When you step into a Tillie’s Afternoon Tea experience, you are stepping into a little corner of England — fine china, warm scones and the comforting ritual of a proper cup of tea. At the heart of it all is founder Debbie Teel, whose English roots and lifelong love of hospitality shape every detail of this growing home-based mobile catering business.
“Meeting people is something I love and being able to offer this service is fulfilling,” says Teel, who is originally from Nottingham and permanently moved to Canada in 2003.
“We have received only positive and encouraging feedback from everyone we have served so far.”
Though Tillie’s serves communities in the Airdrie area, its spirit is unmistakably British. From the beautiful china Teel treasures to the Devon clotted cream she serves, England is never far from the table.
Even the name Tillie carries a certain charm and character.
“Tillie is just a name we love. I wanted something old-fashioned and traditional … We have a 1957 vintage truck we call Tillie,” says Teel.
That blend of nostalgia and personality mirrors the business perfectly: classic, but with a friendly, approachable feel.
Before founding Tillie’s, Teel built a life around people and service. Trained as a hairdresser and beauty therapist, she later moved into aviation, working for a leading airline and meeting people from all walks of life. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought that chapter to an abrupt halt, she found herself in limbo, but ready for something new. Drawing on her experience running a business overseas, she turned a lifelong passion into a fresh start.
The idea for Tillie’s was born in the spring of 2025, and by July the first afternoon tea was being served at Abe’s Diner in Kingsview Market. She now hosts tea at Abe’s on select Sundays, starting at 3:45 p.m.
“Customers can expect a wonderful atmosphere in a great setting,” says Teel, adding that reservations are mandatory.
“The menu is delightful and caters to any requirement.”
Unlike the heavier high tea, Tillie’s focuses on traditional English afternoon tea: lighter and perfect for lingering conversation.
“This is something that can be taken at any time during an afternoon. It’s sociable; a light meal for a small gathering,” she adds.
Every tiered stand reflects Teel’s English heritage: delicately cut sandwiches, warm scones with jam and rich clotted cream, dainties (delicate, bite-sized sweet pastries, cakes and confectioneries), fresh fruit to cleanse the palate, and “a constant flow of a good British tea.”
While Sundays at Abe’s offer a charming transformation from diner to tearoom, Tillie’s is truly a mobile service. Teel brings her teas into homes, gardens and venues of all kinds, creating grazing tables, brunches or beautifully presented picnic boxes. From intimate gatherings to milestone celebrations (like birthdays and baby showers), each event is tailored with care.
With English tradition, heartfelt service and a love of people at its core, Tillie’s Afternoon Tea is giving Airdrie a delightful new way to slow down, sip and savour. Learn more.
