Tea Blog

I was recently chatting on Twitter with a dear tea friend and was surprised to hear they had a disappointing experience in a UK tearoom.

Having previously written about what to look for in a good tearoom, I felt inspired to put the kettle on and reflect on some wonderful tearoom experiences I’ve had growing up in the UK.

(Kettle on… let’s begin.)

The term “tearoom” can mean different things depending on who you ask. According to Wikipedia, a tearoom is simply “a venue centered on drinking tea.”

For some, this means a traditional Victorian-style afternoon tea experience. For others, it may be a shop specializing in tea and teawares—or a relaxed space offering tea alongside light meals and snacks.

With that in mind, I’d like to share two tearooms I’ve particularly enjoyed in London.

Postcard Teas

First is Postcard Teas, located near Bond Street, one of London’s most famous shopping areas.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Tim d’Offay, and every visit to his tearoom feels like a learning experience. The display of teas and teawares is so thoughtfully arranged that it resembles a modern art gallery—calm, elegant, and inviting.

The teas themselves are exceptional. Each one is carefully sourced, with detailed information provided about its origin and estate—something not all tea shops can offer. The quality and variety are truly impressive, and it’s a place I look forward to revisiting whenever I’m in London.

(Kettle brewed to the correct temperature—time for the tea.)

We Are Tea

The second tearoom is located near St. Paul’s Cathedral. It offers not only a wide range of teas but also breakfast and light lunch options.

During my time living in London, I often arranged lunch meetings there. A fresh sandwich or salad, a scone with jam and cream (on indulgent days!), and a good cup of tea made for a perfect break.

One of the charming aspects of this tearoom is its playful naming of tea categories—“serenitea,” “tranquilitea,” “activitea,” and so on.

We Are Tea is an excellent starting point for anyone new to tea, offering approachable options while still appealing to experienced tea drinkers. You can also follow them on Twitter to keep up with their latest offerings.

This article was written with a comforting cup of Pu-erh tea close at hand for inspiration.

Editor’s note: You don’t have to travel to London to enjoy great teas that suit both British and American tastes!

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