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After leaving Manchester, England, for a work trip to Texas, Robb Kelly said he never looked back.
That was almost two decades ago—now, he’s a local practicing recovery specialist and owner of The Olde English Tea Shoppe & Cafe, an authentic British cafe and restaurant in North San Antonio.
Some context
In England, Kelly said he had an eclectic past, having worked as a session musician at Abbey Road Studios, and performed with artists like David Bowie and Elton John.
After receiving his PhD in psychology from Oxford University, he said he found himself homeless and suffering from addiction.
Then, after deciding to turn things around, he became an addiction recovery psychologist.
Kelly said he started his own practice, eventually traveling to Texas for work conferences—with one trip to the Lone Star State 18 years ago keeping him here for good.
“I really liked it here, so I stayed here,” Kelly said. “But I did miss the food. Going to restaurants in the area, they didn’t really do it right.”
So, Kelly thought it would be a good idea to open up a place of his own that was authentic and true to the British food he grew up enjoying in Northwest England.
On the menu
Classic British dishes are served at every meal, from the full English breakfast ($19.95) in the morning to entrees like Bangers and Mash ($18.95) in the afternoon, according to the menu.
The most popular item, Kelly said, is the traditional Fish and Chips, hand-breaded and complete with fries and mashed peas.
Of course, there’s a large tea selection, featuring an array of black teas imported from England and served hot with traditional cups, saucers and spoons.
“Everything here is handmade,” Kelly said. “It's proper English food, straight from my family; there’s nowhere else like this in Texas.”
The restaurant also offers weekly afternoon tea sessions, room for private events, kids’ birthday parties and more.
The outlook
Looking ahead, Kelly said the business may be outgrowing its current space in Stone Oak, hinting at a future expansion.
However, while The Olde English Tea Shoppe & Cafe may be growing in the future, Kelly added he wants to maintain its firm sense of community in North San Antonio.
“We’re a family restaurant serving families, that’s what we love to do,” Kelly said.
