Tilly’s Tea Room Evolves Into a Modern Wine Bar & Gathering Spot in Downtown Fishers
When Sharon Moore first opened Tilly’s Tea Room in 2015, it was inside what she calls a small, rickety house in Fishers. In the decade since, the beloved local spot has undergone several moves and transformations, from its location at Saks Fifth Avenue to its current home in downtown Fishers.
Today, Moore has reimagined the concept, adding a wine bar to complement the traditional afternoon tea service, making Tilly’s Tea Room & Wine Bar one of the area’s most versatile dining destinations.
For years, Tilly’s was a fixture inside Saks Fifth Avenue, known for its elegant teas, bridal showers, and baby showers. However, when Saks announced it would be closing in 2024, Moore had to pivot quickly. She was already in the middle of opening Max & Tilly’s chip shop when opportunity struck.
“The bank suggested I move the tea room right next to the chip shop,” Moore says. “So we packed Tilly’s into three storage units while construction was underway and then rebuilt from the ground up.”
That gamble paid off. Tilly’s reopened in February with a fresh lunch menu and afternoon tea, and within weeks, expanded into evening service as a wine bar.
By day, Tilly’s offers its signature afternoon tea experience, along with a menu featuring soups, salads, and sandwiches. By night, the lights dim and the space transforms into an intimate wine bar with a small-plates menu featuring charcuterie, ceviche, empanadas, crostini, and more. The wine bar experience is enhanced by a carefully curated wine list, cozy ambiance, and live music on select nights.
“It’s important to me that Tilly’s be accessible,” Moore says. “Some tea rooms can feel overly formal. At ours, you can come in wearing jeans and a T-shirt or go all out in a dress and fascinator. It should be comfortable and special at the same time.”
The shift in atmosphere from day to night has given Tilly’s a new identity in the Fishers dining scene. Guests often stop in for a glass of wine before dinner reservations elsewhere or linger after a meal for dessert and conversation. The wine bar has also become a gathering place for book clubs, mahjong groups, and casual get-togethers.
While the tea room itself seats 50, Moore has the flexibility to expand events into the adjoining chip shop for up to 100 guests. Even larger gatherings can take advantage of the 400-person rooftop terrace atop the building. With fire pits, a canopy, a barbecue area, and full AV capabilities, it has quickly become a sought-after event venue.
“We’ve already hosted charity events, a Kentucky Derby watch party, and have weddings booked for next year,” Moore says. “It’s a unique space right in the heart of downtown Fishers.”
Although Moore is originally from Newcastle, England, she has steered away from what she calls the “caricature” of the English tea room. Instead of lace doilies and floral wallpaper, she has modeled Tilly’s after the modern, elevated experiences found in London’s top hotels.
“We’ve always wanted to be a modern-style tea room that still honors the tradition but stays relevant,” she says. “It’s about creating an elegant but approachable atmosphere.”
Downtown Fishers continues to evolve into a hub of independent restaurants and boutiques, making it an ideal environment for Tilly’s Tea Room & Wine Bar to thrive. Moore is planning holiday parties, gift exchanges, and interactive classes, such as wreath-making and floral arranging, paired with wine and charcuterie.
For Moore, the journey of Tilly’s has always been about more than just food and drink — it’s about creating memorable experiences.
“We want people to feel like they’ve found a place to relax, celebrate, or simply enjoy time with friends,” she says. “That’s the heart of Tilly’s.”
Tilly’s Tea Room & Wine Bar is located at 8701 East 116th St.
Suite 140B in Fishers. For more information, visit tillystearoom.com or give them a call at 317-537-2185
