As the Name Suggests

Today I popped over to Chatswood to try out Tea Journal - a bit of a late 2015 addition to Sydney's tea scene - which my friends Nikki and Denise have been excited about. After going there, I can see why.

Denise isn't a fan of black tea, so after much deliberation, we opted for the classic Pu'er ($9). For those of you in the know, Pu'er (alternatively Pu-erh) is perhaps the pinnacle of the tea world, if we accept that tea started in China. It originates from a place with the same name in China's Yunnan Province and, from what I vaguely recall, is more fermented than other teas. For you and I, that means a taste very distinct from white, green, oolong or black teas. Also, if you get the bad stuff, I'm told it tastes pretty awful due to over-fermentation or incorrect humidity conditions.

Tea lesson aside, the classic was everything I wanted and needed. Served in a clay teapot and steeped for a mere 5 to 10 seconds, it looks like black tea with the scent of an ancient forest (to paraphrase Nikki). The classic tastes much the way it smells, but is surprisingly subtle, probably owing to the short brewing time.

What's the opposite of adding insult to injury? Compliment to well-being? I'm not sure, but the people at Tea Journal pull it off. Unlimited refills which you don't have to ask for, friendly service and you can even bring your own food from outside (Denise brought tuna and cream cheese sandwiches - both with dill, both delicious). You pay $1.50 per extra cup and we had three people, so that came to a whopping $3. The atmosphere isn't half bad either:

Pictured bottom left: my inability to take photos

After seven or more infusions of the classic, we side-stepped the Golden Buds (a black tea) and went for the raw Pu'er ($15). I assume it was the '2012 Aged' that appears on the menu, but I've been wrong before. Staff guy Sunny gives the low-down: as the name suggests, this tea is unfermented (which is a totally foreign concept to me where Pu'er is concerned). Interest piqued.

We get our cups changed and another clay teapot comes around. First, honest impression: this thing smells and tastes like cigarette smoke. It punches you in the face. Would pair well with something a touch sweet. However, as I got further through my first cup, cigarette smoke turned to bushfire, which then became billy tea and finally a deep, smoky flavour. I think this tea grew on all of us as we kept drinking. All about those infusions.

Pretty sure the glass jug is called a wellness cup

If you know me, you'd know how little love I have for sweets, including cake. The cakes at this place threaten that position. I didn't try any this time, but they looked so damn good. Check the Tea Journal Facebook page if you want to see.

I did have one gripe with this tea room though: they ran out of the classic Pu'er for purchase and won't re-stock till later this month. Playing with the customer's feelings like that, you'd think an amateur enthusiast would learn.

As for an actual negative - if I have to find one - I'd say the music level was a bit much at times. It changed depending on the track. With that said, I enjoyed most of the tunes and the problem isn't major enough to stop me going back.

So, three hours and three people for $27 all up. Beyond that, with solid customer service, peaceful atmosphere and a convenient location (it's right next to Chatswood Station), Tea Journal is worth your while, especially if you're a sucker for traditional tea varieties like myself (or not, as they have a sizeable range of fun blends for the adventurous sort). I think next time I'll try one of the cool-looking ice teas if it's hot out.