A Rouen institution since 1934
In 2024, The English Shop celebrated its 90th anniversary. A rare longevity that makes this Rouen boutique a real reference for lovers of tea and beautiful discoveries.
For more than 15 years, Stéfane Hirsinger and Didier Clément perpetuate this tradition with passion, By continuing to develop the brand while respecting its identity.
Our story
1934
Creation of lsign
Walter Graham Harris founds The English Shop
1938
A tradition perpetual
Ms. Harris resumes the activity
1939-1945
Pause compulsory
During the war, the shop temporarily closes
1962-1988
A story which is transmitted
New owners perpetuate the spirit and activity of the shop
1988
The turn of Exceptional tea
André Hamel develops a selection of teas
2011
news generation
Stéfane Hirsinger and Didier Clément take over the shop
The Origins: The Story of Walter Graham Harris
lAdventure began in 1934, when an Englishman, Walter Graham Harris, moved to Rouen. It opens a business on the quays of the Seine, specializing in English grocery and tea, and also refueled the boats parked in the port.
Very quickly, he creates a mixture that has become emblematic: Harris’ Selected Tea, still offered today in our shop.
Mrs. Harris, a woman with a strong character
After the death of Walter Harris in 1938, his wife takes over the activity alone and sets up the shop at 103 rue Ganterie, in the heart of Rouen.
Norman with a strong temperament, Ms. Harris marks the spirits: some customers still remember her unique presence… and her cigar in the shop!
A story marked by war
During the Second World War, Ms. Harris was forced to suspend the activity of the shop and left for England with her in-laws. During his absence, the premises are rented to a bailiff.
At the end of the war, back in Rouen, she wants to recover her business… But the occupier refuses to leave the premises. Alone in the face of the situation, Ms. Harris shows remarkable courage: determined to enforce her rights, she presents herself on the spot one day with an ax and puts the bailiff at the foot of the wall. He ends up giving in and leaving the premises, allowing Ms. Harris to regain possession of her shop and relaunch the activity.
Ms Harris holds the store until 1962. From this year until 1988, two other owners, Mrs. Caumartin and Mr and Mrs Broche, succeeded each other, who maintain The English Shop in its original activity..
The turning point: André Hamel
André Hamel took over the store in 1988. For 23 years, he strongly developed the world of tea, enriching The selection of teas from all over the world and great vintages from the great gardens of India, China and Japan.
Precursor in his field, André Hamel contributes to making The English Shop a recognized address, in particular by being among the first shops in France to offer teas from emblematic houses such as Marriage Brothers and Palace of Teas.
Trained pastry chef, he creates several fragrant blends including the famous green tea In a garden On the occasion of the 1st Impressionist exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen in 2010.
Today: passion, selection and homemade creations
In 2011, Stéfane Hirsinger and Didier Clément become the fifth owners of the establishment. They pursue the requirement and know-how that make the reputation of the shop. They develop in a few years the number of tea houses with which they collaborate, from 6 to 10 and thus offering a unique choice for all types of amateurs.
Today, The English Shop offers 300 references of teas and infusions, including more than 70 large garden teas, selected from French and German importers. Tasting workshops are regularly organized and The tradition of homemade mixes continues to bring the history of the shop to life.
