But, for former LOOT Homewares owner Karryn Davis, a heart attack followed by a doctor’s edict that she abstain from coffee has led to her opening a teahouse this week in Tamworth.

Called Teamo Teahouse, it’s in the old White Rabbit premises, next to Centrelink, in Peel St. Ms Davis, 41, runs the teahouse and gift shop with husband Paul Fisher.

After she sold LOOT Homewares about a month ago and, following doctor’s orders, Ms Davis went looking for loose-leaf tea.

“I couldn’t find any loose-leaf tea – The Bell Tower had a bit, The Magic Pudding had a little bit, but I just found I couldn’t buy a nice teapot, strainer or tea cannisters,” Ms Davis said.

“A proper tea cannister is normally a Japanese origami one, which has a plastic seal as well as a lid so it stays fresh – and I couldn’t find any of those, so I guess that’s what started our journey.” 

As well as 39 varieties of loose-leaf tea, the teahouse also serves sandwiches, cupcakes, three sorts of salads and fruit salad, with the emphasis on healthy, organic, homemade food.

“We will be selling all things tea-related; we also have tea-leaf readers,” Ms Davis said.

Breakfast and lunch is available.

About one-third of a courtyard out the back will feature astro turf and a blackboard for children to play within a secure area.

Their regular opening hours will be 8am-3pm Monday to Saturday – but they’ll be open longer during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.