Showcase Shorewood - The Royal Tea Room
We are happy to share that our next business spotlight is The Royal Tea Room, which has officially opened its doors today! Congratulations to the entire team!
Located at 315 Vertin Boulevard in Shorewood, The Royal Tea Room is an English-inspired tea café that offers an afternoon tea meal featuring a variety of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and more. Tea selections include the traditional English Breakfast and Earl Grey teas, Indigo Tea, Japanese Sencha, and more. Reservations are encouraged, so make sure to plan a visit on The Royal Tea Room's website for a delightful experience with your sisters, friends, and family.
Welcome to Shorewood!
The Royal Tea Room website
Q & A with Michelle Cunningham, owner of The Royal Tea Room
Where are you located?
315 Vertin Blvd.
Shorewood, IL 60404
Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to open The Royal Tea Room.
I used to work as a 911 dispatcher until January 2024 when I decided to fully commit to my new business. My mom and I always enjoyed going out for afternoon tea, and it has led to so many cherished memories. I wanted to create a space like this for others. It creates a unique bond between women and is becoming a lost art. I remember saying to myself, "What if this is my true calling?" And now, here I am today!
What can someone expect when attending The Royal Tea Room for the first time?
Our tea seatings are 90 minutes long and lean more on the formal side. We do encourage people to dress up and feel elegant here! Expect to feel fancy and enjoy a sit-down experience that is meant to be slower-paced.
How did you go about picking your tea selections?
Earl Grey and English Breakfast are traditional options that are standard for tea services, but we also wanted to include options for people who aren’t traditional tea drinkers.
The Royal Tea Room Tea menu
What tea would you recommend to someone who wouldn’t consider themself a tea drinker?
The Indigo Tea or Celebration Tea. The Indigo Tea is a fruity, caffeine-free option that is a pretty blue color, and the Celebration Tea is a featured tea, which is so aromatic and flavorful. Both are great starter teas!
High tea or afternoon tea—do you have a preference?
Afternoon tea because it is lighter. It still makes you full but there is more variety with less savory items.
Why Shorewood?
The people and the space. After seeing the space with my partner, we knew it was meant to be. I am also grateful and honored to be a part of this town. I have never had a business before and we have had such positive interactions throughout the process.
What do you want the community to know about The Royal Tea Room?
We take pride in what we are doing. You don't need to know tea, it is an experience everyone can find something they like or love here!
