Bygone Beautys

17/06/2026

📚☕ THIS or THAT? ☕📚
Tea has played a starring role in countless books throughout the years. From the wonderfully whimsical tea party in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to the elegant afternoon teas of the Bridgerton world, tea has long been a symbol of friendship, conversation and celebration.
So, just for a bit of fun if you could step into the pages of a book for a memorable cup of tea, which would you choose?
🎩 Tea with the Mad Hatter — where nothing is quite as it seems and every cup comes with a side of nonsense and laughter.
👑 Tea with Royalty — surrounded by elegance, fine china, and all the splendour of a grand society gathering.
So tell us...
Would you rather share tea with the Mad Hatter or with Royalty?
Cast your vote in the comments below! ⬇️

16/06/2026

It's only a little over a month till Yulefest!
If you've ever wanted to experience a cold weather Christmas luncheon now is the time to reserve your place.
Phone 02 4784 3117 for details and to make a booking.
If you need accomodation check out St Raphaels at: www.straphaelleura.com.au

16/06/2026

14/06/2026

🫖 Teapot of the Week 🫖
This week's Teapot of the Week is a charming Old Court Ware J Fryer & Son Teapot, Sugar Bowl and Creamer Set, produced in England between 1970 and 1998.
Although modest in size, this delightful trio makes a striking impression with its hand-painted brushstrokes of rich brown, orange, yellow, pink and purple, all beautifully highlighted with touches of gilding. The bold colours and lustrous finish are characteristic of Old Court Ware, a name well known for producing attractive ceramics under the J Fryer & Son of Tunstall, Staffordshire banner.
This set is an excellent example of lusterware, a type of pottery or porcelain created by applying a metallic oxide overglaze before firing. The result is a shimmering, iridescent surface that resembles precious metals and catches the light beautifully.
The origins of lusterware can be traced back to the Middle East sometime between the 4th and 8th centuries A.D. The technique later found great popularity in England, particularly in Staffordshire during the 19th century. One of the most influential figures in its development was Josiah Wedgwood, who introduced delicate pink and white lusterware designed to imitate the soft glow of mother-of-pearl.
While Old Court Ware became renowned for its lustrous ceramics, the company also produced a variety of other collectable pieces, including whimsical pixie figures and an extensive range of character jugs.
Be sure to visit Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum this week to see this colourful little treasure and discover more fascinating stories from the world of teapots.
🫖✨

13/06/2026

🌿 Visitor Highlight 🌿
We were delighted to welcome first-time visitors Margaret Turnbull and Doreen Weatherall from Newcastle to Bygone Beautys over the weekend.
After making the journey to the beautiful Blue Mountains, Margaret and Doreen settled in to enjoy one of our most popular treats – freshly baked Devonshire scones served with jam and cream, accompanied by warming cappuccinos.
It's always a pleasure to meet guests visiting us for the very first time, and we hope they enjoyed exploring the Treasured Teapot Museum, browsing the gift shop, and soaking up the unique atmosphere of Bygone Beautys.
Thank you for visiting, Margaret and Doreen. We hope to welcome you back again on your next trip to the Mountains!
☕🍓🫖
Have you been meaning to visit Bygone Beautys? Whether it's for a Devonshire Tea, a light lunch, or to discover more than 12,000 teapots, we'd love to see you soon.

12/06/2026

Looking for a cosy Blue Mountains getaway?
Whether you're planning a relaxing weekend escape, a school holiday adventure, or simply a few days away from it all, St Raphaels at Bygone Beautys could be just what you're looking for.
Located on the peaceful northern side of Leura, just a short stroll from the village centre, St Raphaels offers comfortable accommodation in a tranquil setting while still being close to all the attractions the Blue Mountains has to offer.
Spend your days exploring spectacular lookouts, scenic bushwalks, beautiful gardens, charming mountain villages, galleries and boutique shops. Then return to your home away from home and relax in the fresh mountain air.
Of course, no stay would be complete without a visit to Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms, home to more than 12,000 teapots and a wonderful selection of Devonshire Teas, teas and coffees, lunches and sweet treats. St Raphaels is only a leisurely 5-minute walk from Leura Village, making it the perfect base from which to enjoy everything the area has to offer.
Whether you're visiting as a couple, with family, or catching up with friends, St Raphaels is the perfect base for discovering the beauty, history and charm of the Blue Mountains.
📍 Just a short walk from Leura Village
🫖 Home of Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms
🏔️ Close to the region's many scenic attractions
For accommodation information and booking enquiries visit:
St Raphaels Accommodation
☎️ Freecall: 1800 663 619
☎️ Phone: (02) 4784 3117
When are you planning your next Blue Mountains escape?
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11/06/2026

