by Michelle Sproule | Squamish Nation mother-daughter duo Michelle and Paisley Nahanee have had a busy year. They first opened their tea house and botanical soda company The Capilano last March on Powell Street, but the location wasn’t the right fit and they shut it soon thereafter. After a series of pop-ups (and a year to refine their products), they are now ready to open their new address today at 221 Abbott Street in Gastown. I took a look inside yesterday afternoon as they were getting everything set.

Though small, the space is open and uncluttered with plenty of room to breathe. Michelle and Paisley say that “the goal was to create a peaceful sanctuary within the city that brings the nurturing energy of the Capilano River into the Tea House”. At its core, the company aims to share indigenous wisdom and traditions, and this carries through everything from the decor to the products. The benches, tables, and countertops by Basic Design reference Squamish longhouse architecture, while traditional Coast Salish wool weavings hang on the walls and a curated selection of retail products from up-and-coming local brands line the shelves.

In the cup, expect classic back tea blended with subtle tones of sage and blackberry, roiboos with a juniper edge, and organic Mao Jian green amped up with elderberries. They’re also serving Goliath Coffee, two versions of “Ancient Filo” (filo pastry either stuffed with bison and topped with homemade rosehip jam or stuffed with wild rice and berries and finished with roasted leeks and hazelnuts), as well as freshly made bannock with Local Churn butter and dollops of East Van Jam. Stick your head in this week to say hello and maybe grab some tea with a side of bannock while you’re at it.

Mon – Sun | 11am-7pm (6pm on Sunday) | 221 Abbott Street | Gastown | DETAILS

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