News Summary
A new tea shop, Oliver Pluff and Co., has opened in downtown Charleston, offering an extensive range of tea blends, coffee, and unique historical beverages. Owned by Darren Hartford, a veteran, the shop features popular blends like the East Indian Tea Tin and the Whiskey Rebellion Tin. With plans for tea classes and a focus on American beverage history, the shop aims to attract both locals and visitors alike.
CHARLESTON – A new tea shop, Oliver Pluff and Co., has opened its doors in downtown Charleston, specializing in an array of tea blends and coffee that celebrates American beverage history. The shop, located on John Street near King Street, officially opened on May 29, 2025, and aims to provide a unique experience for tea and coffee enthusiasts.
Business owner Darren Hartford, an Air Force Veteran, acquired Oliver Pluff and Co. in 2018 and has transformed the company from a primarily wholesale business to one that includes in-house tea bag production. Since then, the shop has gained a reputation for its extensive variety of teas, which includes black, green, chai, oolong, herbal, and dessert teas. One of the standout offerings is the East Indian Tea Tin, which pays tribute to the historic Charleston Tea Party that occurred on December 1, 1773.
The Charleston Tea Party is a significant event in American history, as it took place just weeks prior to the Boston Tea Party. At that time, local politicians in Charleston seized over 250 unclaimed tea chests in protest against the oppressive tea tax imposed by the British government. The East Indian Tea blend is aptly named, reflecting how contemporary newspapers referred to the confiscated tea. In addition to this blend, Oliver Pluff also has a collection called “Teas of the Boston Tea Party”, featuring the same teas that were famously thrown into Boston Harbor during the protest. The company conducted thorough research using 1700s merchant records to identify the original teas used during the Boston Tea Party, sourcing these from existing suppliers in China.
In keeping with its dedication to unique offerings, the shop also features the Whiskey Rebellion Tin. This particular blend includes tea that has been aged in High Wire Distillery whiskey barrels, which enhances its aroma and flavor. Additionally, the shop sells a range of tea-related products, including mugs, teapot filters, brewing balls, and colonial honey sourced from Edisto Gold Honey. Gift baskets are also available for customers looking to purchase a curated selection of teas and accessories.
In the fall, Hartford plans to introduce tea classes aimed at educating participants about various themes such as the history of tea, tea basics, and preparing iced tea. The shop’s hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing ample opportunity for locals and visitors to discover the offerings at Oliver Pluff.
Oliver Pluff and Co. was originally established in 2009 and has become recognized for its hand-packed tea blends sold online and wholesale. The company has also formed partnerships with historic sites and hotels, creating exclusive blends for renowned locations such as The Biltmore Estate and Mount Vernon. Since Hartford’s acquisition, the inclusion of in-house bagging and hot toddy offerings has added to the shop’s diverse product line, making it a new focal point in downtown Charleston for both tea aficionados and curious newcomers alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Sewing Down South and Belk Launch Exclusive Summer Collection
Victoria’s Secret Shuts Down U.S. Website Amid Security Concerns
College of Charleston Baseball Sweeps North Carolina A&T
Local Business Owner Honored for Excellence in South Carolina
Harvard University Files Lawsuit Against Funding Freeze
Jennifer Rodriguez-Garcia: Rising Star in the Legal Field
Gulotta & Gulotta: Leading Personal Injury Lawyers in Long Island
Local Business Owner Named State Small Business Person of the Year
Inn Fire Triggers Urgent Evacuations and Highway Closures Near Mono Lake
Help Great Clips Cut Out Sarcoma Cancers Fundraiser Launched
Additional Resources
- The Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Tea Party
- Lonely Planet
- Google Search: Charleston tea history
- Garden & Gun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston Tea Party
- Warren Record
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
