Bingley's Teas

My friend, who resides outside of Minneapolis, and I discovered this place while looking for nearby tea rooms on the internet. She had never been to one and we thought it'd be fun to check one out while I was visiting from Pennsylvania. I noticed Bingley's Teas in our Google results and as the big Jane Austen fans we both are, it was as if universe conspired and then fate eagerly lead us to this location. We couldn't wait another day to go and I'm so, so glad we went. Probably one of my fondest and more joyous outings with my friend!Not only was is it a visually gorgeous place, the helpfulness, expertise, and infectiously fun energy of the owner was undeniable. It really felt like I stepped back in time to the Victorian-era and right into a Jane Austen novel. Atop the china and decor being enchantingly beautiful, the owner, Julia, was an absolute delight. As first time visitors, she was kind enough to take the time to get to know our preferences and familiarity with teas and adjusted our tea tastings accordingly and she also shared a bit of her obviously expansive tea knowledge, which was very, very interesting! She wasn't overly intrusive or overbearing with us, either. We came for a nice and fairly quiet afternoon and she respected that but she was also attentive to any of our needs and she had such a fun and personable approach with us.I also would like to note that, although her biggest sellers are surely her Jane Austen collection of tea, she has quite the variety of other teas that I would encourage people to sample. She is very clearly talented in the art of tea creations. I was not disappointed whatsoever. I loved all the Jane Austen Teas I tried (and, honestly, it was a genuine struggle trying to narrow my tea decisions down to just two) but her Chinese tea were equally and incredibly delicious, as well! I just can't say enough how much I loved this place! The tea, the staff, the place, itself, and the energy, all of it was just so lovely, warm, and inviting. Also, as an adorer of animals, it was another giddy plus that she just so happen to have brought her little dog, Charlie, there the day we went. I absolutely adored the little fella. Taking after Julia, he was just as sweet and inviting, as well!On another side note (and an important note to me), she also had a life-size cut-out of Colin Firth (aka Mr. Darcy!). I did not know this was the thing missing from my life! It was such a lovely hoot of fun taking pictures with him. Julia was even enthusiastic and excited enough to offer to let me dress up in one of the hanging gowns complete with a fancy clip in my hair to be completely red carpet ready to take pictures next to Mr. Darcy. Perfect ending to a most perfect and joyous tea outing!The only thing I can really can really think to complain about is my sadness that this place isn't closer to me. I would be there every free afternoon I had if it was located closer to my home. Nonetheless, I'm grateful she sells her teas online and I'll definitely be buying more from her collection online. Meanwhile, I'll be looking forward to visiting again on my next visit to Minneapolis. Definitely not a place to be passed up! If I could give this place ten stars, I would. :)

Love your tea, but we drove across the city today and you were closed even though your hours said you were open

Bingley's is the place to go if you enjoy tea! A delightful dichotomy, the studio has touches of both a Victorian parlor and a Chinese apothecary studio to suit the 2 predominant styles of tea carried there. Julia, the owner, is not only one of the leading local authorities on tea but is also an amazing hostess. Everyone is welcome there and made to feel that way! If you enjoy tea, you should go see her asap!