Leaf It To Me

The Age

Tuesday October 7, 2008

Kerrie O'Brien

Julie Griffiths has been obsessed with tea much of her life. She credits time in the UK with introducing her to "proper" tea, a concept that was extended when she learnt to create herbal blends while living at an ashram in country Victoria. Several visits to India, where chai is virtually the national drink, added impetus.

In 2000, she set up The Tea Party, launched at the Night Market; the following year she opened a shop in one of the Queen Victoria Market's heritage-listed shops on Victoria Street. Griffiths has watched Melburnians fall in love with tea over the past decade. "People are far more tea savvy now. They understand that although it takes a little extra time to brew loose-leaf, the end result is well worth it," she says.

About 100 blends are available at the shop, with green and white tea proving particularly popular, largely due to their health benefits. Chai is in strong demand, especially in winter. Australian tea, much of which is grown around the Daintree in Queensland, is a popular purchase by tourists wanting to take something back for the folks at home. Blends such as a berry mix - high in antioxidants and vitamin C - are highly sought after, particularly in the warmer months.

Because of its location, both locals and tourists visit The Tea Party, where they can sample some of the many blends on offer. In response to requests from overseas and interstate visitors, Griffiths plans to launch an online ordering service next month. -- KERRIE O'BRIEN

The Tea Party, 137 Victoria Street, West Melbourne. Phone 9329 1149 or visit www.teaparty.com.au

© 2008 The Age

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