Tina's Traditional Old English Kitchen Opens at the Indianapolis Propylaeum
Five Star hotels in London, England, have seen a boost in business due to the brew and offer some of the best tea time experiences in the world, but now Indiana could become a destination hotspot for British Styled afternoon tea. English native and Indiana resident, Tina Jesson, has just opened her second tearoom in Indiana just 3 months after opening her first in Carmel in October 2014. Owner of Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen, Jesson has now opened at the Indianapolis Propylaeum, at 1410 N Delaware St.
“We have been pleasantly surprised. We served over 300 high teas in December alone in our small 34 seat tearoom in Carmel.” Which Jesson explained will be expanding in March to the entire first floor of the period building she occupies at 30 N Rangeline Rd Carmel. And when the summer finally arrives, will be taking the quintessentially British experience outside on to the tea terrace.
In the meantime, Jesson has partnered with The Indianapolis Propylaeum to provide lunch and afternoon tea services inside the historical period mansion, which dates back to the 1880’s.Jesson explained, “It feels like we are serving in a large English Victorian Country House Residence akin to Downton Abbey and our guests are treated not only to a wide selection of fresh brewed loose leaf teas in a tea pot to the table, but they also get to try many English treats, based on my families traditional English recipes”.
Jesson started her business in 2011 selling baked goods at farmers markets in the area and was then asked if she could provide private tea parties. She had been looking for a permanent location for a tearoom for quite some time, before she found the property in Carmel. It was the day before she opened there, that she was approached by the management of The Propylaeum. “I had to sit down when the call came in as I was in shock”, Jesson explains. “I always wanted to know how I could serve at The Propylaeum…its such a prestigious building with such an amazing history. We are so lucky to have been asked.”
Currently Tina and her team provides lunch and afternoon tea served all day at both locations, using the freshest local and authentic imported British ingredients and has an impressive calendar of British Themed literary events planned for the year. Tina’s provides an ideal venue for bridal parties, baby showers and birthday parties.
Tina’s Traditional Old English Tearoom
30 N Rangeline Rd Carmel
Tues – Sun
11am – 4pm
317.565.9716
Tina’s Traditional Tearoom at The Propylaeum
1410 N Delaware Rd, Indianapolis
Mon – Fri
11am – 3pm
317.638.7881
