TEA Gardens Ice Cream Shack has done it again, being awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the second year running.

To receive the prestigious award, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor rating of at least four out of five stars and have a minimum number of reviews during a 12 month period.

Owners Anne and Jim Rutter said they were “pretty stocked” to receive the award.

“There was no luck involved, just hard work,” Anne said.

“We’ve kept the standards maintained by the previous owner and added personality to make a feel good atmosphere.”

With 45 tempting flavours of ice-cream, gelatos and sorbets on offer, a fun 60’s retro feel, and an enthusiastic staff, it’s understandable that locals and visitors ritually flock to the shop.

Anne’s infectious laugh and fun-loving nature creates a welcoming vibe the moment you step inside and shows her obvious passion for her work.

Anne said, “It’s important to hang with people who make you feel good.”

“We don’t come here to work, we just come here to have a fun day out,” she said.

The Shack has also been recognised with many other awards for excellence including two Small Business Awards and the 5 Star Hygiene and Food Safety Award.

Anne and her husband Jim brought the business six years ago with a five year plan in mind.

“We feel we are peaking with what we have to offer, and are going to retire from the business on top,” Anne said.

With the Ice Cream Shack up for sale, Anne said she has no plans of slowing down and is looking forward to starting a new business venture.

The overall experience at the shack has been summed up perfectly by one reviewer who stated,” Great coffee, fabulous ice cream, tasty meals! And did I mention Jim, Anne and their staff? It’s like dropping in on family or friends, without the grumpy bits.”

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN