What can be more ideal then an afternoon cup of tea, paired with a selection of warm scones, crumpets or other sweet delicacies? Or a refreshing pot of tea, following a long day at the office, surrounded by a crackling fire and a good book. Whatever the scenario, tea can be a marvelous thing. From the origins of tea in the methods of ancient Chinese medicine, to the extravagant flourishes of afternoon tea in English aristocracy, the traditions and rituals of drinking tea are of immense importance. Today, many shops and cafes take great pains to specialize in those same rituals and the Pacific Northwest has a smorgasbord of options to get your tea fix. We have collected some of our top picks, just for you.
White Heather Tea Room, Victoria, BC || A key ingredient of afternoon tea is the sweets. Scones, pastries and muffins, not to mention the jams and jelly’s. White Heather Tearoom in Victoria is a local favorite for the quaint atmosphere, and the homemade quality of their foods. Ordering the Big Muckle Tea for Two includes no less then a cup of fruit, selection of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, lemon curd and cream, smoked salmon and creamed cheese, mini scone-wiches with pepper jelly, mini quiche, cheese krispies with cream cheese and apple, AND the savory treat of the day. The White Heather Tearoom is somewhat off the beaten path, but fans agree, it is definitely worth the drive! || whiteheather-tearoom.com
Townshend’s Tea Company, Portland || Think back for a moment to a time long forgotten, an age before iPhone’s and 3D movies…We’re talking about 2002. It was during this time when students at the University of Oregon began a college project. The aim: to infuse the rising popularity of independent coffee houses with their passion of tea. The result was Townshend’s Tea Company, which now has four locations throughout Oregon, and one in Montana. They now offer a vast array of sustainably produced loose leaf tea, and have even started distilling their own tea liquor! Offering a cozy environment in an urban setting, Townshend’s Tea is a great place to relax and enjoy a good cup of excellent specialty tea. You can read our own review of one such specialty tea here. || townshendstea.com
Remedy Teas, Seattle || Tea is more a science then anything else, and a walk into Remedy Teas encourages you to remember that. A sleek and sharp design focuses on a modern style, featuring 150 different styles of organic tea, all housed behind the back bar in large, test tube-looking canisters. Their special Detox Tea made its way onto our Top Detox Tea list. The teas range from the classics to flavored tea, and food options are plentiful, from hot soups to plates of local chocolate. || remedyteas.com
Miro Tea, Seattle || Miro Tea is the place to go if you ever want to become an expert on tea. If only for the fact that they have over 150 diverse options available at any given time. Wide open windows give off an abundance of natural lighting in this downtown Seattle location. Comfortable and unpretentious layout offers a casual café experience, made all the better by the selection of specially made food options. Word of the wise: get the summer berries crepes, it was cooked in green tea syrup, and it’s awesome! Our editor Erin James took in their Ernie Iced Tea a few years back and you can read her review here. || mirotea.com
Bayswater Tea Company, Vancouver || If an education in tea is what you are looking for, then look no further then Bayswater Tea Company. The tea selection is huge, averaging around 200, and the servers behind the bar are both knowledgeable and eager to educate. Indoor or outdoor seating is available, and the staff are willing to help you out if you have any allergy or other health concerns. || bayswatertea.com
Steve Smith Teaworks, Portland || After having jumped started the extremely successful Stash Tea in the 1970’s, and the slightly more refined Tazo Tea in 1994, Steve Smith went for the hat trick in 2009 by starting Steve Smith Teaworks. The small and intimate tasting room is merely a front for a vast and diverse selection. Based out of a 100-year-old blacksmith shop in North East Portland, the company has become a nexus of tea appreciation in Portland. The emphasis here is on the tea, and the appreciation of how the subtle differences of terroir can drastically affect the product. Here, there is no tablecloths, no scones or muffins, not even a couch. This tearoom is strictly about the tea. Taste, smell and absorb. The wonders of tea are waiting. Take a look at our review of Steve Smith No. 47 Bungalow Full Leaf Black Tea here. || smithtea.com
Neverland Tea Salon, Vancouver || Oscar-nominated co-writer of cinematic hit “District 9” Terri Tatchell and theatre founder of Shameless Hussy Productions Renee Iaci decided to open a tea salon reminiscent of a 1930’s French Café in the heart of Vancouver. Serving everything from a traditional High Tea, to tea infused cocktails, the Neverland Tea Salon can accommodate almost any situation. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver, Neverland aims transport you to the days of Downton Abbey, then infuse the scene with Peter Pan. Fairytale + Tea = Awesome. || neverlandtea.com
Snake River Tea Company, Boise || Located in the heart of Boise’s downtown, Snake River Tea Company has been offering a wide variety of loose leaf tea since first opening its doors in 2014. For only having been open a short time, the Snake River Tea Company has already amassed quite a following, and is quickly on its way to becoming a regional landmark. || snakerivertea.com
