Shineworthy Tea Review

5348 Hickory Hollow Parkway
Nashville, TN
www.shineworthytea.com
Dancing Girl and I found Shineworthy Tea in Antioch, TN located in a strip mall with ample parking and a large illuminated sign making it very easy to find.  Once inside, the shop is large and open with minimal seating - 2 couches facing each other and 3 square tables positioned along floor to ceiling windows.  The center of the room is spacious and open. The inside wall  of the store housed shelves of silver tea tins, a small glass pastry case and a bar with seating for 6 patrons.  A small smattering of tea paraphernalia such as books, pots and cups, are on display for sale.  The steely gray, black and white color scheme is modern and monochromatic.

We ordered afternoon tea for one with and extra pot of tea.  Choosing the tea was delightful!  With over 40 teas to choose from,  it took a few minutes to read the descriptions and smell some from a display on the counter.  The tea was definitely the highlight of this afternoon tea experience!  It quickly arrived at our table, which had been beautifully laid for us after placing our order.  The loose tea was perfectly brewed using correct water temperature and steeping time and served over glass warmers.  I enjoyed each sip of my countryside blend and Dancing Girl loved her Lapsang Souchong.

Despite the 25 minute wait for our three-tiered tea tray to arrive, the service was friendly.  We found chicken salad, egg salad, pimento cheese and Nutella sandwiches, which were all fine, on the top tray.  Next tier was a plate of grapes and a few sliced strawberries followed by the bottom tier dessert plate.  This was the least appetizing portion of the meal; a selection of commercially prepared, bland tasting cookies and tiny “cake cubes” with thick sugary glazes.  Scones were not included in this afternoon tea. 

When the tea tray had been removed, we were served a glass flute of chilled Jasmine tea, a square of caramel  chocolate and a chocolate truffle.  The presentation was very attractive but the tea was floral and sweet and difficult to get down after the sweetness of the food and chocolates.

Overall, our assessment is that Shineworthy Tea is a tea bar which also serves an afternoon tea upon request.  The cost was $30 for afternoon tea for one guest, which we shared, and $10 for an additional pot of tea.  The total price seemed high for the quality of food and ambiance of the shop.

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