It's almost last drinks for Wollongong Mall's best kept secret.
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Or should that be last cuppas.
The Wesley Tea Shoppe will serve its last perfect cuppa for charity on Friday, December 13.
For nearly 40 years a wonderful group of volunteers have helped to provide a quite space in Crown St Mall for shoppers and office workers to take time out and enjoy the perfect cuppa.
In the process the not-for-profit program of Wesley Church on the Mall, has raised more than $500,000 for Lifeline South Coast and other Illawarra charities.
Nestled behind the Wesley Church on the Mall, the Tea Shoppe has offered a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the mall for many, including Ruth Moore.
Mrs Moore dropped by her favourite cafe on Wednesday and plans on visiting it as much possible before it closes.
Tea Shoppe coordinator Rose Flood was feeling a "mixture of sadness and relief".
She said the first cuppa was served on October 27, 1980 under the oversight of the then committee president Nella Fanning.
"At its peak five of the team of over 50 volunteers were rostered on to serve each day," Ms Flood said.
"I commenced as a volunteer in 1999 before taking over the role as coordinator in 2004.
"It has been a real privilege to work with so many fantastic volunteers."
Wesley Church on the Mall minister Reverend Geoff Flynn said Tea Shoppe.was closing for many reasons.
"Some 20 years ago there was an abundance of customers coming into the Mall to do their banking and postage," Rev Flynn said.
"However, in recent years the impact of the internet and the redesign of the shopping precinct have combined to steadily decrease the number of customers who are looking for a cuppa.
"The Church Council felt the time was right to close the shop and to re-evaluate what new opportunities there might be for the Church to serve the community."
A special church service will be held from 10am on Sunday, December 15. Tea Shoppe volunteers and patrons welcome to attend.