About Us

Where it all began

One day, a long long time ago, two people were walking by the river in York on a day trip and one said to the other "that would make a nice cafe".  Little did they know that one phrase would be the start of a magical adventure.

From there La Place Verte was born in 2006, a continental Belgian cafe by the riverside in the old toll house.  To them it wasn't a toll house at all but a magical castle that became filled with wonderous things such as teas from faraway lands, and chocolates and beers from Belgium.

LuLin Teas

This was when Hans and Amy first started sourcing and selling teas, from the tiny shop in their tiny castle, just loose by weight and serving as cups of tea, later branding the teas as "LuLin" which means Green Forest.  They now have many years of experience of sourcing fine teas from across the world as well as blending delicious blends for your to explore, drink and enjoy!  We source, import, blend and make all our teabags in Waltham Forest.

Events & Hospitality

We have been doing the Southbank Centre Food market since 2011, every Friday-Sunday throughout the year.  We serve tea-based drinks, Belgian hot chocolate, bubble teas as well as a large range of sweets and patisserie.