BRINGING back the once-revered culture of intimate tea-sipping and intimate moments, one tea room sneaked into the suburbs of Essenwood.

Spill The Tea Vintage Tea Room at Avonmore shopping centre invites the patrons with a garden theme, presenting a tea-in-garden nostalgia. Also, as one steps inside, evidence of arts and crafts is glaring. As if the attraction was not enough, owner Lara James has reserved a special spot for all things ballet. She is also a ballet teacher and fitter.

“This space is a multi-use offering. It’s a safe platform, where shared interests of knitting, crocheting, and board games can be blended with the tea experience. We serve tea and coffee the old-fashioned way, ie in tea sets, plunger with cubed sugar. Patrons can take advantage of our knitting and crochet marathons, where everyone is welcome to try out.”

Also read: 67 Blankets warms hearts on Nelson Mandela Day

Within only two months of its move to the area, Spill The Tea has had a thumbs-up from patrons and fellow tenants in the centre.
The tea room prides itself on serving local home-made and small treats to go with the sips. “We have no intention of going commercial in sourcing our biscuits, scones, muffins and tarts; all of this is supplied by trusted grannies and friends,” shared James.

“It’s a marvel to watch youngsters learning both the art of tea-sipping and slow lounging, while taking lessons from older folks in crochet and knitting. In a world so consumed with fast and ever-changing technology and devices, our children are at risk of losing the importance of proper sit-down conversations. Spill The Tea is a no-Wi-Fi, no-cellphone spot; instead, we hope to improve our patrons’ dexterity and basic creative skills.”

Children can enjoy board games, chess, and do school work while having tea. On the cards, while tea lovers enjoy the slow lounging, James reckons the tea room will be hosting pottery classes, sip and paint, book exchange, wreath-making, creative writing and all things artsy. There’s no age or skill limit required to be part of the Spill The Tea family; evidently, their patron group ranges from 5-year-olds to 80-year-olds. Their primary mission is to bring back tradition, multicultural interaction and freedom to be.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here