Char Wallah

Char Wallah is a great little tea shop in the Pavilions shopping centre. Hidden away, you’d never know it was there unless you were in the know, particularly as it looks, from the outside, like a crockery store specialising in tea pots!
As a loose leaf tea fan, I chanced upon this place with my husband on a shopping trip to Birmingham, and was drawn in initially by the fact that they were selling speciality loose leaf teas. I had no idea it was also a café.
I had the chocolate caramel tea. Delicious! A great way to try different flavours and find out what you like before you invest in something for home. I really enjoyed my visit. It’s so quiet and peaceful in there. I have a feeling it won’t be the quiet haven it is now when word gets out about how good it is ;)

Oh Boy this place is a wonderful little sanctuary tucked away in the Pavilions, it could be easily mistaken for a regular shop selling teas/​crockery (which it does) …but upon closer inspection it’s also a tea room with several tables to sit, relax and enjoy a cuppa. The choice of tea’s is endless, I wasn’t sure where to start. You place your order at the counter and they bring it to your table, where it is placed over a tealight to keep it warm. Each order comes in a teapot from which you can get ⁴⁄₅ small cups and a little timer so you let it steep for the required time. A nice chap showed us how to take the tea out of the pot or leave it in to keep the flavour strong.
I will warn you this is a internet black hole which I personally found a welcome addition to the relaxing atmosphere.

When I started work in pavillions I stumbled upon this little tea shop. As I had a nice long break I decided to try it out. Freshly brewed tea. In a little peaceful shop. Seriously, you sit in here you cannot hear the traffic of Birmingham city centre. I feel so relaxed and lucky to work so close to this hidden gem. I have tried a few of their teas now as I frequent it, you can also buy tea sets and various teas to take home. It isn’t that pricey either for a really nice tea shop. They also let you take your own snacks in to nibble on which is a really refreshing thing to hear; almost as refreshing as the tea itself! I would recommend for all tea fanatics.

Lesson learned… Listen to great recommendations when received. I have Charlie S to thank for this weeks wonderful discovery (and Ad T. on accompanying me on my first Char Wallah adventure).
This little tea shop is hidden away in the Pavilions Centre on High Street in Central Birmingham. When I say hidden, I mean hidden. Although it was listed on the store directory, I still had to walk around the correct floor a couple of times to find it. Here’s a hint if you fancy a visit, head to the correct floor (down the teeny tiny escalators) and walk to the back of the centre (as if you are heading to Marks and Spencers) and it’s on the left hand side.
It’s a gorgeous little vintage looking place on the outside, but it doesn’t begin to portray the wonders within. As a top «pro tip» there is ZERO internet connection in the store (and they have a check in offer), so check in as you get into the pallasades and keep it on your phone to claim 10% off anything in store. Nifty, ay!
Upon entering, I was immediately struck with an atmosphere of calm and delicacy. The shop is wonderfully decorated with different kinds of tea adoring the walls, all sorts of tea making paraphernalia to purchase (Mothers day is in March, remember) and a small selection of tables and chairs to sit and while away some time in this relaxing environment.
You can have a tester to «try before you buy», but I knew what I was having straight away. After being presented with a very impressive menu and a secondary menu with descriptions of all of the tea’s on offer, I was immediately drawn to the black chai (being one of my favorites).
After ordering, I went back to my seat and waited for the big reveal. Within a couple of minutes the lovely lady (who I *think* was the owner), came and lit a small tealight underneath a strange metal contraption. Shortly after that, I was presented with what looked like a chemistry set! A beautiful glass tea pot, a timer, a small china teacup and a strainer.
Once everything was set down (and the timer was turned), I was asked «Have you been here before?», «Why no, no I haven’t. But this all looks very exciting!» I said. It was then explained to me to wait for the full 5 minutes for the tea to brew properly before removing the internal bit of the teapot (with the loose leaf in it) and place it into the teapot lid (to prevent over brewing).
What can I say? It was the freshest, most delicious Chai I have ever had. Add that to great company courtesy of Ad and a total cost of £5.80 for two huge teapots (easily 5 cups) and this place is a winner. It loses a star as there is NO internet (would be worth them looking into WiFi), but that being said; then it might take away from the relaxing atmosphere.
If you haven’t been yet, JUST GO! You Won’t regret it.

This place had opened in December! Who knew?
I’m not a tea drinker (coffee’s my thang) but I do love chai and in recent year, this is more readily available.
Even though I am stocked up, I felt I had to go and support this new business in an otherwise dead old shopping centre. The place is welcoming with a huge variety of tea (obviously) and they offer drinking in plus a version of afternoon tea too.
I only knew this place was here because of a tip off from a Unilocaler so I really hope they promote this, do offers and have tastings. All things that will make people go back.

’ Chah Wallah — A Refreshing Change’
and it sure is.
With a choice of over 70 of the best loose leaf tea this is the jewel in the crown for the city of Birmingham.
Situated in the Pavillions Shopping Centre the shop front and window display catches your eye.
Once in the shop the space may be small but the décor is fresh and calming. You can have a closer look at the selection of cups, mugs, tea pots etc that are available to purchase.
Four tables are set up ready for tea tastings or if you fancy a pot of tea.
Along the back wall is a large display of all the Fairtrade loose teas available for purchase.
I was not sure what to try but after a look through the brochure and had a chat with one of the proprietors Julie I decided to try a pot of the Decaf Chai. I was not sure whether to have it with milk or not so I opted to try it without first and it was beautiful. When I was offered the skimmed milk I declined. My Chai came in a glass tea pot and I was given a mini hour glass set to 5 minutes to allow the perfect brew. I had to remove the middle section that contained the loose tea as not to ruin the flavours.
I also had a taster of Rooibus Maple Walnut — sweet, creamy slight nutty taste. The ingredients include Rooibos tea, walnuts, brittle pieces, almond pieces and flavouring. The flavoured Jamaica Vanilla/​Rum has a rather fruity/​juicy flavour, its select berry blend has a kick — freeze dried raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, elderberries, hibiscus blossom and blackcurrants makes this a lovely all year rounder for me.
Us Brits are one of the biggest tea drinkers in the world and Chah Wallah is a great place to sample something a little out of the ordinary. It reminds me of my travelling days.
So theres, Black Tea, Green Tea, Flavoured Tea, Herbal/​Wellness and Chai with Matcha and Ice Tea available soon.
The owners Andrew and Julie have put alot into this place — if your a tea lover like me and need a little quiet spot to enjoy a new brew Chah Wallah is waiting for you and your family and friends of course :-)