Long-time tenant at Westfield Kotara and forever favourite amongst the local tea community, The Tea Centre, has expanded their local offering by moving into a much larger retail space.

Having called Westfield Kotara home since 2007, The Tea Centre has garnered huge support amongst tea-lovers across Newcastle and surrounds, and having officially launched their new space on 22^nd February 2022, the dedicated tea shop will continue to do so for many more years to come.

Since 1993, The Tea Centre has become a go-to across Australia for the finest quality and freshest loose-leaf tea. The passionate tea specialists behind the brand aim to give each and every customer the ultimate tea experience.

“The Tea Centre had a good idea as to what they were in for because they’d done three refits last year. They knew what they wanted and had the design down pat,” Louise said.

Chatting to store manager, Louise, we learnt the insider knowledge of everything to expect from the new store including a few brand-new offerings by The Tea Centre; a takeaway tea menu and a soon-to-launch tea tailoring experience.

“The new owners have moved the brand into a more modern look, and it really brightens the business up a little bit. Since opening on Tuesday, we’ve had people come in that had no idea we were here let alone being here for 15 years.”

The takeaway tea menu offers guests the opportunity to try a cup of one of The Tea Centre’s very own teas completely free of charge. Browse through over 150 different tea flavours and pick your favourite to taste test as you wander the store and browse the extent of The Tea Centre’s offering before taking your very own tea home.

“Customers can come in and choose any tea to try. We pop the loose leaf into these tea bags and serve them on these little trays so that you can enjoy the tea whilst walking around and browsing the rest of the store. The first cup is free, and after that, each cup is $3.”

Coming to The Tea Centre at Kotara soon is their very new, Tea Tailoring experience, where customers can book online for a one-on-one session with The Tea Centre’s loose-leaf experts. Work alongside the experts to curate your very own bespoke tea menu. 

Tea Tailoring is a free service where customers are given the perfect tea recommendations to suit their taste buds or an occasion they're hosting (i.e. high tea, tea for party favours, bespoke wedding tea, event tea menu, etc.). Booking in ensures our staff are free to give this sort of devoted one-on-one attention to a customer and make them extra special. Watch this space for the launch date!

In addition to the venue’s new offerings, you can, of course, still expect all the best that The Tea Centre has become known for over the past 29 years in business. Exquisite customer service and ongoing friendly nature.

“We will continue to offer our two different teas available for tasting every day. In summer, we’ll have both a hot and cold tea available to try, and over winter it’s the two hot teas.”

Marvel at the dedicated tea wall, featuring each and every tea available in store. Explore the range of Classic teas including goods such as English Breakfast, Gunpowder Green, and High Mountain Oolong. Try some of The Tea Centre’s Wellbeing teas including flavours such as Chamomile, Echinacea Blend, and Rooibos Chai.

Elevate your tea experience with the Premium tea range with mixes such as Matcha Tea Powder, Buddha’s Tears, and Goomtee Darjeeling. Or visit the fusion range for a sense of thrill with mixes such as French Earl Grey, Turkish Delight, and Dandelion Chai.

“Our biggest pull for customers is people coming in just to top up on teas, but I have a feeling it may change in this new space.”

With plenty more space in-store, The Tea Centre is now even more stocked with all your favourite tea gifts. From the recently launched and exquisitely packaged Chai Kits, and more premium gift boxes to wooden tea boxes, individual tea-filled tins, and a teaware range that will keep you smiling for days; The Tea Centre stocks a little something perfect for everyone.

Now located on level 2, opposite the Athlete’s Foot, you’re invited to experience the magic of the European style tearoom now at The Tea Centre and soak up all the delicious and tea-centred offerings available in-store.