London’s Loveliest Tea Rooms
Brews with views
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Of course a fancy afternoon tea never goes amiss, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed cuppa with charming surroundings, why not try one of London’s urban tea rooms? There are plenty dotted around the capital, from long-standing traditional spots to quirky newbies…
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
Having served tea for almost 100 years, Fortnum & Mason know a good cuppa. So good, in fact, that they hold royal warrants from Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince of Wales. Their Diamone Jubilee Tea Salon, perched atop their Piccadilly store, is an elegant, light-filled space, made all the better with the soft sound of piano renditions tinkering away in the background. Over 50 types of tea are on offer, to be enjoyed alongside traditional afternoon tea delicacies, from finger sandwiches to exquisite pastries. fortnumandmason.com
JING
Since luxury tea brand JING launched 15 years ago, it’s been selected as the tea of choice in high-end hotels around the world, from New York to Hong Kong. This November JING opens its first shop in London’s St Christopher’s Place, where visitors will be able to enjoy ‘tea flights’: immersive tastings led by tea aficionados. You’ll embark on a sensory journey of the people, places and artisan processes behind the JING brand, trying a wide selection of teas along the way – from the classical to the rare. jingtea.com
XU Teahouse
A teahouse and restaurant inspired by the luxury dining rooms of 1930s Taipei, XU offers an insight into Taiwanese culture – including their tea traditions. Teas are imported directly from Taiwan and served either in a hand crafted play pot and brewing tray, or brewed in a traditional Gaiwan cup. Accompany with tasty Taiwanese pastries, which range from fried peanut mochi to pineapple cake to steamed red bean buns. xulondon.com
Candella Tea Room
With its quirky décor, antique furnishings and vintage teapots, there’s a whimsical, Alice In Wonderland feel to Candella Tea Room. Impeccably elegant, the Kensington spot offers over 50 individually-sourced types of tea, from Hammam to green. Be sure to pair with one (or three) of their bite-sized macaroons. candellatearoom.com
Highness Cafe and Tea Room
A family-run café tucked away in Islington, Highness Café and Tea Room is the kind of place you could sit sipping away for hours. Spread across two floors, there’s a rustic atmosphere, with mismatched wooden chairs and dimly lit lamps. You’ll be drawn in by the freshly baked, picture-perfect cakes, made all the more delicious washed down with a good cup of loose leaf. highnesscafe.co.uk
Pembroke Lodge
If you’re partial to an outdoor cuppa, Pembroke Lodge makes for an idyllic setting. An elegant listed Georgian Mansion in the heart of Richmond Park, its hillside terrace serves up a charming cream tea, alongside panoramic views of the river and beyond. pembrokelodge.co.uk
The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries
Enjoy tea in a greenhouse surrounded by plants at Petersham Nurseries’ teahouse, found next-door to the renowned Richmond restaurant. Choose from a selection of whole leaf teas alongside homemade cakes, sweet treats and fresh salads. petershamnurseries.com
Good & Proper Tea
Good & Proper Tea was born out of founder Emilie Holmes’ desire to offer tea drinkers the same quality and variety as coffee drinkers. Here flat whites are replaced with 25 single-origin loose leaf teas, with everything from oolong to matcha available. They also have a dedicated vegan crumpet menu, with toppings such as avocado, house ‘Notella’ and raspberry jam. goodandpropertea.com
Urban Tea Rooms
A trendy Soho spot serving everything from cheeseboards to cocktails, all the tea blends at Urban Tea Rooms are ethically sourced and put together by in-house brewers. Found a stone’s throw away from Carnaby Street, it’s also perfectly placed for popping in for tea and a bite to eat after a day browsing the shops, with al fresco tables for the warmer months. urbantearooms.com
