With so many wonderful places to enjoy tea in London, it’s difficult to choose a favorite. That said, Camellia’s Tea House is one I consistently recommend. It excels not only in the quality of its tea but also in its atmosphere—a cozy, eclectic space filled with mismatched furniture and teaware that creates a welcoming, home-like feel.
Our afternoon tea at Camellia’s Tea House
Their menu includes a wide range of teas: black, green (both Chinese and Japanese varieties), white, and oolong, as well as herbal infusions and rooibos. One distinctive feature is their handcrafted herbal blends. Co‑founded by a qualified homeopath, the tea house incorporates traditional remedy knowledge into blends with names such as “Antiviral Tea” and “Bone Building Tea.” While the terminology may raise eyebrows, the blends themselves are both creative and enjoyable.
For those more interested in traditional tea from Camellia sinensis, the selection is equally impressive. Alongside familiar favorites like Earl Grey, you’ll find teas such as Genmaicha Japanese green tea with toasted rice and Formosa oolong tea from Taiwan.
The menu also features more unusual options, including variations like Earl Grey Orange and rarer offerings such as Ceylon Green tea. Their black tea selection includes estate-specific options—from regions such as Assam and Darjeeling—often labeled by flush. Details like this may seem minor, but they highlight the care taken in sourcing and presenting tea, and they help tea drinkers develop a deeper understanding of flavor differences.
On my most recent visit, I was joined by my sister, and we opted to share a pot. Camellia’s encourages guests to sample loose leaf teas from their display caddies before ordering. While I found the caddies slightly less effective for aroma than others I’ve encountered, I appreciate the opportunity to explore before choosing.
After considering several options, we selected their cinnamon black tea. It struck the perfect balance—warming, slightly spiced, and ideal for a brisk November afternoon. With a touch of milk, it made for a comforting and satisfying pot to share while we caught up and enjoyed the ambiance.
For anyone visiting London and looking for a tea experience that combines quality, variety, and atmosphere, Camellia’s Tea House is well worth a stop.
See more of Elise Nuding’s articles in this archive of tea travel and tasting experiences.
© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009–2014. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Excerpts may be used with proper credit and links to the original content.
Leave a Reply