Tea, Scones and a few Suprises at Bella's Tea Room, Havre de Grace

October 18, 202

There’s something magical about stepping into a tearoom on a sunny afternoon. The promise of delicate china, fragrant tea, warm scones, and good conversation makes afternoon tea one of my favorite rituals. So when our group of nine women decided to book a High Tea at Bella’s Tea House in Havre de Grace, Maryland, I was excited. The photos looked beautiful on the internet and the setting a traditional Tea charm, that I couldn’t wait to experience with my group of family and friends.

But as the afternoon unfolded, what began with a lovely first impression turned into a more complicated experience — one with plenty of potential but some disappointing details. 

 

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✨ First Impressions: The tea room is charming and whimsical

Walking into Bella’s Tea House feels like stepping into a storybook. The mismatched china, cozy decor, and vintage touches create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Each table has its own personality, and there’s a playful sense of tradition meets whimsy.

However, once we sat down, that whimsical charm was overshadowed by something less delightful — slightly dirty dishes. Just a couple tea cups and plates at our table had a few speaks of what looked like soot from a candle.  Not a huge detail , but nevertheless it gave the impression that the china had been sitting too long.

 📅 Booking the High Tea: A Bit Confusing

Because we were a larger group, Bella’s required us to book their High Tea service, which typically includes a soup or starter, a selection of sandwiches, fresh scones, and a tiered dessert tray, all served with tea. They also offer private rooms for groups of ten or more. Make sure to look at the reservation policies especially for groups and make sure you understand deposits, and charges. They also like payment at the end made by one person at the end.

 

 The menu itself was a mix of hits and misses. I did not care for the Broccoli soup, but others liked it. The the sandwiches were forgettable. The biggest disappointment by far was the scones — instead of being light, buttery, and easy to slice, they were rock-hard and difficult to enjoy. The tea selection was fairly small, with about ten choice, but served in large teapots. There was no introduction or explanation of the tea blends. I missed that personal touch that elevates a tea service into an experience. It is commonly mussing from many tea rooms. Also it is mostly focused on serving tea, not retailing it. Unless I just did not see tea to purchase.

 

 

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🪻 The Atmosphere: Cozy, but a little Cluttered

Bella’s interior is undeniably cute and cozy, but it borders on too a little too much decor. The abundance of decor makes the space feel cluttered rather than calm, and I found it slightly overwhelming rather than relaxing. It’s a style some guests might love, but I wished for a cleaner, more tranquil setting to match the elegance of afternoon tea. 

 

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🌿 A Little About My Tea Background

I should share a little context, because my love for tea — and my expectations — come from many years of both personal and professional experience.

I grew up in London, England, where tea is part of daily life, and I’ve been drinking and serving tea for as long as I can remember. When I owned my spa business years ago, I offered a complimentary tea service and lunch in partnership with a tearoom next door called The Escape, where we paired treatments with afternoon tea. Our Spa and tea experience was even featured in The Plain Dealer Magazine at the time.

I also collaborated with a charming bed and breakfast called The Emerald Necklace, where I offered facial services during their tea parties when my business was first starting out. Those experiences deepened my belief that tea isn’t just a drink — it’s part of a ritual of care, connection, and relaxation.

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☕ Final Thoughts

My afternoon at Bella’s Tea House was a mix of lovely ideas and disappointing execution. The space is charming and full of character, but the details — from cleanliness and communication to the freshness of the food and quality of the tea — need more care.

With more attention to these details, Bella’s has the potential to become a truly special destination for tea lovers in Havre de Grace. As it stands now, it’s a charming spot with a lot of potential that just didn’t quite deliver the magical tea experience I was hoping for.

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⭐ Overall Rating: 3 out of 5

A sweet and whimsical tearoom with heart and potential, but the experience fell short in key areas.

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 and quality of the tea — need more care.

With more attention to these details, Bella’s has the potential to become a truly special destination for tea lovers in Havre de Grace. As it stands now, it’s a charming spot with a lot of potential that just didn’t quite deliver the magical tea experience I was hoping for.

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⭐ Overall Rating: 3 out of 5

A sweet and whimsical tearoom with heart and potential, but the experience fell short in key areas.

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✅ Pros

• Charming, storybook atmosphere

• Generous dessert platter

• Great spot for group gatherings

• Offers private rooms for larger parties

❌ Cons

• Dirty china and lack of attention to detail

• Charged for extra guest despite lower headcount

• Rock-hard scones and average sandwiches

• Tea quality inconsistent, with no presentation or explanation

• No retail tea available 

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Propagating Cuttings

 I’ve never been able to throw away a healthy sprig of anything. If it has a bit of stem and even the slightest potential to root, into the water or soil it goes. Over the years, this habit has turned into a quiet little obsession—and one that has saved me a good bit of money. Propagating cuttings is one of my favorite ways to grow the garden without buying more plants. It feels a little like magic every time.

Some plants practically beg to be propagated. Mint, for example, roots in water before you’ve even decided where to plant it. Lemon Balm and Begonias do too. Begonias will often send out fine little roots within days. I keep jars on the windowsill filled with hopeful clippings, and more often than not, they deliver.

Roses take a bit more convincing. I dip the cuttings in rooting compound first, then press them into moist soil and tuck them in someplace shady. It helps to trim away most of the leaves and leave just a few at the top. I’ve had the best luck when the weather is warm but not scorching, and when I remember to keep the soil evenly damp. Some years, they surprise me with strong new growth; other years, I try again. That’s part of the fun.

Geraniums are another favorite. They root in water too, though I’ve found I get the best results in early spring, just when the plants are waking up. If a stem gets leggy or breaks off, I trim it and stick it in a pot of soil, give it a little light, and wait. Most of the time, it rewards me with a whole new plant.

Petunias are less fussy than people think. If a sprig breaks off while I’m deadheading or tidying up, I pop it in a jar of water. In a week or two, I’ve got roots and the beginning of a brand-new petunia. I’ve even done this mid-season, then tucked the rooted cutting into a pot to keep things blooming longer.

And then there’s pussy willow. These will root in water without a second thought. It’s no wonder people use willow branches as natural rooting stimulants—some even soak willow in water to create a homemade rooting compound for other cuttings. I haven’t tried that yet, but it’s on my list. Many house plants root well in water too. 

There’s something deeply satisfying about growing new plants from ones you already have. It feels generous, in a way. Like the garden is offering up more than you asked for. A little jar on the windowsill becomes a nursery, a broken stem becomes a second chance, and before you know it, your single plant has multiplied.