Antique Maison Ulman Tea Room

Sponsor Spotlight - August 2018

This combination antique store/tea room is one of the most unusual (and vast!) shops on the entire Gulf Coast, featuring 75 dealers, a huge variety of teas and made-from-scratch treats.  
- story and photographs by Lisa Monti

Sylvia Young and Missy Geisel

Antique Maison Ulman
​Tea Room
317 Ulman Ave.
Bay St. Louis
228-344-3128

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Four years after opening its doors, Antique Maison Ulman Tea Room has evolved into a unique blend of an upscale antique store with inviting tea rooms and a tea garden. 
 
“It’s a perfect combination of both,” said owner Sylvia Young.
 
Sylvia and husband Ed also own Antique Maison at 111 North Second Street, which they opened after Katrina washed away their well known Bon Temps Roule bridal, tux and costume shop.

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Customers on Ulman appreciate the shop’s dual appeal, whether they come in for high tea or an heirloom. They can take a break from shopping to enjoy a freshly made dessert, and or sip their favorite tea while browsing. And there’s plenty to take in, with quality merchandise from 75 sellers (plus Young).
 
The collection draws buyers from all over the United States and far reaching places such as China, Taiwan, England and Russia. When it’s snowy up North, the shop sees loads of Canadians and Midwesterners visitors.
 
It seems every bit of space in the former floral shop’s rambling layout is filled with vintage, nostalgia and antique pieces. There’s fine furniture of all sizes and functions, show-stopping chandeliers hanging overhead, tabletops showcasing china and glassware, beautiful jewelry, silver pieces and children’s toys. The adjacent Quonset hut houses large pieces of furniture and all sorts of furniture, lighting and other finds.

The tea service, managed by Missy Geisel, Sylvia’s assistant, serves desserts and drinks from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm.  The menu for High Tea Windsor and a Children’s Tea Party includes finger sandwiches, quiches and chocolate covered strawberries. 
 
“We do celebrations and private parties including showers and family reunions,” said Sylvia. “We cook everything fresh and healthy from scratch.” You can get desserts and drinks to go, as well as the popular soups and potato salad.
 
The main dining room seats 35. The private dining room seats 20. Just outside is the Tea Garden and deck, which can accommodate 30-plus. The centerpiece of the welcoming garden is the registered Live Oak named Heavenly Tea Garden. ​

​Sylvia said a favorite tea choice is the Earl Grey Moonlight, a combination of sweet, creamy and citrusy. Unusual flavors like White Cucumber and Fox Trot (chamomile and pepperminty) are served alongside other favorites like Ginger Peach and Cranberry. Scones with fresh lemon curd also are available to enjoy with about a dozen kinds of teas.
 
Over four years, Antique Maison Ulman Tea Room has earned a reputation for its savvy pairing of quality antiques and tasty tea room. 
 
“Customers have told me this is the only store like it from Texas to Florida,” said Sylvia. 

Hours:
10am to 5 pm,  Monday - Saturday
Dining: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm
Private parties and events by reservation
High Tea reservations 2 days prior to event