He explained that TWG Tea tasters travel thousands of miles across the globe every year, sampling hundreds of teas in search of the most desirable harvests direct from source gardens. The brand offers over 1000 single estate fine harvest teas and exclusive blends, as well as tea patisseries and other tea infused delicacies, TWG Tea is internationally recognized as a veritable innovator with the creation every season of new varieties of tea in collaboration with the world’s most renowned estates.
Tom and Karinna founded The Urban Tea Merchant in 2004 after they had spent three years researching the tea industry before opening their pilot store. They travelled the world in order to capture the essence of this unique luxury tea concept. In 2001, they took a one-year sabbatical and during that time, travelled around the world for four months with their daughter, Casey James. The primary purpose of the trip was to study tea and the rituals that surrounded it.Their tea pilgrimage took them through Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, India and Southeast Asia. This world trip was a journey from within and without. Tom and Karinna imagined sharing this luxurious tea journey with customers, beginning in Vancouver, Canada.
Tom and Karinna’s efforts have certainly paid off and one can only admire and enjoy the fruits of their research. Irrespective of the research, it takes a lotof class, skill and diligence to present tea the way they do it.
Apart from creating beauty out of tea, they are also the sole agents for TWG Tea, a Singapore brand of teas, spices and fine epicurean products. TWG, stands for The Wellness Group, a luxury concept that incorporates an international distribution network to professionals, unique and original retail outlets as well as exquisite tea rooms. The veritable tea institution, TWG Tea is passionate about sharing their expertise and has become a point of reference for tea lovers thirsty for knowledge.
The Afternoon Tea Experience
After my tour of the store, I was confident that what was going to be presented to me as an Afternoon Tea service will be of refined taste and excellence but the service I got was even better.
The tearoom is located at the back of the store, and on the patio out at the back of the store. I watched with fascination as Tom greeted his guests with large tins of TWG tea varieties for them to smell and appreciate before the final selection is made. I have visited many tea rooms but so far none matches the quality of service that Tom and Karinna offer at the Urban Tea Merchant. It was all about the finesse, the courtesy to the guest, the variety one has to choose from, his patience and knowledge about the hundreds of teas to choose from and above all the quality and presentation of both the packaged and eat-in tea service – pure class and refinement.
The Tea Salon, with its elegant white linen table cloths and all-day Signature Afternoon Tea Services made me want to live in Vancouver so as to entertain some of my finest clients. The Tea & Gourmet Bar has a lovely presentation of TWG Tea macaroons, delightful for at-home entertaining. The Retail Boutique boasts a Loose Leaves library, offering a selection of over 250 fine harvest and exclusive blends from TWG Tea. Tea Gifts and Tea Accessories are also available in the Retail Boutique to add to the enjoyment of your tea experience at home.The whole Afternoon Tea experience lasts from 60 to 90 minute per seating depending on your selection.
Downtown Vancouver Signature Store
1070 West Georgia Street – www.urbantea.com
Third place, The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria: |
Second Place, the Tea Room at Windsor Arms Hotel: “Deluxe, compact and bijou” will be my description for the elegant 1920s French styles, tea rooms with cozy fireplaces at Windsor Arms Hotel located at 18 St Thomas Street, on the corner of Bloor Street West, Toronto. The property has been in existence since 1927, however, the tea rooms alongside …read more |
And the Winner is…Why the Urban Tea Merchant in Vancouver BC is the Most Exquisite Afternoon Tea Place in Canada. The tea service at the Urban Tea Merchant comes out trumps in quality, service and finesse to be our choice for the Most Exquisite Tea Place in Canada. The entrance to the Signature Store does not give much away….read more |