THE TEA ROOM

The Tea Room at h.wood is an exclusive one-room club within an already exclusive nightclub. Like a glammed-out Russian nesting doll, it is tucked inside the stolid concrete frame of h.wood, which is located at the far end of the Hollywood & Highland complex in the tawdry heart of Hollywood. It’s hidden behind a tour-bus turnaround, near mobs of unsuspecting Chinese Theatre tourists. But instead of veering left and through the entrance gates, you’ll want to see the man at the unlabeled door to your right.

After talking your way in—it’ll help if owners Loyal Pennings, John Terzian and Brian Toll actually invited you—you’ll find an intimate but raucous space filled with velvet couches, leather booths, glitter-covered piano and modern art barely illuminated by dim chandeliers. Oh, and teapots, Lots of teapots.

It’s called the The Tea Room because it serves “prohibition tea,” which is basically alcohol-infused tea, out of tea pots, just like some speak-easies did during the 1920s.

Gupta, who they call their “tea chef,” infuses the liquids with alcohol-based magic, including varieties made with bourbon, rum and tequila. He has even created a special h.wood blend. The idea is to eventually open as a traditional tea room during the day and to keep it raucous and exclusive at night.

At midnight, Paris Hilton sauntered in and hugged Terzian, who wore a long black jacket and made the requisite rounds of the tiny room, kissing his customers’ cheeks, shaking hands and checking on the bar.

“We cater to our friends and family. They are our loyal patrons, they feel comfortable in places that are unique and homey and not trying to be some flashy thing,” says Terzian. To that end, Terzian points out that rather than hire a showy designer to outfit The Tea Room, he raided his family’s belongings.

THE TEA ROOM: Useful Information

THE TEA ROOM: Images

THE TEA ROOM: Video

THE TEA ROOM: Map