Book and Bee: Tea for Thee, Not Much for Me

First Impressions

Even though I secretly love fancy experiences—afternoon teas, boutique dining, etc—it was immediately clear that I wasn’t the target demographic here. As my son and I walked in — both of us notably underdressed — we passed no fewer than three multigenerational parties of women in elegant dresses heading in, mothers and daughters on their way to a tea party, The dining area was packed, the atmosphere lively and polished. Meanwhile, I took my son to his own tea party, and it honestly was a great experience.

Atmosphere and Service

Book and Bee is an elegant building on an unfortunate intersection just outside of Hendersonville on Haywood Road. Our seat on the front patio had a prominent view of the packed parking lot and the Dollar General across the street, though both are interspersed with growths of pine trees. I also suspect the view on the other side of the building had a much nicer view. The inside has classic tea room vibes, small tables, and cute decor. The book theme is reflected throughout the art and the menu, but there was a notable absence of actual books, which seems like both a missed decorating and merchandising opportunity.

On my first visit, my son and I rolled in about 20 minutes before closing — a practice I hate but was necessary time — and they wasted to time or effort in seating us. The waiter helped us navigate the menu including the somewhat dauunting tea menu and asked us what books we are reading.

Dish One: Cream Tea (The Man Cub)

In addition to the attractive service, the tea was served promptly and with a real sense of occasion. The Man Cub—Book & Bee’s take on a traditional cream tea—was a highlight for my son. He immediately went for the scone, which arrived warm with clotted cream and a generous portion of jam. The scone was just the right balance of crumbly and moist, better than most I’ve had around here.

It was a very good chai, with an attractive tea service—delicate cups, petite spoons, and a pot cozy covered in whimsical bumblebees. My son demolished the scone and drank almost as much tea as I did (he’s seven). Watching him, I realized: the Man Cub is exactly the sort of thing that makes Book & Bee special—not just a meal, but a memorable little event. Even if there wasn’t much tea left for me, seeing his wide-eyed joy made it worth it.

Dish Two: Cottage Pie and Lobster Bisque

I went again on a warm November. The place was packed with a couple of groups waiting outside, and I - dressed in overalls and a flannel - was hardly properly attired for such a fancy joint, so I got my food to go. As such I do not have good pictures of these dishes, they were unremarkable looking, but it isn’t fair to judge them by that since it is a sit-down restaurant.

For the cottage pie, if I had to guess, the potatoes were actually mashed (not instant), and the seasoning on the ground meat was good—savory and peppery in the right way. Still, the filling was dry, and the vegetables, which I’m almost certain started life in a freezer bag, sat as scattered, colorful pebbles. They didn’t really unite in a proper sauce; instead, everything tasted fine but remained obvious as separate parts, assembled rather than stewed together. The effect was an edible but forgettable sum of parts: not disappointing, but not something you’d crave.

The lobster bisque was perfectly unremarkable. My best guess is it came premade, maybe from a can or tub, not from the kitchen stockpot. To be fair, I can’t blame them—what should I expect, sitting in the Appalachian Mountains, ordering lobster? Properly made, the dish requires stuffing shells in a stock pot and reduced with spices, removed, and made into a cream-based soup. It was creamy enough and tasted fine, but it didn’t leave an impression.

Value

In terms of value, it is what it is. It’s a boutique eating establishment in Hendersonville. It is selling an experience as much as it is the food, and while I am not the target audience, I can see the appeal. It is the kind of place to gather with friends and talk, share a cup of tea and scones.

That being said, it isn’t cheap.

Most of the entrees are $15.95, a bit pricy for sandwiches and the quality.

Tea starts at $8.25 a pot, and Cream Tea is $13.95.

Finally they offer a full Afternoon Tea Service for $51.00, “Priced per Person",” which seems ambiguous to me. If it is really $102 for 2 people to have tea, that seems absurd. That being said, it is the experience, and I have long noticed that people who have money to waste often seem to lack the sense not to do so.

Final Verdict

Book & Bee delivers on atmosphere and charm more than on culinary execution. The first visit—my son’s tea party—was the highlight: whimsical service, a genuinely delicious scone, and a memorable moment over a very good chai. That’s what this place does best: special occasions, good vibes, and nostalgia for something you want to share with family, even if not every detail is perfect.

The food itself, especially on a packed return visit, was just fine. The cottage pie was clearly cobbled together from components, and the lobster bisque, while acceptable, was nothing to write home about—likely brought in rather than made in-house, which is understandable for the region. If your main priority is excellent food, you might walk away unsatisfied. But if you go for the experience—the tea, the cozy setting, a chance to dress up for fun—Book & Bee is uniquely charming.

Would I make it a regular lunch spot? No. But for a treat, or a reason to make a memory, it serves its purpose well.