They might hand you a fancy hat before your first sip of tea. That’s the kind of small, silly delight waiting at one cozy Oregon tea room on the coast.
The scones come in flavors like apricot ginger and cherry, served with cream and jam. The owner is British, and she knows which teas pair best with which treats.
I like how the menu doesn’t stop at sweets. Clam chowder, salmon bisque, pasties, and bangers and mash share the spotlight with tiny macarons and sticky toffee pudding cake.
I can’t imagine a cozier excuse for a drive to the coast. Plan to linger, because nobody here expects you to rush a pot of loose-leaf tea.
So how long has it been since someone poured you a real cuppa?
A Slice Of London Waiting On The Oregon Coast
Lovejoy’s Restaurant & Tea Room sits in Old Town Florence, the waterfront heart of this Oregon coast town. It’s a British-style tea room that also works as a full restaurant, which is a handy combo.
So what exactly happens here? You can book a formal afternoon tea, grab a bowl of chowder for lunch, or just sip a pot of tea with a scone.
The menu leans proudly British. Think pasties, bangers and mash, scones with cream and jam, and a long list of loose-leaf teas.
It also carries a solid reputation. The tea room holds a 4.5-star rating on Google across nearly 400 reviews, which is no small feat for a cozy coastal spot.
Families on a coast road trip will find it easy to work into a day. Old Town keeps shops, the harbor, and other sights within a short stroll.
Picture it less as a quick bite and more as a little event. A scone break here can turn an ordinary Florence stop into the part of the trip everyone remembers.
Not bad for a place built around a teapot.
The British Owner Who Knows Her Teas Inside And Out
Authenticity gets a big boost when the person in charge actually grew up with proper tea. The owner of Lovejoy’s, Tess, is British, and she took over the tea room under new ownership in recent years.
Her tea knowledge is a real asset. She’s known for matching specific teas with the foods that suit them best.
That kind of guidance matters on a long menu. Not everyone knows which brew suits a curry chicken sandwich versus a cherry scone.
Tess has also added her own touches since taking over. New tea flavors and tastes from the pastry case sometimes make their way to tables.
She’s a hands-on owner who works the dining room. That means a personal welcome is part of the package on many visits.
Her heart shows in the community too. Lovejoy’s once ran a free bisque event for neighbors when SNAP benefits were in danger, which says a lot about the spirit behind the counter.
A tea room really reflects the person running it. Here, that person brings a British accent, strong opinions about tea, and a soft spot for her coastal town.
Scones Worth Clearing Your Afternoon For
Apricot ginger. Cherry.
Those are just two of the scone flavors that have shown up in the case at Lovejoy’s.
Scones are easily the most talked-about item here. They come the classic way, with cream and jam on the side for proper spreading.
Now comes the great British debate. Does the cream go on first, or the jam?
Lovejoy’s leaves that fight up to your table.
The scones pair nicely with a pot of black tea. They also work beside an Americano if coffee is more your speed.
Flavors can rotate, so the lineup may look different from visit to visit. That’s part of the fun, since there’s always an excuse to try something new.
Kids tend to understand scones instantly. It’s basically a fancy biscuit with permission to pile on jam, and few young eaters argue with that deal.
A scone and tea also makes a budget-friendly way to sample the place. You get the full tea room mood without committing to the big tiered service.
One bite and the London comparison starts making sense. Warm pastry, a hot pot of tea, and nowhere to be.
That’s the dream.
A Loose-Leaf Tea List That Rewards Curiosity
Tea bags need not apply. The tea at Lovejoy’s Restaurant & Tea Room is loose leaf, and the selection runs wide.
Variety is the big draw. Black teas, flavored blends, and specialty options all make appearances on the menu.
One blend with a fan following is the Paris tea. It’s the kind of name that makes you curious enough to order it at least once.
Loose leaf brews differently than a bag, with fuller flavor and more room to steep. A proper pot and strainer make the ritual feel genuinely old-fashioned.
Here’s a practical tip for tea lovers. Some blends can sell out, so call ahead if you have a particular favorite in mind.
Not sure where to start? Ask about pairings, since the owner knows which teas match which foods.
Coffee drinkers aren’t left out either. Americanos are on hand for anyone who prefers espresso to Earl Grey.
Kids can join the fun with milder choices, too. A small cup and a sugar cube can make even a seven-year-old feel very grown up.
Honestly, the tea list alone is a reason to stop. It turns a quick break into a small adventure in flavor.
Fancy Hats And The Royal Tea Treatment
Hats! Some guests at Lovejoy’s have been handed hats to wear while they sip, and it’s exactly as charming as it sounds.
