![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/12120148\/11-12-25-tea-9-123716-6cwnxtda-780139-Cr1eRPj9.jpg\")
<\/a>Susan Harris pours a cup of tea while working at her shop, Afternoon Tea at the Village in Long Beach, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.<\/p>\nFor the unfamiliar, they hope Afternoon Tea at the Village is approachable.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be like a formal thing, but you can come and hang out with your friends,\u201d Abi said.<\/p>\n
For those who want their experience with a little more pomp, they have fancy hats available to borrow. Susan said recently a couple of dads came in wearing baseball caps and soon put on the fancy hats on top of them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was quite cute, actually,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In the few weeks they\u2019ve been open, Susan and Abi said customers have been excited, but many are still learning how to enjoy afternoon tea the proper English way.<\/p>\n
Abi gave the example of one person who put cream in a fruit tea, which she said is a big mistake because the cream will start to curdle. She also gave the example of someone putting a sweet cream on a savory scone.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re trying to keep it traditional, but there are little variations,\u201d Susan said.<\/p>\n Regardless of how customers enjoy their tea, Susan and Abi just want people to enjoy themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not just about the food or the tea,\u201d Abi said. \u201cWe want people to come and have a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n They want their customers to feel special, too, which starts with hand-selected china.<\/p>\n Every teapot and cup has its own story. Many were bought second-hand from thrift stores or estate sales, and some were gifted by friends.<\/p>\n Customers can choose which pot their tea is served in, picking the size and design they like the most. Options range from simple floral designs to extravagant teapots that are shaped like houses or dancing rabbits. The simple floral tea pots have been a surprising favorite for customers, Abi said.<\/p>\n<\/a>The dining area of the Afternoon Tea at the Village in Long Beach, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.<\/p>\n<\/a>A full cup of tea at the Afternoon Tea at the Village in Long Beach, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.<\/p>\n