In our home it has become a ritual, a gathering, a place of sharing stories and enjoying each other's company. Before we can go anywhere, we have to drink tea. When we get back, the kettle is the first thing that is tended to.
The following quote, largely sums up my mom's outlook on life - tea fixes anything:
"As far as her mom was concerned, tea fixed everything. Have a cold? Have some tea. Broken bones? There's a tea for that too. Somewhere in her mother's pantry, Laurel suspected was a box of tea that said, "In case of Armageddon, steep three to five minutes."
- Aprilynne Pike, Illusion
With this background, I was excited when a special friend surprised me with a voucher for a tea tasting at Lady Bonin's Tea Parlour.
Situated in the heart of Woodstock, this parlour is a unique place where tea lovers can broaden their horizons. It is delicately decorated and a visit to the Parlour, feels like going home. With the rich comfort provided by exquisite teas.
We went for a tasting of 7 different teas. Even though most of these teas originate from the same plant, it is amazing how the taste differs completely, ranging from very light and green teas, to fruity to highly caffeinated black teas.
Each tea is served in a different pot as to suit the body and flavour of the tea.
Throughout the tasting you are informed of every different variety, the history, benefits and other general facts - which really were very interesting.
The tea parlour have different tastings available:
3 teas - R100
5 teas - R 150
7 teas - R 200
Unlimited - R 250
They also have a tea and food pairing and a "How To" of tea, where you will accumulate a body of knowledge on this 4000 year old speciality and will be able to blend and take home your own tea. The shop also sells a wide variety of loose leaf teas.
A variety of sweet treats are available to enjoy with your tea as well as some ice teas.
Additionally, they have a caravan, which is often spotted in the Cape Town area. It operates as a mobile extension of the tea parlour and is a regular visitor to the Biscuit Mill Market in Woodstock.
Our visit to Lady Bonin's Tea Parlour was truly special and I will definitely find my way back.
Location: The Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Location: The Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
HOURS
Monday to Friday: 09h00 to 16h00
Saturdays: 10h00 to 14h00
Sundays: Closed
Regrettably I did not have my camera with me on the day, therefore these photo's are all from Lady Bonin's website @ http://www.ladybonin.com. No copyright infringement is intended.
