As a tea lover, there’s nothing you can enjoy more than spending an afternoon wandering around London’s best tea shops. These shops have something for everyone from traditional English teas to modern blends. Here are our top 13 picks for the best tea shops in London.
Best Tea Shops in London
Twinings, The Strand
- Address: 216 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1AP
For over three hundred years, Twinings has been synonymous with quality tea. Founded in 1706 by Thomas Twining, the company began as a small tea shop on The Strand in London. Today, Twinings is a global brand, offering a wide range of teas that are enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
While the company has changed and evolved over the centuries, Twinings tea shop in London has always stayed true to its roots, sourcing the finest teas from plantations around the world.
From its humble beginnings as a single tea shop to its current status as a leading international tea brand, Twinings has come a long way in its quest to provide the perfect cup of tea.
- Price range: ££
- Food: No, but they have coffee on top of the tea selection
- What it’s best for: To get your hands and sample the best Twinings teas.
Bird & Blend Tea Co.
- Address: 26 Camden Psge, London N1 8ED
The Bird & Blend Tea Co. in Islington is one of the most iconic shops in London. Founded in 2014, the Tea House is still a popular spot for tea lovers, with a wide range of loose-leaf teas on offer as well as a selection of teaware.
The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help customers choose the perfect tea for their taste, and there is also a sitting room where you can relax and enjoy their specialities.
What Bird & Blend is most famous for is the original selection of teas such as Pear and Cider or Jelly and Ice Cream tea. Needless to say, as a tea lover, this is the place to be!
- Price range: ££
- Food: Yes
- What it’s best for: To shop and taste teas that you’ve never seen before.
Camellia’s Tea House
- Address: 64 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3BL
Camellia’s Tea House is an English tea shop in London’s Holborn that specialises in high-quality teas and coffees. The shop has a wide range of teas and coffees from different regions, as well as a variety of brewing equipment.
Other than offering incredibly premium teas, Camellia’s Tea House also has food on its menu, such as scones, but also a delicious afternoon tea to indulge in.
Last but not least, in addition to selling tea and coffee, the shop also hosts regular events, such as tastings and workshops. These events are a great opportunity to learn more about tea and coffee and sample some of the finest teas and coffees available.
Whether you’re a tea lover or a coffee enthusiast, Drury Tea & Coffee is the perfect place to explore the world of speciality tea and coffee.
- Price range: £££
- Food: Yes – Try their Salmon and Cream Scone!
- What it’s best for: Sample different teas and become a real master.
Whittard of Chelsea, Covent Garden
- Address: 9 The Marketplace, London WC2E 8RB
Founded in 1886, Whittard of Chelsea is one of London’s most iconic purveyors of tea and coffee. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the shop has been a popular destination for generations of Londoners and visitors alike.
From its humble beginnings as a small tea shop, Whittard has grown into a chain in London, known for its quality products and commitment to customer service. Today, the shop remains a favourite destination for a classic cup of Earl Grey or something more exotic such as their Very Berry Crush.
In addition to tea, the shop also offers an extensive range of coffee, hot chocolate, and other beverages. With its wide selection and knowledgeable staff, Whittard is the perfect place to explore the world of tea and coffee.
- Price range: £££
- Food: No
- What it’s best for: To shop for some of the best tea in London.
East India Company, Mayfair
- Address: 7-8 Conduit St, London W1S 2XF
East India Company tea shop is located in London’s Mayfair district, and it offers a wide range of teas from around the world.
Here, you’ll find a variety of tea-related products, including teapots, cups, and saucers. On top of that, they have 2 tables outside to sit down and enjoy their teas while watching people passing by in this chic neighbourhood.
All things considered, East India Company is the best tea shop in London for authentic Indian flavours.
- Price range: ££
- Food: Yes, and you can’t miss their chocolate truffles!
- What it’s best for: To taste original and high-quality teas from India.
Mei Leaf Chinese Teahouse
- Address: 99 Camden High St, London NW1 7JN
There’s something exceptional about coming to Mei Leaf Teahouse, a typical Chinese tea shop in London. This sophisticated London tea shop offers a wide variety of loose-leaf teas, all of which are sourced from the finest growers around the world.
And what makes the experience even more enjoyable is the setting. The beautiful Mayfair shop is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely cup of tea.
