T2

Is it wrong to admit that I sometimes come here to reset and find calm?
Well if it is, then go ahead and label me all kinds of wrong cause this place does it for me in a huge way.
It might have something to do with all those itty bitty tea cups on that central table filled with leaves of all colours and textures and smells that has me walking around finding THE aroma, the one that makes my soul laugh!!!
It could also be the wonderful staff that take the time to talk you through some new teas to try based on your current loves — this is how I found Buddhas Tears !! I was (and still am) a fan of Gunpowder Green — a thick and strong flavour, smokey and kinda grassy, refreshing but not in the classic refreshing way. I wanted something lighter but still a green — she pulled out what appeared to look like gunpowder green but then. wait. WHAT? Where is this smell coming from? Why am I just about singing my excitement — if I close my eyes, this beautiful Jasmin scented green easily transports me to those younger days on a warm summer night, sitting on a patio surrounded by star Jasmin climbers — «yup, box those memories up for me thanks».
Their cold and hot brew bar showcase their specials for the week and is always fun walking about checking their brews (more often than not, these teas are the fruity of the bunch).
Overall, a one stop shop for anything tea related, organic or not, ceramic or tin, herbal or punchy.

I don’t even try to hide the fact anymore that I’m about as pretentious as you can get when it comes to tea. People are literally scared to make me a cup of tea in fear of doing it the wrong way. Whenever I bring out my tea chest, people are scared to touch it. I had no idea that I had given off this vibe — but now, I embrace it. My name is Melissa, and I am a tea snob and I will judge you according to the brand of tea you use.
Nothing beats loose leaf — the list of benefits in flavour are endless. T2 boasts every kind of loose leaf tea you can think of. The new store at Parramatta has a ‘bar’ in the middle of the store in which 6 different types of tea are provided for you to taste and sample. It also shows customers what you could do with the tea. I would never have thought of combining ‘Just Rose’ and ‘Madagascan Vanilla’ to create a whole new delicious flavour. Or adding some mint and apple slices when serving ‘Gorgeous Geisha’ iced.
Yes, the tea is relatively expensive for what you get — ranging from $ 12.50-$ 16.00 a cube — but if you’re really into your tea you won’t even think twice about paying it and if you brew it correctly it will last you much longer than you think.
Their tea-​ware is to die for. I normally use eBay or op-​shopping to get my teapots. I love the fact they’re pre-​loved and have tea stains inside the spout. Occasionally I will pick up at teapot or a cup and saucer fro T2 when they’re to gorgeous to resist. It’s an expensive hobby to have.
Now, back to tea snobbery. The staff at T2 are my kind of snobs — they’re enthusiastic and they know they’re stuff but they’re not condescending like some staff at other T2 chains have been (cough, Newtown, cough, hipster nonsense). They suggest blends that you would never have tried but fall in love with and they make sure you know how to brew the particular tea that you’re buying. They’re cheerful and they just look so happy to be at work.
I walk in with a smile on my face and I walk out with one. Plus a few bright orange shopping bags full of happiness.