Poulsbo’s genuine English tea shop, Ye Olde Copper Kettle, located on Front Street, changed hands recently when it was sold to Peter and Karen duPre.

The specialty tea room, founded by John and Tina Castle of Poulsbo, has been the place to take tea in North Kitsap for some eight years. The Castle’s, both English, started Ye Olde Copper Kettle because they wanted to bring the English tea experience to Little Norway.

Little will change with the new owners. Peter duPre hails originally from London and his wife, though American by birth, has absorbed the culture surrounding the afternoon tea experience.

“We like to think of the Copper Kettle as an island of relaxed civility in an otherwise grab and go world,” said Karen duPre. “It is a place where you can come and linger over lunch or afternoon tea and not feel rushed. It is a great place to conduct business meetings.”

According to Peter duPre, the focus of the tea room will remain the essentially English experience, with a focus British fare and the afternoon tea experience. He said that the restaurant is also expanding its retail section and now sells tea pots, china, and tea accessories, as well as those hard-to-find British goods such as Heinz salad creme, English tea blends, and imported cookies and candies.

Although new to Front Street, the duPres are not new to Poulsbo, having lived in the area for over 15 years. Karen was previously manager of The Landing on Bainbridge Island and Peter is a nationally known automotive journalist.

Ye Olde Copper Kettle is located at 18881 B-1 Front St. and is open Tuesday through Sunday. For more information call (360) 697-2999.