Shadow and Soul Emporium & Tea Lounge — Local services in Keene

This review is for the tea lounge only, and for what is supposed to be their "high noon" special. When we arrived, things seemed fairly disorganized and it really wasn't clear who to see. We chose our tea, paid at the counter, and seated ourselves. The tea selection was impressive but very hard to navigate, as it is arranged alphabetically and not into sub-categories by type (such as herbal, green, black, etc - very difficult for me to just quickly find a traditional black tea.) There are also teas at floor-level which is difficult for those of us with mobility challenges. We were really expecting a "high tea" experience, which is not what this was - no traditional cucumber sandwiches, prioritization of "filler" such as crudités/hummus/pretzels/nuts over interesting and quality selections, no scones/clotted cream/preserves (very few sweets at all actually,) no table service, paper napkins and plates, bus your own dishes.... It was fine and completely average, but if you're looking for a traditional high tea experience with a little sophistication, this is not it.

UPDATE: As a reply to the proprietrix's comments, we just found it confusing that there are 2 counter registers, one for regular service and one for tea service, and this was very unclear and left us feeling a bit shuffled around. I apologize for any of my mother's rudeness, which was inappropriate and uncalled for given the kind and professional manor in which our reservation mix-up was handled! Perhaps this is an issue of managing expectations, but the website description (which I see has changed since our booking) didn't really set up the customer to expect something extremely casual. Yes, we did receive a cucumber sandwich, but as stated in my initial review, not a "traditional" one (ie cucumber and cream cheese) and the scone was a "muffin top" of sorts, and not a scone. If there was any mention of clotted cream being unavailable, perhaps I missed it, and preserves were NOT provided - I went up to the counter to specifically request them. The selection of sweets was extremely small - 3 per tray - and it just felt like much of the tray was kind of cheap filler.

I do have one additional suggestion that I hope you will take to heart - perhaps it is not possible based on the complexity (and cost) of POS systems, but many people don't carry cash anymore, and given the reliance most service industry workers have on tips, I would've really loved to be able to tip your...

Shadow and Soul Emporium & Tea Lounge is a hidden gem that deserves every bit of recognition. From the moment you step through their doors, you're transported to a realm where mystique meets comfort.

The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between cozy and mysterious. Dim lighting complemented by flickering candles creates an atmosphere that invites both quiet contemplation and intimate conversation. The carefully curated décor—featuring a tasteful blend of occult artifacts, vintage furniture, and local artwork—feels authentic rather than gimmicky.

Their tea selection is absolutely phenomenal. Each blend is thoughtfully crafted and served with evident care. The "Midnight Chai" is particularly noteworthy—a perfect balance of spices with subtle notes of star anise that lingers pleasantly. Their herbal infusions are sourced responsibly, and the staff is knowledgeable about the origins and properties of each offering. Beyond beverages, the emporium section features a delightful array of items from local artisans—handcrafted jewelry, essential oils, unique books, and tarot decks. What makes this place special is how the staff strikes the perfect balance between being helpful and allowing you space to browse.

The service deserves special mention. Every team member I've encountered has been genuinely warm and passionate about what they do. They're happy to guide newcomers through tea selections or discuss the stories behind their merchandise without any pressure to purchase.

Shadow and Soul has clearly established itself as more than just a business—it's become a community space where people connect, discover, and find moments of peace in our busy world.

Five stars, without hesitation. This place is a treasure that enriches our...

Twenty years ago I worked at a similar store named Pachamama, in Concord, NH. Pachamama claimed to be the largest metaphysical store in NH at the time. This store is larger and has more space for community and socializing. Shadow and Soul is built not just to sell kitsch, but to bring the community together, and that is its greatest strength. Unfortunately it is still stocked full of kitsch that isn't really directly related to metaphysical pursuits, but is at best "metaphysical adjacent." I don't have an actual problem with selling things like a Guinea Pig mug, but I'm just saying that it challenges the identity and vibe of a metaphysical store. By the way, the mug was cute so I bought it for my girlfriend's daughter, so maybe that's just what actually sells.

I really do love this place, so I'm going to end on a positive note: make time to come get a pot of tea. Their tea selection is excellent and delicious! The setting is relaxing and comfortable too. There is a flavor of tea for everyone, and just making the time for yourself and perhaps a companion to sit and have tea will do you, your mind, your heart and your energies a...