# Transformative Tea Bars Toronto's 'Plentea' Has Tea Sommeliers on Staff to Craft Custom Beverages By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-12-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plentea References: [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Plentea-Tea-Bar-1577568912471725/) & [plentea](http://www.plentea.ca/) While many people are focusing on [third wave coffee culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-boutique), a similar revolution is taking place with tea and one of the best examples of this phenomenon is Toronto's 'Plentea.' Unlike other tea shops, this contemporary space is staffed by knowledgeable tea sommeliers serving up scratch-made drinks by the cup. Located in Toronto's hip Parkdale neighborhood, Plentea is a [modern tea bar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/global-site) co-owned by entrepreneurs Al Barwani and Mohammed Bin Yahya. The shop itself is a chic, open-concept space that is meant to inspire those who visit. At the counter, tea sommeliers serve up creative teas from scratch by combining freshly ground ingredients plucked from the vast collection of containers hanging on the walls. Some of the most popular concoctions include a soothing citrus drink called a Hot Toddy and the ultra-indulgent [Coconut Cream Latte](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pique-moco-bouquet-tea-latte). For those looking for a modern tea shop experience, this Toronto hotspot is the perfect destination. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Third Wave Tea Culture:** Businesses can capitalize on the growing interest in specialized tea experiences and create unique tea bars that elevate the tea-drinking culture. - **Tea Mixology:** Incorporating mixology techniques and using freshly ground ingredients can create innovative and customizable tea beverages, attracting tea enthusiasts and expanding the tea-drinking market. - **Contemporary Tea Spaces:** Creating stylish and inspiring tea bars with open-concept designs can attract a younger demographic and redefine the traditional tea shop experience. ### Where This Applies - **Tea Retail:** Tea retailers can leverage the third wave tea culture by offering specialty tea bars and providing knowledgeable tea sommeliers to curate customized tea experiences for customers. - **Hospitality:** Restaurants, cafes, and hotels can incorporate tea mixology concepts into their beverage menus to cater to customers seeking unique tea-based drinks and enhance their overall dining experience. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can focus on creating contemporary tea spaces that combine functionality, aesthetics, and ambience to cater to the growing demand for modern tea experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Spaciously Modern City Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brandor-coffee.md) - [Asian-Inspired Canned Teas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twrl-milk-tea.md) - [Toronto-Based Arabic Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hailed-coffee-1.md) - [Asian-City-Inspired Afternoon Teas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-journey-through-asia.md) - [Malabar Spices-Infused Tea Blends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rare-tea-blend.md) - [Tea Atelier Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tea-atelier.md) - [Global Tea Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-of-tea-collection.md) - [Female-Founded Tea Ateliers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epicurean-collection-1.md) - [Refreshing Matcha Options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swadesi-caf.md)