Secret Garden Tea Company Kerrisdale Village

Things that are considered “slow” and “old fashioned” may seem an anomaly in this modern, digital, connected world. But The Secret Garden Tea Company, which opened in Kerrisdale in 1995, focuses on atmosphere, community and connections rather than free wireless and high turnover.

“We provide a delicious product in a beautiful environment and we want people to come here and slow down and make time for each other, whether that's mothers and daughters or a group of friends,” says owner Kathy Wyder. Her sister-in-law and co-owner, Erin Wyder, chimes in, “It's such a world of to-go and takeout and we're losing this kind of experience; for us it's really important to have a place for people to come and connect.”