Florida Visitors Keep Returning To This Massive Tea Room To Sip And Shop Before 2026 Ends
A building that once housed horses for a grand 1891 hotel now pours handcrafted loose-leaf tea under a retractable glass roof. That alone deserves a second read.
The old stable got a serious glow-up. Century-old brick stayed put, and Italian marble floors moved in.
Skylights and reclaimed white oak finish the look.
The funny thing is, tea is only one piece of the puzzle. There’s a bookstore, a shop full of gifts, a coffee counter, and a full restaurant, all under one roof in Florida.
I’ve come to realize the best places give you more than one reason to stay. This one hands you about six.
You can sip, browse, eat, and wander without ever stepping back outside.
It just feels right to plan a visit before the year slips away. The calendar keeps moving, and the monthly afternoon tea books up its own way.
So where should you start?
A Horse Stable Turned Tea Palace Sounds Wild Until You See It
Back in 1891, horses lived here. Oxford Exchange now fills that same building with tea, books, and brunch.
The structure first served as a stable for the Tampa Bay Hotel. That hotel’s famous silver minarets still sit right across the street.
Starting in the 1920s, the building held an arcade of shops and businesses. Then it sat empty for decades, which feels like a crime for such good brick.
Blake Casper and Allison Adams saw what it could become. They reimagined the space and opened Oxford Exchange on September 24, 2012.
The restoration kept the old bones in plain sight. Century-old brickwork and exposed masonry walls still show their age proudly.
Modern comforts slipped in without stealing the show. Italian marble floors and reclaimed white oak add polish to the rugged walls.
Knowing the backstory makes every room feel richer. You’re sipping tea where carriage horses once rested after long trips.
That kind of history is rare in Florida, where so much feels brand new. Here, the past is literally holding up the ceiling, and it looks fantastic doing it.
Loose-Leaf Lovers Should Head Straight For The Tea Counter
Tea bags need not apply. The TeBella tea counter inside Oxford Exchange focuses on handcrafted loose-leaf blends.
TeBella is a partner here, with more than 45 loose-leaf teas to choose from. That means you get real choices instead of the same three flavors you keep at home.
A Traditional Tea Service runs all day, Monday through Friday. So a random Tuesday can turn into a proper tea moment with zero planning.
The service comes with the classic lineup. Expect traditional tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and seasonal desserts.
Scones with clotted cream are a big deal for tea fans. It’s the kind of combo that makes a plain afternoon feel like a small celebration.
Not sure what to pick? Ask the tea bar team for guidance, since the menu can feel like a library of leaves.
Not sure what to pick? Ask the TeBella team for guidance, since the menu can feel like a library of leaves.
Honestly, this counter alone could justify the trip. The rest of the building just keeps adding reasons to stay.
Mark Your Calendar For The First Sunday Afternoon Tea
Once a month, things get fancy. Afternoon Tea lands on the first Sunday of every month, from 3 to 5 p.m.
The setting is the Conservatory, a sunlit room with a retractable glass roof. Sipping tea under open sky sounds dreamy because it is.
Timing matters with this one. Reservations are required and prepaid, so set a reminder and book early before seats fill up.
Only twelve of these happen each year, and with the year winding down, December 6 is the last one left in 2026. Grab a seat before it slides by.
The spread follows the beloved tea format. Traditional tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and seasonal desserts round things out.
Seasonal desserts mean the sweets shift through the year. That gives you an excuse to come back more than once.
Dress however feels comfortable, though a little polish suits the room. The Conservatory practically begs for a nice photo.
Only twelve of these happen each year. With the year winding down, the remaining dates are worth grabbing before they slide by.
Plan ahead, show up hungry for scones, and enjoy two slow hours.
Brunch Here Feels Like A Weekend Reward
Breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch all happen in the full-service restaurant. The style is upscale casual American, with a focus on fresh, seasonal, local, and organic ingredients.
Morning people get a head start. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends.
The menu covers a lot of cravings. Pressed French Toast and Pumpkin Pancakes lead the sweet side.
Savory fans have options too. Maple Chili Glazed Salmon and Braised Beef Short Ribs bring heartier energy to the table.
Burgers and salads make easy lunch picks. The Super Simple Sandwich sounds humble, and that might be its charm.
Seasonal ingredients mean the menu can change. Pumpkin Pancakes, for example, are the sort of dish that shows up when the season calls.
Weekends tend to fill up, so reserving a table is smart. The restaurant closes at 5:30 p.m., so this is a daytime affair.
Brunch in a restored 1891 building just hits differently. Pancakes taste better with marble underfoot, or at least that’s a theory worth testing.
