Tea and Sympathy

With the Royal Wedding coming up, I was on a quest to find a place in NYC that would be hosting an viewing event. Naturally I though of Tea & Sympathy. I called the main number , I said "Hello, I have a question, as you know the Royal.." I was cut off immediately "What's the question?" said the rude Brit. I was taken aback - the name "Tea & Sympathy" was not being well represented by THIS person. I hesitated, he huffed on the phone. I continued "are you having an event for the Royal Wedding?" He said "You'll have to call back closer to the date!" then hung up. I work in a hospital where we save lives for a living. No one at Tea & Sympathy can say they are doing anything so pressing, that they can't be decent on the phone. I was planning on hosting an event for at least 15 people. My money is going elsewhere. This proves my theory that the only rude people in NYC, are not actually from NYC. My advice: Please stop trying to be like Simon Cowell, I not impressed.

It was my last night in the village before moving to brooklyn and I had to order tea & sympathy delivery to say goodbye! Normally get delivery for dinner - the place is nicer for lunch - but I love the food and the folks that run this place! Good food that reminds me of my days living in London :)

This place is adorable and they serve some bland British food at its best. The problem is the staff. Some of them are unreasonably rude and blunt. Despite the homey and cute atmosphere and the hearty food, you definitely can't feel at home.

The pies are to die for! Amazing food and great service. Most definitely will eat there again!

We have been here many times in the past 10 years and this is the first time I write a review. The soups and the pot pies are comfort foods and very pleasing, especially in these cold months. Even though it is small, and cramped, and one has to wait, and the waitresses are overworked, it never disappoints. Don't change a thing! Great value. And the specials are often very special.

I was really looking forward to having afternoon tea at Tea and Sympathy. We were a party of 7 and so were told to wait outside in the rain until our table was ready. 30 minutes later we were seated in a cramped table. The service during the meal was fine, as was the delicious food, but while we were eating dessert and sipping our tea, the hostess tried to remove my still filled pot of tea THREE times. I was still drinking. Then a few minutes later, she asked us to leave. Apparently we overstayed our welcome. I payed a lot of money to enjoy my afternoon, not get kicked out without finishing the tea I paid for.

I have always loved Tea & Sympathy. The service has always been sweet and friendly. I like the cozy lack of decor. And I enjoy the less-than-gourmet cooking. Unfortunately, in the 10 years I have been going to Tea & Sympathy, I have watched the prices rise from "affordable" to "WTF!!!" Also, while "Nicky's Girls" have always been lovely, Nicky herself is brusque and not particularly friendly ... unless you're a celebrity. "Nicky's Rules" have never been a problem either - one understands they are necessary in such a tiny establishment. But what is the sense of applying those rules at the rare time when the place is nearly empty? Blind adherence to the rules might just lose customers and good word-of-mouth. I recommend it - but I always feel like I have to make excuses for the place when I bring people in.