Treat Yourself: The Hill Tea Bar

Just east of Germantown Avenue, on Hartwell Lane in Chestnut Hill, you will find the cutest little tea bar. The Hill Tea Bar opened this year and features more than fifty varieties of tea, which can be served hot or cold. They also sell irresistible goodies such as cupcakes, cakes, scones (not the rock-hard kind!), and pastries.  If you are hungry for lunch, there are also sandwiches available.  And if you have a picky little one with you, you can even grab a bag of the ever-popular Pirate's Booty.

Make sure to visit the tea bar before the weather gets very cold, so that you can take advantage of their beautiful and serene garden. The garden is spacious and filled with tables and chairs. There is plenty of room for little ones to roam around on the grass while you eat, drink, and chat. Just beware that adventurous ones will be close to the road and that the garden is not fenced in, so you will have to keep a close watch on them, but there should be enough to entertain most. (My son was busy examining bugs and fallen berries on our last visit.)

If you are walking to the tea bar, plan to park any strollers out front while you place your order inside. The space is a bit snug, so be prepared to hold onto little hands because there are fragile items in the store that might be tempting. It is a good idea to come in pairs, so parents can take turns watching the kids outside!

There is indoor seating, so you can still enjoy your tea at the bar during the winter.  But, instead of trying to keep your eye on an energetic little one in the front of the bar, head to the back and you will find a door leading to a more private room with more space.  There is a toy chest full of things to keep your kids entertained.  The owner is even willing to put on a children's video if you would like.  And if you are able to get out without kids, take advantage of the free wi-fi in the tea bar.

The tea bar also hosts great events, including story times and wine tastings. For example, call now to fill one of the last spots for a Tour of Italy Wine Class to be held on October 17th, 7:30-9:30pm - cost, $40 per person. You will be tasting eight different wines paired with cheese samples provided by The Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop.

Or, if you don't have plans for yourself for Halloween just yet, adults can visit the tea bar from 7:30-9:30 on Halloween night for "A Night of a Thousand Wishes" storytelling event and "Mini Magical Tea Party" cost, $25 per person (adults only). To keep up with events at The Hill Tea Bar, check out their blog.

The tea bar is located at 6 East Hartwell Lane and is open on Tuesdays 10-6, Wednesday-Saturdays 10-7, and Sundays 10-3. For more information or to reserve a spot for an event, call the Hill Tea Bar at 215.381.2226.