That playful spirit fits the tea room’s biggest offering. The Royal Tea and High Tea services bring the full British experience to the table.
These are the tiered, lingering affairs. Expect sandwiches, scones, and sweets in courses, with plenty of tea to wash it all down.
Reservations are smart for these services. Booking ahead also lets staff plan for special needs, like a spot to tuck away a walker.
Don’t expect to eat and run. Many groups stay the full two hours, which is really the whole point.
Holidays bring extra reasons to book. Royal Teas have been offered around Easter, and Mother’s Day reservations are popular.
Portion-wise, afternoon tea leans dainty. Big eaters may want to plan a heartier meal later in the day.
For birthdays, bridal showers, or a girls’ day out, it’s hard to top. Where else on the Oregon coast can you wear a fancy hat, sip from china, and feel like royalty?
Bangers, Pasties, And Plenty Of Proper Pub Comfort
Hungry for more than finger sandwiches? Lovejoy’s has your back with a lineup of hearty British comfort food.
Bangers and mash leads the pack. Sausages and mashed potatoes make a filling plate for anyone who skipped breakfast.
Pasties are another standout. These golden hand pies, including a chicken version, travel well and feel like a true taste of Britain.
The sandwich board brings its own fans. A chicken curry salad sandwich and a chicken and apple sandwich both turn up on the menu.
Pinwheels are a fun little bite too. They’re easy to share and great for picky young eaters testing new flavors.
Crab cakes also make an appearance, giving the menu a nod to its coastal home. It’s a nice reminder that you’re still in seafood country.
All of this means non-tea people can happily tag along. Grandpa gets his sausages while everyone else fusses over scones.
Menus can change, so some items may rotate or sell out on busy days. Still, the British comfort theme stays strong, and that’s what keeps this place feeling like a cozy London lunch counter.
Chowder And Bisque That Earn Their Coastal Credentials
British tea room, Oregon coast soup. That mash-up works better than you’d think at Lovejoy’s Restaurant & Tea Room.
Clam chowder is one of the most-mentioned items on the menu. It’s thick, hearty, and perfect after a breezy walk along the harbor.
Then there’s the salmon bisque. It has earned a loyal following, with some calling it the best bisque they’ve ever tasted.
Seasonal specials pop up too. A pumpkin butternut squash soup has made appearances during cooler months.
Soup is also a smart move for families watching the budget. A warm bowl with a scone can make a satisfying lunch without the full tea service.
The bisque has a feel-good story attached as well. Lovejoy’s once hosted a free community bisque event when local families faced uncertainty over SNAP benefits.
That kind of gesture fits a small-town spot. It’s food meant to warm people up, literally and otherwise.
On a gray coastal day, a bowl of chowder might just be the best thing on the menu. Pair it with a pot of strong black tea and the fog outside stops mattering.
Save Room For Sticky Toffee And Macarons
Sticky toffee pudding cake might be the sleeper hit of the whole menu. Some folks have called it the best they’ve ever had, which is bold praise for a dessert.
For anyone new to it, this British classic is a moist cake drenched in toffee sauce. It’s rich, sweet, and made for sharing, though good luck with that.
Macarons are another star. These colorful little cookies have fans who rave about both their flavor and their texture.
Espresso cookies have also built a following. They’re a nice match for anyone sipping coffee instead of tea.
Chocolate torte makes appearances too. Carrot cake has shown up in the dessert case as well.
Desserts and baked goods are made in house. That homemade touch fits the old-fashioned tea room feel.
Kids will likely zero in on the macarons first. They look like tiny pastel treasures, which is practically an invitation.
A smart family strategy is to order a few sweets and pass them around. Everyone tastes something, and nobody ends up too full to enjoy the rest of their Florence afternoon.
Breakfast Is An Underrated Way To Start Here
Doors open at 10 AM every day. That timing makes Lovejoy’s a surprisingly good pick for a late breakfast on the coast.
Biscuits and gravy is the morning dish that gets attention. The gravy is creamy enough to tempt anyone into polishing the plate.
It’s a fun twist for a tea room. You get hearty American comfort food in a setting dressed up like an English parlor.
Starting early also helps with planning. A morning visit leaves the rest of the day free for exploring Old Town and the harbor.
Families on a road trip will appreciate that flexibility. Fuel up here, then hit the beaches or dunes with full bellies.
A scone and a pot of tea work for breakfast too. Plenty of Brits would argue that’s the most civilized way to begin any day.
Coffee lovers can grab an Americano to get moving. Tea fans can ease in with something gentle before tackling a stronger brew.
Breakfast here feels relaxed rather than rushed. It’s a nice change from grabbing something forgettable at a gas station on the way into town.
