I have been walking past Two Cups in Spring Hill everyday for the past six months. I have always seen happy smiling faces coming out and have admired the Quote chalk board out the front. For six months I have been saying I should try them soon. But whether I was running late for work, or had other things on my mind, it just never happened. Until this week.

With the Christmas rush on for all workplaces I have been starting work a bit earlier a few days this week. On Thursday morning I had not had a morning cup at home and was sleep walking to work. As I approached Two Cups I could smell the coffee and breakfast foods. I could see a couple people enjoying a full cooked breakfast out front, and the sounds of friendly laughter from inside. I admit my body was just crying out for coffee/caffeine but my logical mind had no objections.

As I entered I was greeted by the barista. He was serving what sounded like a long standing customer, but he took the time to ask what he could get me and put my coffee in the queue. Once he had finished serving the customer he turned to me and a had a friendly chat, even though it was 6:45 in the morning. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him make my latte as I could tell he knew his craft well. I even ended up with a little latte art on my cup instead of the normal pour and serve that some cafes do. Two cups also advertises coffee courses, and a book on how to use your home machine effectively. Very tempted on both accounts.

I've been back in a few times since and the service is always great, as are their homemade sweet chilli and cheese muffins. Definitely a place to check out if you enjoy good quality coffee and a friendly atmosphere.

I'm a fan of tea, whether it is a cup of English Breakfast to start the day, a nice Earl Grey to warm me up on a Winter afternoon, or a cup of soothing Chai to finish the day. Tea and the subtle (or not so subtle) variations in the blends will always bring a smile to my face. I think it is partially that memory of being a child and having mum fix me a cup of tea and a milk arrowroot biscuit for afternoon tea.

Recently I visited The Tea Centre on Little Albert Lane. Firstly, I love walking into this place and feeling like I have stepped into a wonderful fragrant tea house.  From the wall of tins containing tea from all over the world, to the variety of tea pots and cups to purchase, this place has the perfect cup of tea for any palate.

On this visit I had the Pai Mu Tan Stockholm Blend and a sinful little Pavlova with fresh fruit. I have to admit that I am partial to the White teas when I go out. I have so many varieties of tea at home so when I go out I enjoy having something a little different.  The Pai Mu Tan Stockholm Blend is white tea with orange blossoms, rose petals, safflowers, calendula blossom, vanilla and apricot.

The wait staff are very good at the Tea Centre. They give you just the right amount of time to peruse the menu, and then provide your order quite quickly also. The tea comes out in it's own little pot, and they let you know how much longer to leave it steep. My tea is a very light floral flavoured tea with a slight sweetness from the vanilla and apricot. I've just poured the tea into it's cup and taken the first mouthful when my sweet treat arrives. The little pavlova is actually two small meringues sandwiched with cream, kiwi fruit and strawberry slices. There is more of the same on the top as well as a drizzling of passionfruit. It was a purely light and delightful afternoon treat.

When I finished my tea and wandered around the store the have a look at the tea pots the staff were friendly and answered all my questions. I highly recommend The Tea Centre for a quiet relaxing afternoon (or Morning) tea. Stop in to sample their hot or iced teas, or even a coffee if you prefer. Stay and enjoy Devonshire tea or one of their sweet deserts. Have lunch and enjoy a Chicken filo wrap, or quiche and salad. And definitely stop in to look at the wonderful assortment of tea pots, especially with Christmas just round the corner. You may find the perfect gift for that special person.