Plymouth, MA Sean and Michelle Sinclair celebrate their first anniversary in America by serving a proper British tea to fascinated Americans who seek out authentic experiences. It was not an easy journey bringing a taste of Britain to ‘America’s Hometown’.
“After 25 years of visiting America, and falling in love with New England, we decided we wanted to bring a true taste of England to the place the Mayflower Pilgrims landed,” said Sean Sinclair. “We were amazed that there were no tea rooms here so we determined it was only fitting that our tea rooms should begin in Plymouth where the English first arrived.”
• Seven trips to Plymouth in 2019 to find the perfect location at 51 Court St.
• Negotiate lease and permits from 3,000 miles away and a five-hour time difference.
• Apply for a Visa just before the American Embassy in England closes indefinitely due to the COVID pandemic.
• Invest emotionally and financially for two years not knowing if Visa would be granted.
• Pay rent for two years while building out the shop without being on location to supervise.
• U.S. Embassy reopens in 2021 and issues Visa appointment.
• Pack up four lifetimes and a dog in 23 days and say goodbye to two businesses and a home.
• Change airlines after learning rules had changed for bringing Buddy, the Golden Retriever to America.
• Now fly into Canada and then drive to Plymouth.
• Arrive in America during Christmas holiday to a sight unseen rental house, car, schools, and new life.
• Shipment of furnishings, clothes, and shop items are delayed until June 2022 due to pandemic supply and demand issues.
• Learn that in Plymouth, everyone comes to your aid to welcome you as you transition into a new life.
• Open shop in February 2022 and, one year later in 2023, the Sinclair family celebrate first anniversary.
“We are so very happy we did this,” said Shelly Sinclair. “This was a lesson to go for your dreams, that nothing at any age is impossible – yes, you have to work for it – yes, it is a risk – and yes, it is hard – however the rewards are so amazing and worth it that you won’t regret it.”
Sean and Shelly Sinclair invite the public to stop by on February 23, or any time, to celebrate the arrival of authentic English tea rooms to Plymouth. Savor and select one of dozens of tea selections along with delicious English scones, and much more. It is indeed a happy first anniversary for Shelly’s Tea Rooms where Plymouth’s tea party is far preferable to Boston’s.