The Tea Experience in Central Michigan

 

GovernorCroswell

 

SWEET AFTON TEA ROOM
450 Forest Avenue • Plymouth, MI 48170
734-454-0777 • sweetaftontearoom.com
and
GOVERNOR CROSWELL TEA ROOM
125 E. Maumee • Adrian, MI 49221
517-759-4249 • governorcroswelltearoom.com

Instead of traveling the country in an RV or playing endless games of golf, retirement for former educators Phyllis and Al Wilkerson meant chasing the dream of owning a restaurant, a dream realized with the purchase of the Sweet Afton Tea Room in Plymouth. The name refers to the Robert Burns poem of the same name that honors the gently flowing Afton Water in Ayrshire, Scotland. Phyllis had for years taken their three daughters to the charming tearoom, and when it became available for purchase, they decided it was meant to be.

SweetAftonTearoomAl shares the story of granddaughter Julia’s first postpurchase visit to the tearoom. The 5-year-old exclaimed in delight, “Oh, Grandpa! Thank you for buying me a tearoom!” Her enthusiasm is quite understandable: Sweet Afton has always welcomed patrons of all ages—especially children.

The Wilkersons later opened the Governor Croswell Tea Room, an hour away in Adrian, Al’s hometown. Named for former Michigan governor Charles M. Croswell, the tearoom is in the 140-year-old Hoefler Building that boasts a stunning white terra-cotta Beaux-Arts facade, original maple floors, and coffered ceilings. It housed everything from a pool hall to a jewelry store before opening its doors to serve tea.

Each tearoom has its own distinct personality, yet they share the wonderful hospitality and hearty menu that have made each a destination unto itself. Though the names of dishes may vary between the two establishments, guests will dine on such delights as chicken potpie, shepherd’s pie, and tavern sandwiches on homemade bread. They also offer a traditional British ploughman’s lunch and the Robert Burns/Madame Croswell—homemade quiche with a warm Cheddar muffin and a cup of homemade soup. The selection of desserts is impressive, from the signature Ayrshire Cream to English Custard Bread Pudding to Victorian Sponge Cake, and more. And for fans of high tea, a three-course version is served at both Sweet Afton and Governor Croswell all day.

Many wonderful celebrations occur at the tearooms—think anniversaries, bridal showers, and such—and they host a number of special events. For example, Sweet Afton opened at 4:00 a.m. so patrons could don their prettiest bonnets to celebrate William and Kate’s royal wedding in real time. In addition, Phyllis trains the next generation of ladies and gentlemen by conducting etiquette classes, and she helps Girl Scout troops earn their Manners badge.

The Wilkersons and their staffs pride themselves on personal service and their “china and linen tea experience.” They also cherish their relationships with their patrons. “We have customers who drive five or six hours just to eat here,” says Phyllis. “They’ve become family—I feel like they are coming into my own dining room.”

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