A Gift Shop Full Of Things To Carry Home
Leaving empty-handed is harder than it sounds. Lovejoy’s includes a gift shop stocked with all sorts of goodies to bring home.
Tea lovers will feel right at home browsing. It’s a natural spot to pick up something British-themed after your meal.
Some of the goodies are hard to find elsewhere. That makes the shop a fun stop for souvenirs that aren’t the usual coastal keychain.
Grandparents especially might appreciate the options. A tea-themed gift makes a thoughtful present for the relative who stayed home.
Kids can get in on the browsing too. Just keep little hands steady around anything breakable, since tea shops and toddlers can be a nervy combo.
The shop and restaurant share the same charming space. You can wander over while waiting for your table or after the last scone disappears.
Treats from the pastry case also travel well. A few macarons or cookies in a box can keep the tea party going on the drive home.
Think of the gift shop as a bonus round. It stretches the visit a little longer and sends you off with a small piece of Florence.
Built For Birthdays, Moms, And Slow Afternoons
Mother’s Day, anniversaries, Easter, birthdays. Lovejoy’s has become a go-to for celebrations of all kinds.
The décor leans fully into the English tearoom look. It’s charming, a little whimsical, and made for photos you’ll want to share later.
Couples love it for date afternoons. Groups of friends book it for tea parties that stretch on for hours.
Multigenerational outings fit naturally too. Bringing Mom or Grandma for high tea is the kind of treat that gets talked about for months.
Families with kids are welcome. The owner has six grandchildren and has said children are always welcome, with a simple ask that parents keep an eye on little ones.
That request makes sense in a room full of china and teapots. Kids who can sit still for a fancy party will likely have a blast.
The atmosphere rewards a slow pace. This isn’t a grab-and-go joint, and it doesn’t try to be.
So who will love it most? Anyone who enjoys a bit of ceremony, good company, and an excuse to linger over one more cup in Oregon’s coastal air.
Finding Your Way To The Old Town Waterfront
Getting there is the easy part. You’ll find Lovejoy’s Restaurant & Tea Room at 195 Nopal St, Florence, OR 97439, right in Old Town.
Florence sits along U.S. Route 101, so it fits neatly into any Oregon coast road trip.
It’s a natural stop between beach towns.
Parking is convenient. A lot across the street serves this spot and others along the harbor.
That location is a big perk for families. You can park once and spend the whole afternoon on foot.
Old Town packs in shops, restaurants, and harbor views within a short stroll. A walk around the port before or after tea makes the outing feel complete.
Tired legs after exploring? A comfy seat and a hot pot of tea make an ideal reset button.
The waterfront setting also adds to the charm. It’s British tea with an Oregon coast backdrop, which is a pretty fun combo.
Plan to wander a bit. With everything so close together, the tea room becomes the anchor of a relaxed, easygoing day in Florence.
Timing Your Tea Like A Pro
Mornings and early afternoons are prime time. Lovejoy’s is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Dinner adds a bonus option on select nights. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday bring extra hours from 5 to 8 PM.
Hours can change, so double-check before you go. A quick call can save a disappointing drive.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for afternoon tea. Booking ahead is the best way to lock in a table on busy days or holidays.
Calling ahead helps in another way too. Popular teas or menu items may run out, and staff can let you know what’s available.
Give yourself plenty of time. Plan for about two hours if you’re doing a full tea service.
That pace is intentional, not slow service. Tea here is meant to be savored, and the kitchen is a small operation.
Patience pays off with a relaxed, unhurried meal. Pricing for full tea services runs higher than a simple lunch, so families on a budget might stick with soup, scones, and a shared pot.
Why This Teapot Deserves A Spot On Your Coast Itinerary
Scones, chowder, sticky toffee, and a proper pot of tea. That’s a pretty convincing lineup for one small Oregon coast stop.
Lovejoy’s Restaurant & Tea Room brings a genuine British flavor to Florence. A British owner, loose-leaf teas, and classic dishes make the London comparison feel earned.
It’s not a fast stop, and that’s okay. The whole experience is built around slowing down.
Like any small business, service can vary on busy days. Calling ahead, booking a reservation, and bringing some patience will set you up well.
The payoff is a memorable outing. Wearing a fancy hat over scones is the kind of story families retell for years.
It also pairs beautifully with an Old Town stroll. Shops, harbor views, and tea make for a full, easy afternoon.
For birthdays, Mother’s Day, or a simple treat on a gray day, it hits the spot. Even a quick scone and cuppa can turn a pass-through into a highlight.
So next time Highway 101 leads you to Florence, pull over. Your teapot is waiting, and the scones won’t eat themselves.
