Hello!
​​​​​​At Take Tea, we embrace the timeless art of afternoon tea as a shared indulgence—an experience that nourishes both the palate and the spirit. Our mission is to transport guests to a serene culinary haven where every sip, every bite, and every moment reflects the elegance and charm of this beloved tradition.
We strive to be the destination where afternoon tea becomes more than a meal—it becomes a journey through exquisite flavors, thoughtful presentation, and meaningful connection. At Take Tea, we invite our guests to slow down, savor the richness of tradition, celebrate life’s simple joys, and create lasting memories, one teacup at a time.
~Anu
Our History
Take Tea opened in 2021 under the tuteledge of Nann Thomson. It was based on the realization of a wonderful mixture of memories: cream teas in Letterfrack when she was living in Galway in the 1970's; and a decade later more cream teas in Devon, where she was studying law at the University of Exeter and living in the village of Ide with her two oldest children. She had "taken tea" in many tea rooms, both here and abroad including a formal "afternoon tea" in London.
In 2023, Anu began working part-time with Nann at the tea shop on her breaks from teaching. Anu and Nann's relationship goes back almost 20 years, as Nann was Anu's high school teacher in culinary arts. Upon her retirement from Take Tea, in January 2025 Take Tea was purchased and ownership transitioned to the new Tea Proprietor, Anu. ​
More about us...
Jon Shaw is one of our long-time team members. He completed his graduation requirements from Avon High School in 2018 with National Honor Society recognition. He attended the Farmington Valley Transition Academy with other students with disabilities graduating in May 2022. An enthusiastic traveler (and "foodie") he has also "taken tea" in both Ireland and England as well as here in the United States. Jon has spent hours preparing to help in the tea room by earning his ServSafe Foodhandler's certificate and SureSellNow's Responsible Alcohol Server Certificate. ​​
Our Mission: People
At Take Tea, our mission is to uplift and support all individuals, fostering a community where everyone feels valued and empowered. We are dedicated to championing female empowerment and advocating for people with special needs, ensuring that our efforts promote equality and inclusivity. Our gift-shop items are thoughtfully sourced from predominantly women-owned businesses, both locally and across the United States, reflecting our commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurs. Through our inclusive approach, we strive to create a welcoming space for all, where every purchase contributes a greater purpose and empowers those in our community.
Our Philosophy: Green
Our dedication to the environment: Keep it green! Take Tea strives to embrace the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. As you explore our tea room, you’ll notice that much of the furniture and decor has been given a second (or third). The same applies to our kitchen, where our tea cups, saucers, and much of our serviceware are not only pre-owned but also reflect our theme, with several of them being crafted in England, Ireland, or Scotland. We make a conscious effort to purchase recycled paper products and often opt for items made with a significant percentage of post-consumer waste, such as our business cards, or that are compostable and biodegradable. In our quest for quality teas, we prioritized organic options for their benefits to both tea drinkers and the planet. We proudly serve organic teas from Harney & Sons, among other popular selections. We are committed to implementing resource-saving practices wherever possible. For instance, we only serve water upon request, which contributes to our eco-friendly initiatives. Even our restroom features a water-saving device. If you have any suggestions during your visit, please feel free share them with us!