White linen tablecloths and a space monster (Dalek) in the bathroom, tea in Union Jack cozies and digestives (crackers) and pasties (hand pies) for sale in the market. What? You must be in British Bites in Puyallup.
We stopped in and had a great time in the market shopping for imported British goodies, before being seated in the Bistro by Mina our server. We drank tea, ate wonderful food and met Terri and Keith, British proprietors who have operated at this location for two years, building a great reputation and providing a unique dining and shopping experience.
I ordered one of each of the delectable sweets on display. Keith looked at me and said, “Are you sure?” I said I was and he asked me if I wanted them to go, and I assured him I meant for here. We also ordered a turkey, brie and cranberry sandwich ($7.25), which came on a crusty roll and was delicious, and house special Leek and Potato soup ($5.50), chunky and rich, accompanied by a delicate cheesy scone, and three types of tea ($2.95) in small pots with British flag cozies.
I was there for the sweets, and all 17 of them were scrumptious. Ranging in price from biscuits (cookies) including the secret recipe Millionaire Shortbread at $1.25 (yummy), to the gluten-free lemon scone ($3.50), delicate and moist. I also liked the Cherry Bakewell, a tiny pie lined with cherry jam, filled with a delicate cake, topped with sugar frosting and a tiny cherry, tender and sweet, and the Flapjack, a hearty fruit and nut bar that was very rich and satisfying.
Anglophiles (people who love England) can have afternoon tea at prices ranging from $23. 95 for one person to $41.94 for two, including tea, sandwiches, sweets and imported clotted cream.
A visit to British Bites is a little trip to England. Go. Have a good time.

IF YOU GO

British Bites
720 E. Main in Puyallup (on the south side of the street, several blocks east of Meridian, with plenty of parking in back)
253-200-2343
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday noon–4 p.m. Closed Monday

Carolyn Augustine, a freelance restaurant writer,

writes the Senior Eats column.