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January 2024 by Xiomara Ruiz
What a wonderful shop with a wonderful, and knowledgeable owner. We learned so much, and left with some beautiful Wedgwood.
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January 2024 by Ksenia Z.
the shop is really cute. It's own by a sweet elder lady who is happy to tell you about everything that is in the room.
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April 2023 by Oscar A.
We spotted this nice tiny antique store and we decided to go inside to see. We walked in and we were greeted by an elderly lady. She asked what are you looking for and we simply responded "we saw this place and wanted to check it out" and as she stood in one place seeming like she wasn't allowing us to look around. She says I know how to get around this place so if you want something tell me, indicating that we couldn't look around and we needed to know what we wanted. The lady that was working there which I'm unsure if she was the owner or an employee was simply rude and unwelcoming. Her attitude with us was uncomfortable and we couldn't continue being there. Not to mention this whole interaction was no more than 3 minutes of stepping in and stepping out. The owner should be ashamed.
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June 2019 by Judith Anderson
Absolutely perfect place to buy beautiful presents. Owner has vast knowledge of her antiques. She generously taught us so much about the china and silver. I will definitely visit her again.
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August 2018 by Jeannie Graham
I adore Orinda Village Antiques and enjoy its owner, Susan Leech, even more. I've purchased many treasures here, been a guest of friends having Afternoon Tea here that Susan's hosted and have hired Susan to be a guest speaker at Afternoon Teas I've hosted at my home for Bridal Showers and Cooking Club events--everyone loves her and she takes Tea to a serene and most admiring and enjoying level--she's a treasure!!!
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June 2018 by Diane LeVan
This shop is a treasure trove full of fine antique and vintage china. It is also a treasure because of its owner Susan Leech. She is knowledgeable & honest. She hails from England and can provide a Downton Abbey level of information about the use and origin of an item. She is an expert on tea China. There is a lot to be said for our casual lifestyles & not needing a certain plate or piece of flatware for each item. Unfortunately we've lost much of our appreciation for these things. There is so much history and artistry behind them- perhaps tales of your own family to discover. Join in the fun. Visit this wonderful shop. (An avid collector & fan).
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November 2017 by Robin B.
This is a marvelous shop. The longer you browse, the more you find. Susan Leech, the owner, is well versed in the history of china, stirling silver and and all things tea related and she generously shares her information. As previous reviewers have noted, take time to slowly examine the collections here. Otherwise the sheer quantity of treasures could overwhelm you!
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February 2017 by Stephanie C.
If you have an appreciation for china, pottery, silverware and antiques, this is the place for you! The owner, Susan Leech, is such a lovely person. Very knowledgeable and has a true passion for not only collecting but also sharing her knowledge with new collectors. I would recommend making time to really browse her collection and find a piece that speaks to you. There are beautiful antique tea sets, etched glass, crystal, silver... if you can dream it up, it is probably in this shop. If you don't find it the first time, keep checking back. There are items from all over the world and everything falls into the "Good, Better, Best" categories. Ms. Leech has phenomenal taste. I was very lucky to have been invited for a tea at the shop and I must say it beats any of the "fancy" places hands down. There is no substitute for authenticity when it comes to tea. She was kind enough to share her personal collection, share some of her history, the history of tea, teach us how to host a proper tea and also gave us the opportunity to enjoy a formal setting with gorgeous silverware. I left her shop with renewed appreciation for china and many tips I can't wait to share with my own guests. Next up is finding a set for myself from her expansive (yet selective) collection. I look forward to my next visit.
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August 2015 by Sun B.
I strongly believe that local businesses should be supported and had the pleasure of visiting this antique store for their collection of china. Was greeted by a wonderful lady who is also the owner of this store. The sweet owner lady had a wealth of knowledge about china sets and I was surprised because usually at any tea store I have felt maybe I know more than enough but nope! She beat me to it. Being a tea connoisseur I am always on the lookout for beautiful vintage tea sets from England and the whole interaction with her was super helpful and pleasant. I can't wait to go back here again for more sets soon. Thank you for this wonderful antique store!
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February 2015 by Terry T.
China, pottery, silver, furniture, and many other quality antiques fill this small shop. It is one of the nicest antique stores I've browsed in. The owner, Susan, has excellent taste and an eye for quality pieces. This is the place to go to find one-of-a-kind treasures. This presents a major problem for me. I am trying my best to eliminate stuff from my life. I would love to live in a minimalist house. When I come here it is hard for me to not come home with something. I kick myself for not buying a 19th century silver chop warmer that I saw here years ago. I have no idea what I would have used it for, but it was beautiful piece. Now, I have to remind myself that I don't need a set of Theodore Haviland 19th century oyster plates. Luckily, I did not have my check book and left without them. I hope they are gone when I go back to look at a Depression Glass sandwich server that caught my eye, this plate is more in my budget range. Maybe this will be gone too and I can just wish I had them. The shop also offers tea classes and high teas
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January 2014 by Morrisa S.
This gem of a shop is full of lovely items selected by owner Susan Leech, a charming English woman of excellent taste and warm, welcoming demeanor. She can tell you all about the china or silver or antique knickknack you have in mind, and she also conducts tea parties, and can advise on baking and serving. My daughter collects teacups and accoutrements, and when I want to find her something truly fine instead of just a repro made last Thursday, Orinda Village Antiques is the place to go!
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June 2013 by Ash C.
I used to stop by this tiny store to check out for nice china sets. I will admit, she has some nice stuff however, she was very mean in her response to me when I had inquired about the price of a couple of her pieces. In her response she said " Well, I don't think you will be able to afford it". I was shocked as to what type of response is that for a customer who is not all dressed up in "Orinda Style fashion". Her cups and saucers were $50 to start off which I felt was a bit over priced. I am an avid collector and have good knowledge regarding the value of China and the quality of China and I felt that she was a little over priced. I was dressed up in simple jeans and a t-shirt but I don't think she should have judged me based on my looks!? How Rude!! I would not spend my money at this place.
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February 2013 by CalBear H.
This is one of the cutest china shops I've seen in the bay area. The owner is English and she probably has one of the best collections of English tea cups and serving sets I've ever seen. They are indeed very delicate and pretty things and I love to just go in to just woooo and ahhh them. I give it a 3 star rating because this is also the most expensive tea cup / china shop I've seen. I guess that's what you pay for not having to forage through estate sales and flea markets.
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January 2009 by Mia N.
I was so happy the moment I entered this store. It is chock full of beautiful cups and saucers, plates, trinket boxes, and so much more! The owner was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I bought a beautiful Limoges plate and a vase from England. Can't wait to go back!
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May 2008 by kent L.
Great little antique store! I found some nice little items for my collection there. Susan was very knowledgeable about the history of my interest (silver). Prices are comparable, if not less than ebay. Plus it's always a bonus to see an item up close and personal, then some poor photo. Yay for brick and mortar stores! She also offers tea classes with all the little teacakes.
