You may have not realized it, but tea is now an everyday luxury and no more an aristocratic pastime. Today’s tea is gourmet and puts the plain old Earl Grey of yesteryear to shame. Bellocq Tea Atelier, a New York based tea outlet aims to extend the notion of luxury with a fruitful line of bespoke tea blends as well as regular tea leaves.The brand is sustainable and responsible only working with gardens and merchants that hold the same altruistic values. Created by 4 artistic folks, the founders started off as online merchants, but soon debuted their brick and mortar store in London at the end of last year with prosperous plans for expansion stateside. The London store has since closed for relocation, but its plans for expansion are in full effect.
Currently, the tea is present in both Philadelphia and Los Angeles. In Philly, teas are being served at the contemporary art space, Julie Laide Gallery and at Mark Vetri’s popular restaurant, Vetri Restaurant. In LA, the first outpost debuted inside of the Restoration Hardware store in West Hollywood located at 8772 Beverly Boulevard. The store selected the brand for the tea service that is offered to all guests complimentary. The cafe area, where guests can enjoy their tea, channels the relaxing vibe of an apothecary-style garden.
This Fall, the group will open their second outpost in Brooklyn located at 104 West Street in the posh Greenpoint neighborhood. The store will also embrace the same evocative vibe present in the LA outpost.
As shown on their website, their most popular blends are No. 12, Le Hammeau, No. 35, The Earl Grey, No. 04, Large Leaf Puerh and No. 31, Siam Basil Lemongrass.
Here’s a peek at some of their other interesting blends…
No. 39, Hindu Holiday
Ingredients: Organic Fair Trade Rooibos, organic ginger, organic cassia, organic cardamom, organic flower petals, natural essences
No. 09, The White Duke
Ingredients: Chinese white tea buds, organic bergamot essence, organic blue cornflowers
No. 22, Noble Savage
Ingredients: Organic black tea, organic juniper berries, organic Douglas Fir tips, organic blue cornflowers
The company also sells a large variety of handcrafted tea accessories, making it the perfect gift for anyone.
For more information about the teas or to place an order, visit their website or call 1.800.495.5416
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