When the rhododendrons at Government House are in full bloom, that means Rudi’s Tea Room is open for business!

Rudi’s Tea Room is a casual garden café, serving lunch, sweets, and refreshments, with products sourced as close by as the Government House vegetable gardens, fruit trees and beehives. Named for Rudolph (Rudi) Hoenson, a philanthropist and longtime supporter of Government House, you can find Rudi’s Tea Room in the historic setting of Butterworth Cottage in the Cary Castle Mews, nestled in the gardens of Government House.

The Tea Room features dine-in service, as well as take-out. Reservations are not available for dine-in, and seating is first come, first serve.

Please note “High Tea” is not served at Rudi’s. 

Opening Day: May 20, 2025
Closing Day: August 29, 2025

Business Hours:
Tuesday through Friday
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday

RUDI’S TEA ROOM
2025 MENU

LUNCH

Homemade Soup of the Day (GF) – $8
Fresh made Government House Gardens-influenced soup
Served with a bun and butter

The Victorian Salad (GF) – $16
Chicken breast, cucumber, carrot, baby gem lettuce, cumin-roasted chickpeas, avocado, jammy egg, garden herb vinaigrette

Margherita Flatbread – $15
San Marzano tomatoes, bocconcini, fresh basil, arugula, shaved parmesan, balsamic glaze

Smoked Ham & Cheese Quiche (GF) – $16
Roasted red pepper, spinach, caramelized onion, gouda, herb royale, gluten free crust
Served with choice of soup or salad (with lemon herb vinaigrette)

Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken Club – $16
Brown sugar-brined chicken breast, tomato, coleslaw, bacon vinaigrette, Village Cheese Smokehouse Cheddar
Served with choice of soup or salad (with lemon herb vinaigrette)

Rosemary Slow Roasted Beef Sandwich – $16
Slow roasted AAA beef, horseradish aioli, Mt. Moriarty gruyere, arugula, pretzel baguette
Served with choice of soup or salad (with lemon herb vinaigrette)

GH Breakfast Sandwich – $10
Herbed egg roulade, Havarti, sausage, arugula, avocado crema, croissant bun
Served with choice of soup or salad (with lemon herb vinaigrette)

DESSERTS

House-made Scones – $6
Choice of traditional or caramel-glazed apple cinnamon
Chantilly cream, preserves

Choux au Craquelin – $6
Coffee-scented chocolate mousse, white chocolate cremeux

Government House Carrot Cake – $8
Carrot and navy rum-soaked raisins, garden lavender cream cheese icing, fresh berries

Season Berry Eaton Mess (GF) – $8
Meringue, lemon curd, Chantilly cream

DRINKS

House lime & hibiscus iced tea – $6

House blueberry lavender lemonade – $6

Sapsucker Sparkling Tree Water – $5

Peak Premium Craft Fruit Soda – $5

Canterbury Coffee Tundra blend – $5

Canterbury Coffee Tempest decaf blend – $5

Pot of tea – $7

Earth Spring water bottle – $4

GF = Gluten Free
All prices are exclusive of taxes