This International Tea Day, Sunday December 15, Tranquil Tea owner Dona Perera is encouraging people to celebrate by enjoying a brew with loved ones. Ms Perera said tea has been a drink of choice for people all over the world for 150 years.
“People all over the world drink tea. It can bring people together. It is very versatile and can be used in many different ways,” she said.
Ms Perera started Tranquil Tea to re-ignite her passion for the traditional drink and specialises in importing black and green Ceylon tea as well as infused teas with fruity and spicy flavours.
“I love tea,” she said. “You can add it to red wine and make a cocktail, cupcakes and perfumes and you can use it to flavour meat. It can be used at any time of the day for any event.”
International Tea Day was introduced in 2005 in India to address wages and fair prices for small tea producers. It started important conversations such as working conditions and the rights of women in plantations, these days the movement is looking at issues like climate change.
“This International Tea Day we celebrate the growers and their contribution whilst supporting continual improvement in working conditions. There is a growing number of tea drinkers who are mindful of the chemicals and additives in their daily drink and looking for natural teas that are grown and harvested ethically.”
Ms Perera will be hosting two Ceylon Tea Tasting events at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre on International Tea Day. One at 10am-11.30am and another at 2.30pm-4pm. Cost is $6 per person, book online or phone 3281 0555.
Here’s how to enjoy a great cuppa in Ipswich…
Fourthchild
Fourthchild is a funky cafe in the Ipswich Top of Town precinct, set inside a historic building there is a range of teas on the menu including traditional styles like earl grey, chamomile and peppermint as well as green tea, forest berry and orange pekoe. In fact there’s 14 different types on the menu including iced teas.
Woodlands of Marburg
Woodlands of Marburg is a great place to enjoy a brew. Sit outside on the deck under the shady tree and take in the country views.
There’s plenty of choice to keep you satisfied including loose leaf Mary Stuart English breakfast, lemongrass and ginger, green mint, jasmine, chamomile, peppermint and chai.
Tranquil Tea can be found at six cafes around the region including the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre, Woodlands of Marburg, Trevallan Lifestyle Centre, Chapters Bookshop and Wine Bar, Fourthchild and the Royal Hotel at Kalbar.
Also check out where to enjoy Devonshire tea in Ipswich.
