Once Upon A Time Tea Parlour in Rubery is also autism friendly
05:30, 20 Oct 2018Updated 10:28, 29 Oct 2018
A tea roomed aimed at families and children has opened near Birmingham.
Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour in Rubery is packed with all the things children love - princesses, cars, tea sets, books, milkshakes and waffles.
Food is delivered on cardboard 'cars' and 'princess carriages', there are complete Alice in Wonderland tea sets and milkshakes can be created in any chocolate flavour under the sun.
Kids get to make design-your-own waffles, topped with sweets and marshmallows and there's a quiet book corner for them to go and read.
Unicorn milkshake at Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour(Image: N Campbell)
It's the brainchild of Stephen Campbell and Natasha Ryan, the couple behind Trimz and Tantrumz, Birmingham's first kids-only hair salon.
Parents travel hundreds of miles to get their children's hair cut at the Rubery salon, and they often ask for suggestions on where to go for lunch afterwards.
As a result, the idea of a children's tea room was born.
Natasha and Stephen Campbell, owners of Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour(Image: Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)
"This is somewhere that families can come and relax," said mum-of-two Natasha Ryan.
"Lots of families come to me because they are worried their child will play up when they get their hair cut.
"They say it's the same when they go out to eat so we thought it would be great to open a place which is appealing to children and relaxing for parents.
“I’ve had parents in tears saying they’re so happy to finally be able to get their child’s hair cut.
"And now we've had parents of kids with special needs say this is the first place where they've got their kids to actually sit down and eat."
Play area at Once Upon A Time Tea Parlour(Image: Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)
She added: "We deliver their food on cardboard Ferrari cars or princess carriages and the kids seem to like eating their food off them.
"Some parents have taken them home and said their kids are eating off them at home and eating better as a result!
"They say it's a unique place for them to bring their kids."
Food delivered in 'princess carriages' and 'red sports cars'(Image: Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)
Where is Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour?
It's on New Road in Rubery, just a few doors down from Trimz and Tantrumz, which is also autism friendly.
Trimz and Tantrumz children's hairdresser in Rubery(Image: Birmingham Mail)
What's the tea room like?
The tea parlour is full of brightly coloured pictures and chairs but the lights are dimmed to help create a relaxing atmosphere, particularly for those with special needs.
There's a play area and a book corner for kids to enjoy whilst their parents relax with a coffee.
Alice in Wonderland party at Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour(Image: N Campbell)
A courtyard at the back will be turned into a fairy garden in warmer weather.
Natasha and Stephen hope to have a Santa grotto there in the run-up to Christmas.
The tea room opened at the end of September and already has moved than 1,000 followers on its Facebook page.
Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour(Image: Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)
What's on the menu?
You can go for afternoon tea, served on a three tiered cake stand with china cups and saucers and Belle teapots.
There's 'racing car hotdogs' with cucumber and tomatoes for 'wheels', sandwiches and healthy smoothies.
Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour(Image: N Campbell)
And for sweet treats, there's homemade cakes, ice cream, doughnuts and waffles.
"We make our milkshakes with Kelly's ice cream and then you choose your favourite chocolate bar to add and we create the magic!
"There's everything from Reese's peanut butter bars to Kit Kats, Toblerones and Milky Bars, topped with cream and sprinkles."
DYO milkshakes at Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour(Image: N Campbell)
Seasonal fare includes a Halloween loaf and spooky cupcakes.
And there will be Christmas afternoon tea with Santa during December.
Menu at Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour(Image: Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)
Can you have a party at Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour?
Yes, and you can choose between Unicorn, Princess or Superhero Party, complete with waffles or sandwiches, cakes, jelly and ice cream, tiered platters, party games and unlimited soft drinks.
Alternatively, Natasha and Stephen encourage families to 'Build Your Own' party where the options are endless, with everything from karaoke and candyfloss machines to face painting and a visit from a princess, superhero or unicorn.
Find out about other kid's party ideas in Birmingham here.
Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour(Image: Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)
What are parents saying about the tea room?
Leigh Emma Bamber posted on the Facebook page: "Had a lovely time here today with my son.
"Great food, friendly staff and my son had a great time being able to play.
"It’s a safe environment for children to be able to be children without parents having to worry about them being too noisy.
"Will definitely be returning."
Once Upon a Time Tea Parlour(Image: N Campbell)
Gillian Hollings added: "Lovely, such a calm atmosphere. Tasty food, great customer service."My niece absolutely loved it. Highly recommend it to anyone."
Zena Dugmore said: "It's a great place for kids and overgrown adults!"
Carol Hemmings added: "Such a happy place to eat when you have children with you."
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