer, it might taste better. The sandwiches are so plain, and the bread is chewy. There could be more varieties of cookies or their homemade specialty instead of open box types of cookies.The tea served with wide varieties. Yet, without assistance, it's challenging to pick one suits the mysterious cookies. It's a new experience but I would rather try something else next time.There are limited parking spots.
A beautifully decorated spot for tea or a small celebration. Exceptional service and delicious tea and food. Able to accommodate food allergies.
Loved our gluten free options. Service was friendly but very slow - we waited a long time for the server to come back to the table so we could ask for salad forks. It was very cold inside.Dietary restrictions: Option for gluten free items
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Royal Tea Delight
The food, tea and service here is amazing! I love Main Street in Sykesville and as others have said, the tea room was warm and cozy. I loved the relaxing background music...I felt like I was enjoying a tea service at a spa. We chose the Royal Tea and started with the very extensive tea menu. We were served a small appetizer followed by a fresh soup with salad, the next course included scones and clotted cream and then fresh fruit. While the portions were small, there were so many courses that we were starting to get pretty full when our server brought out a beautiful 3-tier presentation of tea sandwiches and various treats. We actually wound up needing to bring some home! Everything was delicious and we never felt rushed in the slightest. I love supporting local businesses and it's even better when that local business turns out to be this outstanding! I will definitely be back.
Ordered the light afternoon tea. Cost $35 dollars including tip for one person. The waitress was nice and my company was good. But......cost ,$35 with tip. Food ok, not worth the cost. Got a scone, half a cucumber sandwich, one teaspoon of chicken salad on a ginger snap, one 1 inch puff with cheese, one 2 inch puff with ham and cheese, one half slice of orange with a half of a strawberry and 3 sweets - which were all miniatures. I enjoyed mu friends company but definitely wouldn't go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Had our annual teaparty gathering at Kate Pearl tearoom, formerly Sweet Simplici Tea. Our reservation was made over the phone and in-person.We discussed the time allotted, the fact that we may be a bit noisy because of the white elephant game played, and also discussed the number of guests in our large party. Clearly there are communication issues between staff because we were told this would be no issue at the time of discussion.The 1st thing that was disappointing was the seating arrangement, we were seated all over the room apart from each other.Secondly, while we were playing the game, we were told by one of the servers that we should keep quiet, even though we were scattered all-over the room.Thirdly, one of the servers told one of our tables that they will need the table soon at 2 :30 even though we were given until 3 o'clockThe final thing that happened, one of the customers, who was not a part of our group, stood up, came over to us and told us to be quiet.That was it for me. I told my group we are finished and we should go.I believe they were still serving us.I paid our bill and left.At no time did a manager come out and speak to us or offer any solution to the situation. We set our expectations and verified that this would not be an issue. We were completely caught off guard with the lack of care to us as just even general customers.I was hoping we could build a relationship with the new owners as we did with the previous one, however, this is no longer possible. I've come here for 10 years at least and it's so disappointing to say that we will not be going back.
Recommended dishes: Scones
Disclaimer:The Kate Pearl Tea Room formally owned by Robyn and named "Sweet Simplici-Tea."The wonderful reviews you see on here are adopted from all the hard work of former owner Robyn who was absolutely our dearest friend and we truly will miss her kindness.Overall experience:Will not return and would not recommend!Service & Experience:The service was less than subpar. We have been valuable customers of the previous Ownership for many years and have made this our traditional place we host our annual Tea Party for the "Habiscus Tea Club."This club is comprised of generations of women whom we take part in celebrating our traditional Tea party as we would normally do like back home in Jamaica. For many of us we travel from all over the world for this meet up every year. Traditionally we come together on Good Friday. We have had very successful events here and made this little tea shop very popular as many people see us come dressed for the occasion every year. We have always been welcome and usually have the location automatically booked by previous Ownership. To our surprise our dear friend sold her business and we were not informed which we totally understand her moving on. However, after informing the new owner of our yearly event we were welcomed back!We enjoy an elephant gift exchange which the manager said it was okay. We had a party of 24 guests and not informed that we would be separated in 6 different tables all over the dining area which made communication very different than past years.At the conclusion of our event, most of us left 30 minutes early due to the slow service and unwelcome attitude by staff. Also I was later informed that a woman whom I initially thought was perhaps worked there in the kitchen who sat by herself for over 20 minutes. My assumption she worked there was because of how she was dressed in combat boots, oversized white shirt and black cargo pants. I only assumed this because my brother attended culinary school and usually they dress like this for the back kitchen. I was later informed this was in fact a patron and she approached one of the elders and stated "she wasn't a part of the tea party. " Her hostility and the way she looked seemed off. Again this was not the experience we are accustomed to receiving. Most of us kept receiving bad looks by staff and the mangers and decided we were leaving.When my mother exited outside she informed me that one of the staff members held the door and didn't say thank you, but in fact her mannerism expressed showed she wanted us to leave. She didn't say a word! In disbelief I thought perhaps my mother just felt a way and not thinking they would be this bold, rude, and disrespectful. However, after reading the rebuttal from a review of one the other guests in attendance from the manager, she stated that we were asked to leave. This is not true at all and was a lie! We were never asked to leave and in fact we left early on our own.This confirmed to me and every woman in our club that this appeared to be racial. All of the women come from generations of educators, doctors, lawyer, nurses, and scientists. We are not a wild party people as if we cannot behave. We are highly educated individuals and just wanted to drink tea in celebration of Good Friday.Not only is this concerning that the Manager felt so comfortable in her response to say that they asked us to leave, but she felt comfortable to say: "she understood if we didn't return."If this happened to me I wouldn't pursue any further action, however, you not only disrespected my mother but the elder women of our community. This is shameful and I really pray that you think about a response and the way that you treat people. You can't buy customers nor can you purchase great customer service.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
