et in your favorite yoga pose, and perfect those “Oms” – there’s a new sanctuary in town to relieve urban stress with a freshly brewed pot of England’s national bevvie: Tea.

Just peering in the windows of Sanctuary Tea, the new teahouse and restaurant on West Broadway, makes you feel at ease (much like a visit to Granny’s house). The space perfectly blends clean lines and a modern décor, mixed with natural elements, for a truly calming effect. A bright and airy atmosphere introduces a breath of tranquility to the ever-buzzing SoHo, and despite its small quarters, Sanctuary Tea somehow doesn’t feel crowded.

Those who subscribe to the religion of food can gain redemption for Saturday night’s out-on-the-town antics with Sunday brunch services at Sanctuary. This temple of tea offers a wonderful SoHo not-breakfast but not-lunch meal with tea incorporated (in some cases, magically) in many (but not all) dishes on the menu.

When I stopped in for brunch on a late Sunday afternoon (yes brunch; linner just doesn’t sound right), we were met with friendly service and a delicious looking menu that included (in no particular order) croissant sandwiches, quiches, Grilled Chicken Sandwich with pickled ginger, Gravlax with Moroccan mint tea and horseradish cream (served with toast and salad), and Eggs Benedict with a tangerine cheesecake tea hollandaise sauce (seriously) with country style potatoes. Appropriately, there’s also an extensive tea menu with at least two dozen varieties, that also explains the taste, popularity, and soothing effects (“good after a long day of work”). Just like a rotating menu, the café also has daily tea specials. If unsure about your selection, ask your server for a sample tasting.