Bookworms Could Lose An Entire Afternoon In These Shelves
Good news for anyone who sniffs new books. The bookstore at Oxford Exchange is recognized as one of the best in the Tampa Bay area.
It leans into quality over quantity. Classic and contemporary hardbacks share space with fine paperbacks.
New releases sit beside timeless classics. Deluxe editions add a little luxury for gift shopping or treating yourself.
Kids get their own section, too. Children’s books make it easy to bring young readers along.
Signed copies are part of the collection. Owning an autographed book feels a bit like holding a secret handshake with the author.
The design draws inspiration from London’s historic clubs, libraries, and shops. You can feel that old-world mood while browsing.
The store also hosts monthly book clubs and author signings. Those events turn a quiet shop into a gathering place for readers.
Here’s a smart move: browse first, then carry your new book to tea. A fresh story and a warm cup make one of life’s simplest luxuries.
Just be warned, “one book” rarely stays one book in here.
Gift Shopping Gets Dangerously Easy In The Shop
Your wallet might want a word with you. The Shop at Oxford Exchange is packed with curated home decor and gifts.
Candles, soaps, and lotions fill the shelves. Furnishings and apparel add even more temptation.
Vintage finds keep things interesting. You never quite know what one-of-a-kind piece might catch your eye.
Aesop is listed as a partner here. Skincare fans will likely appreciate that detail.
Need glasses? Warby Parker shares space near the bookstore, which is handy if your reading habit just grew.
The Shop works great for last-minute presents. Hostess gifts, birthday surprises, and “just because” treats are all covered.
Holiday shoppers get an extra bonus. Oxford Exchange hosts an annual holiday gift bazaar, a fun way to check off a list before year’s end.
Shopping between tea and brunch feels like a perfect rhythm. Sip, browse, repeat, and maybe sip again.
Leaving empty-handed is technically possible. It’s just not very likely once a candle smells that good.
Skylights, Marble, And A Glass Roof Steal The Show
Look up when you visit. Skylights pour light into the space and make the old brick glow.
The design blends rugged history with refined touches. Exposed masonry walls stand beside reclaimed white oak floors.
Italian marble floors add a polished finish. It’s a mix that feels both grand and relaxed.
The Atrium is one of the standout rooms. It brings in natural light while keeping things comfortable.
Then there’s the Conservatory with its retractable glass roof. On a nice day, it feels like dining outdoors without leaving your seat.
A peaceful courtyard offers another breather. It’s a calm corner when you want fresh air between stops.
London’s historic clubs and libraries inspired much of the look. That influence shows in the classic, clubby feel of the rooms.
Every room seems to have its own personality. Moving from space to space feels a bit like turning pages in a beautiful book.
Bring your camera, but don’t spend the whole visit behind it. Some views are best enjoyed with a teacup in hand.
Weddings, Work Days, And Big Celebrations Fit Right In
Hundreds of weddings, corporate gatherings, and private events have happened here since 2012. Oxford Exchange has become a go-to venue for big moments.
Several event spaces are available. The Shaw Library, Atrium, and Conservatory are among the options.
Capacity reaches up to 200 seated guests. That’s plenty of room for a sizable celebration.
In-house catering keeps planning simple. One team handles food, which means fewer phone calls for you.
A wedding in a restored 1891 building tells a story on its own. The photos practically frame themselves.
Need a place to focus instead? The Commerce Club is a members-only co-working space.
It offers custom desks, a large conference table, and comfortable seating. Day passes make it easy to try without a long commitment.
So the same building can host your morning meeting and someone’s evening vows. That’s an impressive range for a former horse stable.
Planning something special in Florida before the year ends? Reaching out early gives you the best shot at your preferred date.
Smart Planning Makes Your Visit Even Sweeter
Location is a big win here. Oxford Exchange sits at 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, right across from the University of Tampa.
That university occupies the old Tampa Bay Hotel. Seeing those silver minarets ties the whole stable story together.
Hours typically run from 7:30 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends, with closing in the late afternoon, so check current times before you go.
Since it’s a daytime spot, plan meals accordingly. Breakfast and lunch are the main events.
Downtown parking can take some patience. Building in extra time keeps the visit relaxed.
Reservations help on busy days, especially for weekend brunch. Afternoon Tea reservations open 30 days ahead.
Accessibility is well covered. The venue offers a step-free entrance, smooth flooring, accessible dining areas, and accessible-height tables.
Check the events calendar before you go. Book signings, book clubs, and the holiday gift bazaar can add extra fun.
Florida visitors have plenty of reasons to swing back before 2026 wraps up. Tea, books, brunch, and history make a pretty convincing case.