My Aunt has organized a yearly event at this establishment for years which has always been a success with the previous owners. We decided to continue the tradition with the new owners and unfortunately it wasn’t the same results. We were told we couldn’t rent the room out which was different for us but we still decided to go thinking we would still enjoy. When we got there, our tables were scattered everywhere which was weird because we would at least think we would be sitting together as a group being that the establishment knew that we were coming as a group. Since we were so far apart, We had no choice but to socialize across the room. As we were still trying to make the best of everything, we were told that we were to loud. This immediately made us feel very uncomfortable and not wanted. Then we were told the different options of the Tea but we had to keep asking what each tea was because they weren’t label. These are women are 60 years old and older. This is something they look forward to every year and it was ruined. Not to mention, it was my Aunt’s birthday. I will not be returning and They are lucky I gave them 1 star because if I could it would be 0
My mom's girlfriends have been doing a tea party every Good Friday for the last 8-9 years and this is the first time under the new ownership that the tradition was a total bust. The new owner and staff were inattentive, slow to serve and replenish teas, food items served were dry. Yes, the group of 27 was loud but that is why the requested the entire room. They placed all of us at different tables rather joining the tables together as has been done in the past. We all felt uncomfortable in this establishment and we got pushed out. Needless to say we Will Not be returning. There are too many nicer establishments to go to for tea parties with plenty more options. Choose the establishment wisely so that they meet your needs and experience expectations and not one that treats it's patrons like trash.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I posted a review on this establishment yesterday on Google about the inattentiveness of the owner and staff, slowness to replenish teas, food was dry and filling portions are smaller than other area tea party locations. My Mom and her friends have been hosting a tea party every year at this establishment for the last nine years. The business was bought and this experience was much different than with the prior owners. I am placing a review on Yelp as well because the owner responded to my post but left me no option to respond back. You can see my response and the owner response below. I could rebuttal the argument here but I won't waster my energy or your time reading. But you can see the owner doesn't even attempt to make anything right with the group of women or the group organizer as she notes they did hold the door open to push us out. Bottom line is I love patronizing quality establishments that allow vibrant experiences. I have been to many tea party venues within Maryland, DC, and Virginia. If you want to have a great afternoon tea experience, feel free to connect as I can recommend several top notch places within your area.
Lovely tea experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Royal Tea Delight, Scones
Restaurantji Recommends
Review Kate Pearl Tea This is a business where the previous Simplici-Tea store is located. Our group of 8 had agreed to have our original time moved in order for them to accommodate a larger party scheduled at the same time. Knowing there were larger groups coming that day, we had hoped the tea service would have been prepared for all of us who had reservations that day, unfortunately that did not happen. We saw one wait staff person responsible for the whole room of customers and she did the best she could. There is a wide selection of a variety of teas and these were served hot and wrapped in their cute tea cozies. The tea room had some nice decor and beautiful chandeliers, the table settings and tea ware were very attractive. However, sounds of conversations were not well dampened so I would suggest going as a smaller group which could provide an easier flow for conversation. Their freshly made white chocolate and cranberry scones were served nice and warm and were delicious. The sweet and savories presented tasted well enough but nothing out of the extraordinary. I am always happy to root for a locally owned business but I hope management understands that their staff also need to be supported so service does not suffer. There was a person behind the register who spent most of the time folding napkins but if she could have been cross trained to help out the lone server perhaps things would have gone more smoothly? There was a table that had two little girls enjoying tea with their adult companions. They seemed to enjoy what they had, so I do have to give them kudos for providing a venue where a new generation can be introduced to a lovely time honored tradition.
We had a lovely time! The food was absolutely beautifully presented and delicious!!! Definitely go hungry -- you will be full!!! The service was impeccable and the experience is a treasure!!! Highly recommend!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Afternoon Tea, Royal Tea Delight, Scones
Great place for afternoon tea and snacks with some friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Macarons, Afternoon Tea
Absolutely adorable tea room and a delightful
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The main seating area is quiet but with limited seats. The decoration could be more festive. Some saucers are chipped and not matched. If the soup served is warmer, it might taste better. The sandwiches are so plain, and the bread is chewy. There could be more varieties of cookies or their homemade specialty instead of open box types of cookies.The tea served with wide varieties. Yet, without assistance, it's challenging to pick one suits the mysterious cookies. It's a new experience but I would rather try something else next time.There are limited parking spots.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Afternoon Tea