The Dish on Dishington's: Lovely Tea Room in London, Ontario

Gathering for tea with "good family" at Dishington's

 

There's a  delightful tea room in London that Detroiters can drive to:   Dishington's

Of course, we're referring to London, Ontario. :)

You'll need an enhanced driver's license or a passport, but with just a short two-hour drive from southeastern Michigan,  you can have afternoon tea in another country. Dishington's is located in the Lambeth neighborhood of London and its unassuming, grey brick exterior belies the treasure of tea time treats you'll find inside.

Dishington's is located in the Lambeth neighborhood of London, Ontario

Once past the front foyer, the dining room displays a charming  balance of cheery elegance. The dark wainscoting is offset by white walls decorated with bright sconces and decorative posters. Rich-hued flower tablecloths provide a welcoming backdrop to the assorted china and tea fare.

Dishington's interior a charming balance of cheery elegance.

Dishington's began in 1981, the creation of Myrna Taylor, after she returned to Lambeth from a trip to England. Equipped with Wedgwood china and a mission, according to the tea room's website,  to have a gathering place "for people to enjoy life and celebrate good friends, good family and good food".

In 2008, Tami and Richard DeJonge purchased Dishington's and have been carrying on the tradition that Ms. Taylor started thirty years ago.

Joined by our good family (husband, Chris, my brother, Ed and his wife, Sandy) , we visited Dishington's the first week in October as part of our annual color tour of northern Michigan (and more!). This year, we drove up to Sault St. Marie and took the bridge to Manitoulin Island. From there, we ferried to Tobermory and then traveled to Stratford, taking in the "Merry Wives of Windsor" before our last stop in London.  (This is not the direct route, however, which would really only take two hours from Detroit!).

On the ferry to Tobermory

Many ways to get to Dishington's!

Dishington's was the perfect place to visit as our four-day excursion was concluding. We started our relaxing repast with a  pot of finely brewed tea, and then we dined on delicious soups, scones, sandwiches and  cake - all made on-site.

Delicious scones serve with Devonshire cream and strawberry rhubarb jam.

The scones were excellent and the fresh Devonshire cream and strawberry rhubarb jam that accompanied them were equally  scrumptious.  In addition to the tea and scones, our table ordered one of the turkey sandwiches with cranberry mayo and havarti cheese and  the squash soup - all nicely presented and very tasty.

A sign for dessert!

And, literally looking for a sign as to what to order for dessert, we saw a poster on one of the tea room walls that declares, "vegetables are a must. . . may we suggest the carrot cake".  Yes, you may and we did. An excellent choice.

Scrumptious carrot cake.

No matter how you get to Dishington's - plane, train, car or ferry - it's a great spot for afternoon tea.

And, that's the dish on Dishington's!

 

Afternoon tea (and more!) in Washington DC: A Capital idea!

Mrs. Gulley goes to Washington: a capital idea!

Mrs. Gulley goes to Washington. . . for afternoon tea and more!

Last month, my husband, Chris, and I visited our nation's capital - the first time for both of us since we were kids - and, after an incredible four-day tour of DC that included stops at the White House, the Capitol, Library of Congress and the Willard Hotel, we're already planning a return trip with the family in the Spring.

At the south wing of the Capitol.

Having a special connection, we were able to get a private tour of the Capitol and Library of Congress, both exceedingly impressive and, as one would imagine, filled with history. At the former, we walked passed the House Chamber in the south wing (where a vote was soon taking place!) and had a photo op in front of  one of Michigan's famous politicians, Lewis Cass (every state is represented by a statue of a renowned leader). Cass was  our state's second governor, a senator and secretary of state (and namesake for my husband's high school!).

Chris (a grad of Cass Tech) standing in front of Lewis Cass

A highlight (although it was all a highlight!) of our visit to the Library of Congress was a viewing of Thomas Jefferson's book collection. Amazing to stand in front of the books used by the third President of the United States.

And, to continue our connection with this national treasure, Chris and I secured two library cards (which we may use next Spring!).

Next up, a visit to the White House and all the colorful public rooms that we're familiar with: the Green Room, the Blue Room and the Red Room. I am particularly fond of dining rooms and, after seeing many palaces and Aristocratic homes of the rich and famous, the State Dining room was refreshing in its traditional, but not ostentatious, furnishings. 

The State Dining Room was once Thomas Jefferson's office, but it  turned into its current incarnation in 1809. With the help of a series of round tables, it can seat up to 140 guests for formal events. 

Of course, no trip to Washington D.C. is complete without afternoon tea! We made reservations as the Willard Hotel. Built in 1840 on Pennsylvania Avenue, it's a stone's throw from the White House and the National Mall. Its lobby is expansive and opulently decorated - the utmost in luxury. We learned, over a delightful pot of Earl Grey and delicious afternoon tea fare, that this hotel was a magnet for politicians and influencers and in the Willard's elaborate environs, the term  "lobbyist" was coined. (More on the Willard's afternoon tea in a future blog!)

Afternoon tea at the Willard Hotel with a famous foyer!

A capital idea to visit Washington D.C., indeed. Stay tuned for a future blog story on the Willard Hotel afternoon tea and another trip to our nation's capital in 2020. It won't require an act of congress to make it happen, but even so, we know someone who would approve it!

In front of the White House. Mrs. and Mr. Gulley went to Washington and had an awesome time!