“Café by day. Bar by night. Fun things to do.”
This is how Drink, Shop & Do describes itself, and this London tea spot certainly delivers on variety. Alongside food and drinks, it hosts events ranging from dancing and poetry readings to arts and crafts activities and live DJ sessions. But on a recent visit, the focus was firmly on the tea.
Interior of Drink, Shop & Do – party time! (photo from their web site)
Drink, Shop & Do offers an appealing selection of loose-leaf teas, all served by the pot. Alongside unflavored black teas are several flavored varieties, as well as rooibos infusions, a white tea, and a standard Japanese green tea—likely a sencha based on its flavor profile.
Visiting with friends allowed for sampling multiple teas. The green tea delivered exactly what one would expect: a light, slightly sweet, grassy flavor, made all the better by using an infuser that allowed for precise control over steeping strength. Another selection was a chai—not a traditional masala chai, but a black tea infused with aromatic spices. It offered bold flavor and fragrance, though its intensity may not suit every palate. A third choice, Earl Grey, featured a strong black tea base with a pronounced citrus aroma, making it more suitable as a morning brew than a lighter afternoon option.
Beyond the tea itself, the décor adds significantly to the experience. The café features charmingly mismatched furniture and brightly colored interiors, creating a relaxed and playful atmosphere. This aesthetic extends to the teaware, where each serving arrives in a unique teapot and cup combination. Notably, portions are generous—large enough that finishing a full pot can be a challenge, although any leftovers are quickly welcomed by others at the table.
Overall, Drink, Shop & Do is a delightful destination for enjoying a generous pot of tea. For those looking for something more indulgent, the café also offers a variety of themed Afternoon Tea experiences, including options like “Boozy Afternoon Tea” and “Man’s Afternoon Tea.”
Perhaps those are worth exploring on a future visit.
Can’t get to London? Browse a wide selection of loose leaf teas and blends at English Tea Store’s full collection of teas and accessories.
See more of Elise Nuding’s articles in this archive of tea reviews and tea culture articles by the author.
© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Excerpts allowed with proper credit.
Tea Blog 
Leave a comment