Around the world, as both a beverage and a pastime, tea is steeped in history and ritual. From the casual to the ceremonial, tea is a throughline for many cultures, and now, it’s enjoying a renewed interest from beverage pros who are drawn to tea’s unique flavor characteristics, health benefits, and cultural connections. Recently, two Virginia tea rooms have begun to put their own spin on the storied tradition of taking tea.
Floris at VMFA
215 N. Sheppard St., Richmond
Debuting in winter 2023, Floris is a tea room located in the Pauley Center parlor at the
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a former private event space overlooking VMFA’s Sculpture Garden. For months after its opening, it was impossible to score a reservation. The neoclassical building, the former Home for Confederate Women, has been meticulously updated by interior designer Marie Fedowitz of Abode in Richmond to reflect not only the elegant architecture, but also of tea culture…