About The London Tea Merchant

Growing up in England, excellent tea was part of our daily lives -- something we maybe even took for granted. Tea was as much a part of our culture as the Queen herself. We celebrated with it, sought reprieve in it, and had many conversations over it.

When we found ourselves relocating to America in the mid 80s, we felt a kettle-shaped void.

As a family of expats transplanted in the heart of Midwest America, we launched our flagship venture The London Tea Room in St. Louis, Missouri in 1987 as a way to share our passion for tea with our new neighbors. As The London Tea Room grew, it was clear that there was a need for high-quality loose-leaf black tea beyond St. Louis, and in 2015, The London Tea Merchant was born.

Through the growth of our family-owned and operated tea business, we’ve been given the unique opportunity to see and feel the impact and power of the tea experience. We’ve witnessed a community build with us, and around us, and we’ve experienced our own growth in our approach to tea and the blends we’ve created.

We’re here to share an exceptional tea experience with anyone who wishes to join and to build a community around a shared passion. Wherever you may be, join us in raising a cuppa to the incredible experience that is exceptional tea. Cheers!

Meet the Team

Completely family-owned and operated, we source, package, and ship all orders by hand to make sure every customer has an exceptional experience from sale to sip.

  • Alan & Pat (1st Generation)

    Alan and Pat are where it all began. Their dream laid the foundation for what is now The London Tea Merchant. After relocating from the UK to St. Louis, they were disheartened by the limited options for quality tea. In response, they founded The London Tea Room in 2007—a cozy haven for tea lovers that quickly became a local favorite. Their passion and vision eventually gave rise to a second venture: The London Tea Merchant, offering premium loose leaf teas to customers near and far.

  • Jackie (2nd Generation)

    Jackie, the daughter of founders Alan and Pat, proudly took over the ownership and operations of The London Tea Merchant upon their retirement. Her passion for tea runs deep—so much so that in 2014 she began formal studies with the World Tea Academy, earning the titles of Certified Tea Sommelier and Tea Professional. Jackie brings both her expertise and genuine love of tea to everything she does, sharing that enthusiasm with every customer she serves.