Seattle - January 23, 2007

Tea ’n’ Sympathy

The British Pantry

You’re an extremist. You got a little too inspired by your London holiday.

Your voice became suspiciously clipped. (Madge, that you?) You blathered incessantly about Topshop. (People stopped inviting you out.)

So why haven’t you discovered The British Pantry? You know, the Anglophile haven that’s been tucked away in Redmond since Prince Harry was in nappies.

The family-owned spot specializes in British staples like Marmite, HobNobs, and Burton’s biscuits. Pop ’round in the late afternoon, because the adjoining cafe serves full tea service daily, as well as traditional roast dinners and English breakfast fry-ups on weekends.

Jacobean paneling and pics of the dear departed Queen Mum will remind you of your favorite Oxford B&B; the mahogany and brass bar in the neighboring pub will have you craving a pint.

We know you never expected to find a slice of England in Microsoft country. But what can we say?

Besides, hey, mind the gap.

The British Pantry, 8125 161st Avenue Northeast, Redmond (425-883-7511 or thebritishpantryltd.com).