Some places exist purely to slow you down, and this one does it beautifully. Set in lush lawns and landscaped gardens, this enchanting 1920s cottage nestles in the shadows of an ancient oak tree draped in Spanish moss. You’d be forgiven for expecting a British owner to greet you at the door — visitors are often surprised to find a Pakistani family running this traditional English tearoom. That unexpected backstory is part of what makes this place so wonderfully one-of-a-kind.
Sehar Bajwa and her husband Hafeez lived in England, and from extensive travels during a shipping career, a passion for cooking and baked goods was born. The couple emigrated to live the American dream on retirement and settled on the shores of Lake Alfred in 1987, serving tea and delicious eats at Lavender ‘n Lace ever since. For more than 35 years, the kitchen has been the heart of Lavender ‘n Lace — where family recipes are quietly perfected, ingredients are chosen with care, and everything is made from scratch.
Menu Highlights
The menu combines traditional British fare with an Asian twist, using recipes passed down through the Bajwa family, with a sprinkling of Southern influence thrown in for good measure. Lunch begins with a serving of complimentary, freshly baked warm and savory mini-muffins, seasoned with herbs — a small but delightful touch that immediately sets the tone for the meal ahead.
Entrées range from a Puff Pastry featuring tender chicken sautéed with broccoli in a butter cream sauce, to a Pasta Florentine with shrimp, spinach, parmesan, and mushrooms in a garlic cream sauce over penne. The Cottage Pie — ground sirloin with garden vegetables, herbs, and spices topped with creamy mashed potatoes — is a hearty British classic done right. The Curry Chicken, a pan-seared, yogurt-marinated tenderloin in a showcase blend curry over seasoned basmati rice, is a standout that draws raves from regulars and first-timers alike.
The chicken salad is noted for its fresh sliced fruit, while the Mediterranean Platter features tasty hummus, taboule, and eggplant. The flowers and courtyard are part of what makes the overall experience memorable — and specialties like the house salad with its light, delightful dressing and soups like black bean or chicken corn chowder round out a menu that feels both comforting and refined.
Desserts are a genuine highlight. The gluten-free dessert selection is considered top tier, and the desserts overall are praised as heavenly. The angel pie — light, fluffy, and sweet without being overwhelming — is a fan favorite, and the legendary hummingbird cake keeps loyal visitors coming back time and again. Whole cakes are even available for purchase, so you can bring a little piece of Lavender ‘n Lace home with you.
There’s a wide range of hot or iced gourmet teas, served in large porcelain teapots that yield several generous cups. Choices range from bold and tangy flavors like Orange Cinnamon to exotic picks like Egyptian Chamomile or Himalayan Strawberry.
Atmosphere & Décor
The walk to the tearoom is peaceful and surrounded by lush plant life and a lovely pond. Step through the front door, and the tearoom’s name reveals itself as a direct reflection of its décor — tablescapes filled with lavender, lace, and beautiful mismatched china. The effect is utterly transporting.
Lavender ‘n Lace has a rustic charm and an old-world Victorian feel where everything is not perfectly matched or commercially lined up — it’s a quaint little place with a cozy, dollhouse-kind of appeal. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by enchanting gardens, and the décor inside is whimsical and elegant, with vintage touches and thoughtful details throughout — like a storybook tearoom come to life.
The atmosphere is described as magical, with beautiful scenery and calming nature all around, making it feel like a little cottage tucked away among trees. The gardens and courtyard are soothing to the soul, and the surrounding landscape near the shores of Lake Alfred only adds to the sense of peaceful escape.
The Gift Shop
Plan to stop in the adjoining retail space for antiques, artisan crafts, books, housewares, and other unique goods. The adjacent gift shop is crammed wall to wall with pretty stationery, greeting cards, lavender goods, jewelry, clothing, food items, and artisan gifts — plus a wide range of specialty teas available for purchase. It’s the kind of shop where you’ll inevitably walk out with something you didn’t know you needed.
Other Considerations
What’s the pricing like? Entrées are generally priced in the $20–$23 range, reflecting the high-quality, scratch-made ingredients and the overall experience. Given the complimentary muffins, generous tea pots, and the setting itself, most visitors find it well worth the spend for a special outing.
Do I need a reservation? Reservations are recommended, especially for parties of four or more, which require confirmation. The car park can get crowded, so planning ahead makes the whole experience smoother and more relaxed.
When are they open? Lavender ‘n Lace is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 3:30pm and is closed on Sundays. It’s a lunchtime and afternoon experience, so plan your visit accordingly.
Is it good for special events? Absolutely. The tearoom offers a beautiful venue equipped to celebrate life’s most important moments. Birthday luncheons, bridal showers, and family gatherings are all a natural fit here, and the staff goes above and beyond to make those occasions feel truly special.
Can I bring my dog? Lavender ‘n Lace is pet-friendly — dogs can dine on the patio, and Lake Alfred is just a couple of minutes’ walk away where there’s plenty of space for pets to stretch their legs.
What should I wear? There’s no strict dress code, but dressing up a little adds to the fun and fits right in with the tearoom’s elegant, Victorian-inspired vibe. Think Sunday brunch attire — smart casual at the very least.
Anything to watch out for? It’s worth knowing that an automatic gratuity may be included in your bill, so check your total before leaving an additional cash tip to avoid double-tipping. Also, while the menu is thoughtfully curated, it is on the smaller side — though nearly everything on it is consistently praised.
Lavender ‘n Lace Tearoom
📍 430 North Lake Shore Way, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
Website: https://www.lavenderandlacetearoom.com
