How to Run an English Tea Room

Offer events, like tea tastings or classes to educate customers while marketing your tea.

The china and silverware are laid out, the brocade curtains are hung, table cloths are pressed, tea stands are lined with delectable scones and cakes, there's even a small photo of the royal family somewhere in the mix; all you need now are the customers. Running your own English tea room is like running any small business. But before you can start welcoming customers, be sure to brush up on business basics.

Instructions

1. Develop a system that effectively helps you operate and manage day to day tasks. Consider what forms of payment are acceptable from customers, how you will organize your tea and food inventory and the kind of computer operating system that will help keep your inventory organized and up-to-date.

2. Create a website to promote your business while making it accessible to the general public. If you choose to become a tea retailer, a website will help you increase your income by offering tea for sale locally and internationally.

3. Hire courteous employees. They must be able to warmly welcome guests and help them feel at ease. Your employees are an extension of the atmosphere of your tea room, whether it be tranquil or homey, so they must be able to reflect this in their behavior and service. Be sure to train employees to be able to communicate with and handle difficult customers.

4. Offer events like tea tastings or classes like Victorian etiquette classes to educate customers while marketing your tea. Hire a teacher or become certified with the Tea Association of America to earn your tea room extra credibility and marketability.

References

• Tea Business Guide: Opening a Tea Room
• Tea Digest: Cat Tea Corner
• Tea Association of America: Tea Certification Program

Resources

• Tea Business Guide: Tea Curriculum for Victorian Tea Class
• Victorian Bazaar: The Tea Tradition
• Tea Entrepreneurs Association: Resources for Tea Room Owners