Our Story
Nestled in the charming city of Welland, The Fox and Hummingbird Tea Room is more than just a tea room-it’s a labour of love and testament to the bond between its owners, Sabrina and Tim. Sabrina always dreamed of opening her own tea room, envisioning it as part of her retirement after a successful career as a painter and decorator. Her plan was to one day buy a small home and transform it into the tea room of her dreams. However, an unforeseen health crisis ended her painting career, forcing her to reconsider her path. Out of this hardship, the vision of the tea room took shape sooner than she had planned.
The love story between Sabrina and Tim is as sweet and enduring as the finest blend of tea. Sabrina, with her grace and elegance, has always been drawn to the refined arts and the rich history of the Victorian era. Tim, a man of quiet strength and creativity, is known for his meticulous craftsmanship as a successful cabinet maker. Together, they took on the challenge of transforming an old building into the tea room that they had always dreamed of. ​
With just a few months to bring their vision to life, Tim meticulously handled all the handiwork – from installing light fixtures to building and installing the floors – ensuring every detail was perfectly in place. Meanwhile, Sabrina used her flare for interior design to create a serene, inviting atmosphere. Their tea room offers a wide range of teas, from classic Earl Gray to exotic blends like Blood Orange, but their personal favourite is the unique Citrus Sage, a staple on their menu.
Tim bakes all the pastries while Sabrina brings the menu to life with her cooking. The name “The Fox and Hummingbird” was chosen for its deep symbolism. The hummingbird symbolizes intelligence, beauty, and devotion, and it’s the only bird that can move forward and backward. Thus, it sees everything and possesses endless creativity – traits that perfectly capture Sabrina‘s joyful spirit. The fox is known for its intellect, resourcefulness, and keen attention to detail – qualities that mirror Tim’s quiet focus and clever craftmanship in everything he does.
Each day, as they open the doors to their dream establishment, Sabrina and Tim find joy in the simple yet meaningful moments. Tim prepares teas behind the bar while Sabrina arranges the pastries with care. The glance they share speaks volumes of love, life, and the dream they built together. At the end of the day, when the last guest has left, they sit at their favourite table, cups of tea in hand, reflecting on the journey that brought them there.
In the end, The Fox and Hummingbird is a symbol of their journey, with the hopes of inspiring all who walk through the doors - reminding them that love, like tea, is best shared with others. What began as an unexpected detour turned into a beautiful new beginning, proving that sometimes the most meaningful creations are born from the most unforeseen circumstances.