here’s something brewing on Smith Street, as a new age bar peddling old world wares opens its doors to the public. Storm in a Teacup, an artisan tea bar, is a timely antidote to Melbourne’s saturated coffee scene. The small but open shop-front on Smith Street’s south end provides mostly communal seating while plants, an array of teapots and blue and white china set the mood for the cosy interior. Pastel green shelving behind the bar houses much of the tea as well as the small booze collection.

In a celebration of the rituals, ceremony and long history of tea, Storm in a Teacup’s extensive list showcases more than 20 varietals of the world’s most consumed beverage after water. Including white, black, green, oolong and post-fermented brews – as well as bubble and iced tea – the menu is exhaustive and sourced from around the globe. With Hawaii, Kenya and of course India, China, Japan and Korea making several significant appearances, it really is a celebration of the world of tea.

Helpful tasting notes guide the drinker through the menu, but if you’re feeling truly overwhelmed the friendly staff are on hand to walk you through it. Service at the tiny bar is low-key, tea is served in large terracotta cups and food from the ‘Toast’ menu is prepared at the bar.

For breakfast, match your brew with orange, fennel, and rye organic fruit toast or a breakfast arepa filled with two cheeses, a tea egg, cornichons, mayonnaise, avocado and rocket. Open late from Thursday to Saturday, dinner toast options include free range chicken terrine with orange and beetroot relish and rare roasted organic beef with Persian feta, both served on organic rye or sourdough. There are also several vegetarian options as well as a selection of cakes and muffins baked fresh each day.

Filling a distinct gap with its simple ‘tea and toast’ offering of organic and ethical produce, we don’t mind having a little Storm in a Teacup. Not one bit.

Storm in a Teacup
48A Smith Street, Collingwood
(03) 9415 9593

Hours
Tue & Wed 10am–5pm
Thu to Sat 10am–11pm
Sun 11am–4pm

storminateacup.com.au