There are a number of tea shops in Seattle but I absolutely loved my experience at the Queen Mary’s Emporium. It is a quaint British styled tea shop with beautiful interiors and a wonderful scent. It is connected to the Queen Mary’s Tea room at the back and I have read numerous positive reviews about it. However, that remains closed due to the pandemic and they are taking efforts to make it even better.
Coming back to the emporium, it has a wonderful selection of teas from black tea, green teas, white teas, oolongs, Pu-erhs, herbal blends and other adventurous teas. Within Earl Grey’s, they have blends such as Countess grey and Creamy Earl Grey black tea. The tea which I personally bought from them was Goddess of Mercy Oolong tea, one of the best oolong teas that I have tried in my life. It had such a beautiful earthy flavor to it when brewed at the right temperature. I also tried their juniper rich ‘Weekend in Seattle’ which is perfect for a rainy Saturday morning, after a bike ride. They currently have crumpets to-go as well, and are so tasty with butter and marmalade.
Apart from the teas and crumpets, they have an impressive selection of bone china silverware- cups and saucers, teapots and plates. If you are looking to recreate an authentically English tea experience at your very home, these might come in handy. They make for adorable home decor as well. I have yet to purchase and sample their silverware.
Their knowledge database consisting of tea related books is impressive and I bought a book called ‘Book of Tea’ which gives one a deep insight into each type of tea and tea traditions across the world. Highly recommended because it makes for the perfect bedtime read. Pair that with an hot cup of Rooibos tea and a cat on your lap.
The lady who runs this tea emporium and the tea room is Mary, who started this business in the year 1988. As you can guess, Queen Mary is named after her.
Lastly, the interior decorations, the scent and the British styled outdoor seating with the union jack flags, and bone china decor make this place really come to life; If you are looking for a quintessentially British place outside UK, look nowhere other than Queen Mary’s Tea Emporium. You wouldn’t be disappointed. It’s fabulous.
Best Regards,
The Earl of Lavenders.
The Earl of Lavenders' Tea Parties 