It’s a jolly good time to get a taste of British life in the Hudson Valley. It may seem ironic, since the Revolutionary War had a significant impact on life along the Hudson River. Yet there’s no denying that the English influence pops up throughout the region, allowing locals and visitors alike to experience the best of what the queen’s empire has to offer without dropping hundreds on a plane ticket. So put on a fancy hat and brush up on your etiquette. It’s time to embark on our unofficial English tour.
Where to Sip
Florrie Kaye’s Tea Room
69 Gleneida Ave, Carmel, 845.225.8327
For an authentic afternoon tea, head to Florrie Kaye’s. This charming Carmel tearoom serves an extensive selection of Harney & Sons teas. Pair a pot with a selection of tea sandwiches or Victoriana desserts. First-time visitors should take advantage of the “Afternoon Tea” special, which includes traditional tea scones, served with butter, jam, and cream, and miniature cakes and pastries to go with a full pot of tea.
Harney & Sons
13 Main St, Millerton, 518.789.2121
Tea drinkers will never want to leave Harney’s Millerton storefront, which stocks a whopping 250 varieties of tea. Shop for all your loose leaf needs before you stop by the lounge for a light lunch. If you truly want to embrace all things English, browse the Historic Royal Palaces collection, which Harney created in partnership with the Historic Royal Palaces of England. The Royal Wedding tea and the Tower of London Blend are top picks.
Kathleen’s Tea Room
979 Main St, Peekskill, 914.734.2520
Located in Peekskill’s downtown historic district, Kathleen’s lures tea lovers with its selection of 60 loose teas. The menu changes seasonally, although teatime staples like scones and crumpets are always available. Downton Abbey diehards will swoon over the “Afternoon Tea” option, with tea sandwiches, crumpets, scones, and sweets served on a picturesque tiered stand and accompanied by a two-cup pot of tea.
Related: Fanning the Flames of War in Kingston
Where to Nibble
Brother’s Fish & Chips
172 North Highland Ave, Ossining, 914.488.5141
As the name might suggest, Brother’s has something of a reputation for fish and chips. Although the seafood-centric restaurant serves everything from mussels to octopus, stick with the British street food classic this time around. The beer battered white fish is addicting, especially when paired with hand-cut fries, creamy coleslaw, and tangy homemade tartar sauce.
McDonald and Peacock Cider House
38 N. Division St, Peekskill, 914.930.7875
Visiting Brits would be hard pressed to find a spot that resembles home more than McDonald and Peacock does. Start with small plates like Bubble and Squeak, the UK’s version of home fries, or a Scotch Egg, a perfectly hard-boiled egg covered with sausage meat and breadcrumbs. The restaurant also serves a substantial number of Indian dishes to reflect the large presence the cuisine has in England. Of course, the Sunday roast lunch, available on Sundays and Mondays, is a must for anyone who wants a truly authentic English meal.
The Olde English Pub
Quackenbush Square, 683 Broadway, Albany, 518.434.6533
When it comes to honest-to-goodness pub fare, The Olde English Pub in Albany doesn’t joke around. Immerse yourself into the best of British comfort food with the hearty Ploughman’s Platter, Chicken and Welsh Leek Pie, or Colcannon Croquettes. Wash it down with a Fuller’s London Pride pale ale or Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout.