Meet us where it’s always tea time
Todd and Holland Tea Merchants had us at free tea. That’s right, at this welcoming tea shop on Madison Street in Forest Park, you can stop in for a free cup of the daily brew while you learn all about the best tea to make at home.
The owners here love talking tea at the counter, so you can bet that you’ll be drinking a delicious cup of loose-leaf tea before walking out the door with your own brew-at-home selection.
It can be a bit overwhelming to experience the sheer options of tea that are available at Todd and Holland, but the staff understands that. They are here to help you understand the different varieties and to find the best option for you.
There are also interesting and unique tea accessories to browse for a gift or for your own kitchen!
Todd and Holland Tea Merchants is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
The best-selling original spice tea blend starts at about $8 while the Moroccan Mint starts at about $7. A beautiful tea tray is $45. The “Sweet Home Chicago” tea collection (great for a gift!) is $30.
Bill Todd grew up drinking tea with his English grandmother who said it wasn’t a proper iced tea unless the spoon could stand straight up in the glass. That’s a strong cup of tea!
This early introduction to tea was just the beginning for Todd who went on to study fine tea. He has traveled the world on what he calls “tea pilgrimages,” visiting China, Taiwan, Tibet, and Japan.
It’s a family affair here, with Todd’s family filling in to talk tea with customers and with staff - who feel like family - helping customers navigate the world of tea.
Todd and Holland is located at 7311 Madison Street in Forest Park. It’s just a half-mile walk from the Harlem Stop on the CTA Blue and a 15-minute walk from the Harlem/Lake Stop on the CTA Green Line.
To make a day of it, grab a book from the nearby Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore and enjoy it with a cup of fine tea!
