Hello all. We are trying to decide between the Pump Room or the Regency tea room at the Jane Austen Center? RS doesn't exactly give great reviews to the Jane Austen center but says The tearoom is excellent
We have a few in our party who are big Austen fans and will go there regardless. We will have to choose which place to have an afternoon tea.
Any thoughts?
Many thanks
I had tea at the Pump Room over Thanksgiving week and loved it, the setting is delightful with all the Christmas decorations and lights. At other times of year, I think the Pump Room would still be a special place for tea. It is large and seats a lot of people and has live piano music; even with that, it is not overly noisy. The food and tea are delicious, too.
Also, had tea at the Jane Austen center on Thanksgiving day and enjoyed that, too. We are Jane Austen fans. I would say do both if you have time - we did as we had 2 days in Bath. The Jane Austen center is quite small as another point of comparison.
Judy B
Sally Lunn's may offer a tea, but I haven't been to Bath in a decade to know for certain.
Not familiar with The Regency tea room at the Jane Austen Center, but we had a lovely tea at The Pump Room and would do it again. It was really quite nice and not touristy at all even though many there were tourist.
I had tea at the Jane Austen center and it was very nice. As mentioned, it is smaller - perhaps 8-10 tables. The Pump Room looks wonderful, but prices are higher. No wrong answers. :)
If you do have tea at the Jane Austen Centre really, don't waste your money on a tour. It doesn't have any of Jane's things but has pictures of writings, clothes, etc. so is pretty disappointing. If those in your group are Jane fans they will probably know more than is presented in the Centre. She never lived in this house altho she might have walked by here on the sidewalk as she lived in nearby Queen Square for a time.
If the Centre is offering walking tours when you are there I do highly recommend them. They are excellent.
You should go in the Pump Room even if you don't have tea there. You can get a free drink of mineral water served over by the far windows overlooking the baths.
If your travel time coincides with the Jane Austen Festival definitely do some of the activities. It was such fun seeing people walk thru the city wearing period costumes.
http://www.janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk/
I'm not one for Tea (vegan so usually can't eat any of the sandwiches or sweets) but for ambiance and being in the room all those Regency novels visit I'd vote for the Pump Room.
You all are the best! Fantastic tips - just what I was looking for:)
Thanks!
Before you decide, check on the Assembly Rooms. The Costume museum there is wonderful and, if I remember rightly, they also do afternoon and/or cream teas.
