Elegant Tea Room in Rome steeped in history

Nonchalantly situated in one of Rome’s most beautiful piazzas, Babingtons Tea Room, by the foot of the staircase of Trinità dei Monti in Piazza di Spagna is a place rich in charm and allure, where royal families, politicians, and celebrities continue to frequent.

It is also a place steeped in the city’s history and a testament to two courageous women, Isabel Cargill and Anna Maria Babington, who in 1893 decided to invest their savings – 100 pounds – to open a little corner of England in Rome.

Babingtons, today run by the fourth generation descendants of Isabel Cargill, is a witness to the history of the city. It stayed open during the First World War and despite Mussolini’s anti-English politics, it continued its business during the fascist period and Second World War.

Invited as a guest of Babingtons for afternoon tea, it was fascinating to be shown the separate room where anti-fascist intelligence gathered, coming and going secretly through the kitchen entrance, while in the main dining area politicians and party officials met.

Photo credit: Babingtons

Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, Babingtons continues to be a favorite place for tea lovers in Rome as well as Anglophiles seeking a cozy escape to England. Seated at vintage tables that take you back to the 1930s and a menu boasting a wide selection of classic and unique teas – always served at the correct temperature according to blend – you can indulge in Anglo-Saxon dishes and baked sweet treats prepared from scratch based on recipes passed down for generations.

Opened daily from 10am to 9pm – and yes, even when it snowed in Rome earlier this year – they serve a rich English breakfast of eggs, bacon, tomatoes, grilled mushrooms and homemade bread, toasted and served with butter and jams, as well as for a Brunch with Eggs Benedict on an English muffin, a sweet, freshly-squeezed orange juice and a tea or coffee blend exclusive to Babingtons. In addition, their menu offers club sandwiches, burgers, salads and dishes such as Shepherd’s Pie and Pilaf curry with chicken.

And of course, their Afternoon Tea is legendary. You can choose from a handful of different Afternoon Tea options, and on the menu, this year is their “1893, the 125th anniversary Afternoon Tea” served with 125 Anniversary Blend and Isabel’s Cake, a white chocolate cake with bourbon vanilla, fresh raspberries and meringue.

Photo credit: Babingtons

The 125 Anniversary Blend, which pays homage to the two founders, is a blend of black tea, vanilla, honey, elderberry, rose petals, blueberries, juniper berries, and myrtle leaves that celebrates the union between Rome and England through its use of both traditional Italian and English ingredients.

I have been longing for high tea and opted for Anna Maria’s High Tea that includes your choice for Babington’s Unique Blend, a selection of freshly made finger sandwiches, and their exquisite hot buttered Scottish scones, with strawberry jam and freshly whipped cream. I can assure you that it did not disappoint.

If you love all things sweet, Babingtons offer a delightful selection of cakes, all temptingly displayed as you enter the tea room, from carrot cake to walnut and maple syrup cake to a list of pastries and miniature desserts.

Looking for any excuse to be back at Babingtons, I tried organizing another high tea with some friends who were in town for a visit but as we weren’t in Rome that weekend, it’ll have to wait for another time.

And I can’t wait as have in mind what I?m going to order – Isabel’s Grand High Tea. Similar to Anna Maria’s High Tea but this High Tea selection also comes with the addition of a selection of homemade mignon cakes.

And if I feel like indulging further, I might add a glass of Champagne to that experience. Now that would for sure make for one extraordinary tea experience.

Many thanks to Babingtons and Chiara Bedini for the invitation to high tea and taking the time to share the history of the tea room.