Earlier this week, I had the chance to check out West Broadway’s latest soon-to-open tea salon, Neverland Tea.
In between tables overflowing with one-of-a-kind vintage teacups and sofas with cozy pillows, I sat down with co-owner Renée Iaci to talk about her (and Terri Tatchell’s) latest venture (and adventure). The shop is filled with finds from all over the Lower Mainland, including an 1889 hand-rolled glass window from Christ Church Cathedral’s basement, found on Craigslist.
You may recognize Renée’s name from theatre circles. She’s one of the founders of Shameless Hussy Productions. Terri comes from a film background, and between the two, their creative energy and love of connecting people brought them to sipping tea (as life-long friends will do) one day. This day however was different, as Terri proposed “Hey, let’s open a tea shop!”. The rest is history as a tea shop was born.
They found just the suitable location at the former Uprising Breads on West Broadway. The two aim to make the bakery and salon a place where people can inspire one another and be creative in a social meeting hub.
Right through the door, a large counter with a tea bar, baked goods, and sandwich area contains a small seating area for an informal light meal. The rest of the space will be dedicated to the Neverland Room, where daily tea service will take place from 11 to 5, and then into the evenings from 6 to 10 pm. The salon will be licensed and offer tipsy teas as well.
Pour-over coffees, loose-leaf tea, plus muffins and scones (a majority of them gluten-free) should make choosing a spot with your gluten-intolerant-friends easy. Pastry chef Victoria will oversee the baked goods while another chef’s been brought in for the tea menu. Organic bakery A Bread Affair is just one of the bread companies Neverland will outsource from.
Future plans include tea workshops, Tea Talks (roughly based on TED Talks), open mic night, and script readings. In fact, one of Shameless Hussy’s scripts will be read in November.
Birthday parties are completely customizable and are done offsite. So, when’s the magic opening date? September 20.
Neverland Tea is located at 3066 West Broadway in Vancouver. Visit the website for updates and mailing list signup.