a love for tea


I've never been "a regular" at a restaurant, but the owners of this tea place only 10 minutes from my house in Prattville, Alabama now know me by name. Today I had the honor of taking photos of them and the whole experience of having tea at the Smith-Byrd House.


As I took photos, I learned even more of their story.


David's previous job sent him to Scotland for 3 weeks in 2000, so he brought his wife Beth along and added an extra week for vacation. That is where their love for tea first began. They loved that a businessman, a skateboarder, and an American tourist would all sit in the same tea room having a lovely time.

The queen's tea

Today, I was treated to The Queen's Tea, which includes:


  • salad
  • quiche
  • 4 miniature sandwiches
  • 2 smalls scones with (delicious!) lemon curd and clotted cream
  • creme brulee (my favorite)
  • chocolate tarte
  • a mini cupcake
  • and bottomless tea!


They offer smaller portions or options for just tea and dessert, etc. It's all as wonderful as it sounds!


When they serve your 3-tiered tray, they explain all the different flavors of each "dish."

Loose-Leaf tea

They use loose-leaf tea and allow you to choose from hundreds of options. It never gets old! You can also purchase packets of the tea from them, along with tea infusers (kind of like a reusable tea bag that you put the tea leaves in to steep it). I love the descriptions they have of each tea!


They even have their own Smith-Byrd Tea. A couple of my favorite flavors are the Strawberry Kiwi (I also love the pink color of the tea!) and Falling Leaves, which is just as dreamy as you would imagine.

You can see the light from the scale they use to weigh out the correct amount of tea for the bags they sell.

David filling a bag of Chocolate Raspberry Truffle tea for customers.

They label each tea pot with the name of the tea, which makes it fun and easy to taste the tea everyone else at the table chooses.

the bed & Breakfast


They were delighted to share that they have a guest coming from Spain! I haven't stayed with them as a guest, but I got the grand tour today. One of the rooms is downstairs while another is located upstairs. This Victorian home features so many nice touches for someone who loves this style.


I also read on their website that they stayed at a Bed & Breakfast for their honeymoon and that Beth finally started looking for a place to have one of their own when David was part of a big lay-off in the company he worked for. They have owned the Smith-Byrd house since 2007.


They have done renovations over the years, and still have a long way to go. Upon arrival, you may wonder if you're in the right location. But once you get inside, you will find the charm that led you to this home.

David told me they added this stencil to the stairs to make it easy to distinguish one step from another as you go downstairs, particularly when it's dark out.

the gift shop

While I was there, they had a new customer arrive. The librarian had sent her to purchase items for a gift basket. I had not even considered coming just to buy a nice gift, but it's such a great idea!


They have everything from soaps and dish towels to tea pots and magazines about tea.

the decor

I personally love all the chandeliers and the small touches that add to the atmosphere. Lace, hats, and tea cups abound! The restroom is labeled the "Powder Room." Even outside, there is always something new to discover from lemons to a mulberry tree, foxglove, and roses.

the staff


I love chatting with the owners each time I visit. They keep checking to make sure you have enough tea and are sure to add, "We're not rushing you...just want to make sure you have everything you need. Take as long as you like. That's part of the experience!"


Today I also got to take photos of their newest employee. I happened to ask her last week how long she's worked there, and it turned out she'd just started. I would have had no idea! She did fabulous.

the memories

The best part about the tea house is the memories made and the conversations that take place within its rooms.


The first time I went, I met a lady who had sewn the gorgeous dress she was wearing! I have since taken my mom, sister, nieces (one just before she got married), friends visiting from out of town, and clients who became fast friends.


We have shared laughter, adventures, and struggles...and of course, tea.