Lily Zhang’s career
Lili Zhang has been in the word of pastry for many years. She began her career in 2008 in Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels, acquiring solid experience and remarkable skills. During this time, she rubbed shoulders with top pastry chefs, both in China and abroad, and learned innovative concepts and techniques alongside them.
In 2016, Lily designed a range of products for the ThéATRE brand: a successful challenge for this pastry chef in constant search of quality creations. Desserts that incorporate teas to create unique taste experiences.
ThéATRE, an unique concept store
ThéATRE is a Chinese concept store whose name combines the French word “Thé” and “théâtre”, in reference to the tea ceremony, a Chinese tradition imbued with theatricality. ThéATRE celebrates the art of tea and its timeless ritual, and offers a varied, invigorating selection of teas.
The concept goes even further with an eco-responsible philosophy: it is committed to using only natural raw materials and materials to consistently offer high-quality products in an inspiring design universe. For example, the tea leaves come from organic gardens that respect the environment.
Every visit to ThéATRE becomes a sensory voyage of cultural discovery and gourmet delight.
History of the ThéATRE brand
Creation of the brand in 2015 in Beijing with the “TEA FOR LIFE” philosophy, making available a selection of 70 premium teas. The first store opens in 2016 at the Beijing World Financial Center, the second in Shanghai in 2017 with a tea-pairing concept and an art gallery. The same year sees the launch of tea-infused cakes, followed in 2018 by “impressionist” drinks and desserts. 2019 sees the creation of tea cocktails and desserts.
The brand continues to expand with new openings, including in 2021 at the IFC in Shanghai. In 2023, it collaborates with Tom Dixon to develop new products, winning Red Dot and iF Design Awards, and expands on Tmall. That same year, she created the “Mountain Tea Retreat” and in 2024 opened the “Mountain Tea Pavilion” in Sanlitun Taikoo Li.
Cointreau and Rémy Martin to flavour her desserts
Lily Zhang likes to use Cointreau and Rémy Martin cognac to add flavor to her desserts. The bitter orange fragrance of Cointreau harmoniously complements the mellowness of a cake for a tasting experience full of freshness and flavor. Rémy Martin cognac adds a touch of elegance with its complex notes of autumn fruits, wild flowers, licorice and vanilla.
On February 14, discover Lily Zhang’s latest dessert for ThéATRE: Orange heart with Cointreau, a special creation to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2025, for which we’ll be sharing the recipe.
We are delighted to welcome Lily Zhang as our new ambassador! Her expertise and passion for excellence will be invaluable assets for our brands.
