Popular Tea House to reopen in Gardens

CUPS of tea and coffee will again be flying out the door when the popular Geelong Botanic Gardens Tea House re-opens tomorrow for the first time in 18 months.

The Tea House has been closed since May 2022 due to needed renovations taking place to reinvigorate and give the space new life.

The Tea House has been a popular meeting spot for the local community for many years, providing the perfect backdrop for a calm coffee or cake surrounded by nature.

The re-launched Tea House will be operated by local café owner group Where You Meet (WYN), who plan to hero food and beverages from the local region.

Honeybird Coffee, Love Tea, Shanti Chai, LaMadre Bakery Pastries and specially home baked sweets are all slated to feature on the fresh menu.

Mayor Trent Sullivan joined Where You Meet general manager Kira Hunn on Tuesday to exclusively chat to the Times News Group ahead of Saturday’s official opening.

“It is great to be able to provide another reason for people to visit and spend time in one of Geelong’s premier attractions,” mayor Sullivan said.

“To celebrate the official opening on Saturday, there will be live music, free face painting and other activities.”

Ms Hunn said it was a joy to be bringing the Tea House back for the community.

“The Tea House is now back with a new operator…WYM,” she said.

“I’ve got a massive hospitality background starting from when I was 14 and then I dove into the horticulture world and started my own garden design business in 2017.

“This opportunity was the perfect combination, colliding my two worlds.

“We think the community will really enjoy the quality products we put our love into, but also, the location – it’s hard to beat.

“With no sounds other than the breeze and birds in the trees, and the light chatter and laughter of people enjoying their days, it’s sure to be very beautiful and fresh.”

Live music, free face painting, giant Jenga and chalk and bubbles will all be going on from 11am tomorrow to celebrate the occasion.

The Tea House and Geelong Botanic Gardens are both dog friendly, however pets will need to be on lead.