McHughTEA is the first tea room in the history of Bellaire, Texas, specializing in organic teas from around the world. This family-owned business began in 2010 with an online tea store, TrueLeafTea.com created by Certified Tea Specialist and Tea Blending Master, Kim McHugh. After many trips to England, the dream of creating an upscale, organic tea room that specialized in serving the highest quality organic teas supplemented by a variety of freshly made foods became a shared dream by the entire family.

The goal for the family was to provide a peaceful place where people could meet, explore the world of exotic teas, and sample freshly prepared salads, pastries, and desserts that would exceed their expectations. Kim’s mother Billie, armed with three generations of family recipes, ran and managed the kitchen for many years. She prided herself on providing the highest quality foods and inspects every dish before it left the kitchen. 

As a team and a family, they were dedicated to greeting each person who walks through our door with warmth and friendliness and to providing a unique and enjoyable dining experience. 

Embracing a New Chapter: Passing the Teapot to a New Generation of Tea Lovers

As McHugh Tea Room celebrated its remarkable 10th Anniversary in August 2023, we were excited to announce a significant milestone in our journey. In June of 2023, Kim McHugh, our passionate founder, gracefully "passed the teapot" to our new owners, Amy and Woody Quinn, who were poised to carry on the rich tea tradition.

Born and raised in Bellaire, Amy and Woody have deep-rooted connections to the community and are actively involved in local school and community organizations. Their commitment to fostering honest and meaningful business relationships resonated strongly with McHugh Tea Room's values.

With their expertise and unwavering dedication to Bellaire and the community, Amy and Woody were ready to expand McHugh Tea Room in unique and exciting ways. Their foremost focus was on listening attentively to the needs and desires of our cherished customers, ensuring that McHugh Tea Room remained the premier gathering place to connect with family, friends, and the wider community.

Amy and Woody Quinn's vision for McHugh Tea Room revolves around creating a welcoming space where tea enthusiasts and community members can connect, relax, and enjoy a casual tea experience. "Come as you are!" is their motto. If that means dressing up as if you might meet the King or strolling by in tennis shoes, they want you to feel at home. 

Additionally, they have introduced "ArTEA" workshops, Teacher Appreciation events, and monthly “SpecialTEA” Themed Afternoon Teas where customers can be creative and have fun with their tea experiences. They are excited to expand their offerings to include book club nights, author readings, book signings, poetry readings, workshops, and other classes. 

"We aim to create a space where the community can gather, engage, and discover new treasures beyond just tea." Amy noted.

Looking ahead, Amy and Woody envision McHugh Tea Room as not just a tea destination but a hub for community engagement. This is a unique space where new customers are valued just as much as the regulars, many of whom visit daily or multiple times a week. The tea-lovers who come in are the heart and soul of McHugh Tea Room and the Quinns strive to build strong relationships with each customer, getting to know them by name, remembering their favorite teas, and anticipating their needs, ensuring that McHugh Tea Room remains a cherished and thriving establishment for years to come. They are committed to preserving and expanding upon McHugh Tea Room's legacy while infusing it with fresh ideas and innovations.

As we embark on this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kim McHugh for her vision, passion, and tireless efforts in establishing McHugh Tea Room as a beacon of tea excellence. Rest assured, the tea traditions that had become synonymous with McHugh Tea Room were passed on and nurtured under Amy and Woody's capable guidance.

Join us as we embrace the future of McHugh Tea Room, where tea enthusiasts and community members can continue to find solace, delight, and a warm sense of belonging. Together, let us raise our teacups and toast to the exciting journey that lay ahead! Here's to many more years of sharing the joy and enchantment of tea with all of you.

Our Story

Kim McHugh passing a teapot to Amy and Woody Quinn
McHughTea at Foodie Fest in Bellaire, TX