Looking for a unique Blue Mountains experience?
A visit to Bygone Beautys is so much more than a stop for tea. Wander through the Treasured Teapot Museum and discover one of the world's largest collections of teapots, with thousands of fascinating pieces from around the globe, each with its own story to tell.
After exploring the museum, relax in the tearooms and enjoy a delicious morning tea, lunch, Devonshire Tea, High Tea, or one of our tempting homemade sweet treats. Browse the gift shop, packed with teas, teapots, tea wares, vintage treasures, puzzles and unique gifts to take home.
Whether you're visiting the Blue Mountains for the day or you're a local looking for somewhere special to catch up with friends, Bygone Beautys offers a memorable experience filled with history, charm and old-fashioned hospitality.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
📍 20–22 Grose Street, Leura
🫖 Open daily from 10am to 5pm Last orders at 4.50.
📞 (02) 4784 3117

10/06/2026

Which is your favourite Iced Coffee or Iced Chocolate? Let us know in the comments.

09/06/2026

Most people know Bygone Beautys for its collection of more than 12,000 teapots and our delicious homemade food, but did you know there's so much more to discover during your visit?
Take a moment to look around and you'll find special touches everywhere. From the exclusive teapot-pattern carpet, created especially for Bygone Beautys, to the beautiful mosaic tiled artworks that adorn the verandah outside the tearooms, there are treasures to discover at every turn.

Then there's the shopping! Browse through hundreds upon hundreds of vintage finds, collectibles, and unique pieces waiting for a new home. Our gift shop is also filled with teapots, tea accessories, fine teas, teaware, jigsaw puzzles, gifts and souvenirs that make the perfect reminder of your visit.

Whether you're coming for morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, the museum, a little shopping, or all of the above, you'll soon discover that Bygone Beautys is much more than a tearoom — it's an experience.

How many of these hidden treasures have you spotted on your visits?
📍 Bygone Beautys Tearooms & Teapot Museum, Leura
☕ Tea, treats, treasures and more than 12,000 teapots await!

08/06/2026

🫖 Teapot of the Week 🫖
This week we share something a little different. While not technically a teapot, this beautiful Victorian Copper Spirit Kettle with Stand and Burner, made in 19th Century England, played an essential role in the tea-drinking traditions of its day.
Before tea became England's national beverage, water was heated in large iron cauldrons over open fires. As tea drinking gained popularity amongst the wealthy, special kettles were developed to heat and pour water safely and efficiently. The earliest examples were often luxurious silver pieces.
The arrival of the spirit kettle transformed the social ritual of tea. Complete with its own stand and alcohol-fuelled burner, it allowed the lady of the house to host elegant tea gatherings in the parlour or sitting room without having to send servants back and forth to the kitchen for fresh hot water. The kettle sat above a small flame produced by a retractable wick burning methylated spirits, keeping water hot and ready for guests throughout the afternoon.
As tea drinking spread beyond the upper classes, copper became a popular alternative to silver. Bright, affordable and an excellent conductor of heat, copper spirit kettles were often richly decorated with embossed scrollwork and intricate filigree to complement the fine tea services of the day.
This handsome example is a reminder that tea has always been about more than the beverage itself. The tools, accessories and traditions surrounding tea have evolved over centuries, reflecting changing fashions, technologies and social customs. While modern electric kettles have long since replaced spirit kettles in everyday use, these remarkable pieces remain highly collectible and offer a fascinating glimpse into the elegance of Victorian tea culture. ☕ A wonderful piece that shows how even the kettle has its own fascinating place in tea history.Be sure to visit the Museum this week to see this beautiful Victorian spirit kettle for yourself and discover how it helped shape the tea-drinking traditions we still enjoy today.