St. James Tearoom

In today's fast-paced world of coffee and internet, one Albuquerque business encourages their patrons to slow down, relax, sip some tea, and reconnect again. At the St. James Tearoom they believe that the whole culture of tea is diametrically opposite of our normal, hectic lifestyles--making it a pleasant reprieve from the chaos.
 
The St. James Tearoom opened with only one small room in 1999. Ten years later, in March of 2010, it moved to the current 5000 square foot, custom-built location with 10 distinct nook areas and a large library that can be divided into eight smaller sections when needed. The Tearoom has three seating times Tuesday through Wednesday, and four seatings Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Reservations are required and the space is yours for two full hours of relaxation and conversation.
 
 Prices start at $18.50 for children and $27.50 for adults. The basic price includes a complete three-course meal with a selection of teas paired with each course; this includes a selection of assorted savories and finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and curd, and assorted sweets. Everything is made from traditional recipes and there is a new menu and theme every month.

 "There is nothing that encourages people to sit together and have a quiet conversation with each other,” says co-owner Mary Alice Higbie, “Our relationships are suffering. As a society, we have lost our love of conversation. This is a way to get together, nurture relationships and restore our souls."

 Mary Alice Higbie spent much of her childhood sick in bed -- where her mother taught her to entertain herself by having tea parties with her dolls and faeries. Then, she saw the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and developed a love of the Victorian culture that never left.  In high school, while her peers were exploring their hippy phase, Mary Alice wore long dresses and gloves.  "When I went to my 40th high school reunion," Mary Alice said, "no one was surprised that I own a tea room."

  Grace, civility, beauty, gentility and excellence are the five core values driving every decision made at the St. James Tea Room. The values are found printed on the specially-made china, they are personified in the wait staff, illustrated in the decor and, most especially, lived by the owners Daniel Higbie and his mother Mary Alice Higbie.

 Tea is not just for women, Daniel Higbie said. He grew up having tea after football practice and the tearoom has hosted several events for men -- including a bachelor's party.
 
 "Many places you are a number," Daniel Higbie said. "Personal service has really been lost. We wanted to create a place with exceptional quality and service -- to create an experience. The whole gamble when we opened was would people love to be surrounded by quality... and they do. There is a hole in our society and this fills it."

 HelloMetro Tip: If you have a gluten allergy, this is a wonderful place to indulge yourself without the worry of gluten. Call ahead and order the gluten-free meal and enjoy. Mary Alice cannot eat gluten and has personally tested all gluten-free recipes. 

- by Julie Medina, Albuquerque Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Julie Medina

Julie Medina has experience as a reporter at the Albuquerque Journal and has written freelance articles for the Albuquerque Tribune, Albuquerque the Magazine, New Mexico Magazine and New Mexico Kids Magazine. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in print journalism from the University of New Mexico in 2008. She has lived in Albuquerque since 1984 and believes it is best to remember to play like a tourist in your own hometown so you don't forget the vast culture around you.