Moreover, you can choose the tea type you prefer as they have all that you can think of, from Matcha to White tea to Tisanes and even Medicinal Herbs, you’re in for a treat.
Surrounded by sumptuous decor with plants and delightful displays, it’s easy to relax while away an afternoon at Mei Leaf. To sum up, next time you’re in London, be sure to make time for a visit to this exceptional tea shop.
- Price range: £££
- Food: Yes
- What it’s best for: Tasting the best Chinese tea in London.
T2 Tea, Regent St
- Address: Unit 2, 292 Regent St., London W1B 3AL
When it comes to tea, there are endless options to choose from. But at T2 in Regent Street, you’ll find some of the best teas in the world.
There’s something for everyone, from traditional English Breakfast Tea to more exotic blends like Jasmine and Oolong tea. And the best part is that each tea is brewed to perfection, ensuring a perfect cup every time.
If you’re new to tea drinking, don’t worry – the staff here are more than happy to help you find the perfect tea for your tastes. They’ll even provide you with a handy guide that explains all of the different types of tea and their benefits.
- Price range: ££££
- Food: No
- What it’s best for: Buy premium and unique tea while exploring London’s city centre.
Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason
- Address: 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
Located in Piccadilly, Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason is one of the most well-known tea shops in London, and for a good reason. The Tea Salon was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 and is especially popular for its luxurious atmosphere and delicious tea.
When you enter the salon, you are transported to a different era. The decor is classical and elegant, with plush chairs and beautiful white tablecloths.
The tea menu is extensive, and it can be challenging to decide which tea to order. However, the knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help, and we’re sure you’re going to have a fabulous time here.
- Price range: ££££
- Food: Yes
- What it’s best for: Explore a new world of elegance that turns around tea.
Scoff & Banter Tea Rooms
- Address: 350 Oxford St, London WC1 1BY
Scoff & Banter Tea Rooms is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a pot of tea. The tea shop, located on Oxford Street, offers a wide variety of teas, as well as a menu of traditional English foods.
Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full meal, Scoff & Banter has something to offer. The tea shop also provides an educational experience, offering classes on everything from tea etiquette to brewing the perfect cup of tea.
- Price range: £££
- Food: Yes
- What it’s best for: Enjoy delicious cuisine or an afternoon tea topped with the best infusions.
The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries
- Address: Off Church Lane, Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 7AB
The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries is a tea shop in London that is known for its wide selection of teas and nature-based decor. The shop stocks over 100 different types of tea, including black, green, white, and herbal teas.
The Teahouse also offers a variety of accessories, such as teapots, candles, and strainers. In addition to its retail operation, the shop also hosts a number of events, such as tea tastings and workshops.
The Teahouse has something to offer everyone, regardless if you’re a tea enthusiast or simply looking for a unique dining experience.
- Price range: ££
- Food: Yes – you can’t skip their afternoon tea!
- What it’s best for: A relaxing afternoon sipping on a unique, flavourful tea
Mariage Frères, Covent Garden
- Address: 38 King St, London WC2E 8JS
In the heart of London’s Covent Garden lies Mariage Frères, a tea shop that is as sophisticated as it is inviting.
Founded in 1854 by two French brothers, Mariage Frères has been steeped in history for over 150 years. The shop offers a wide variety of teas, each with its own unique flavour and aroma.
Besides being a highlight on every tea trip to London, Mariage Frères also has venues in Paris, Berlin, and Tokyo.
With its glamorous setting and a mouth-watering selection of teas, Mariage Frères is the perfect place to indulge in a spot of afternoon tea.
- Price range: £££
- Food: Yes, and you must try their pan-fried salmon with Pharaon tea!
- What it’s best for: A French-style tea shop with succulent food and teas
TWG Tea
- Address: 48 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LT
TWG Tea in London pride itself as the “finest global luxury tea brand”, and we can easily see why when stepping in.
TWG Tea sources its teas from all over the world and offers a wide variety of tea blends, including black, green, white, and oolong teas. TWG Tea also offers a selection of tea-infused products, such as teapots and tumblers. In addition to its retail locations, TWG Tea has an online store and a subscription-based service that delivers monthly tea boxes to customers.
What we like the most is that they strive to educate their customers about the different types of tea and the proper way to prepare and enjoy them. TWG Tea’s team of experts taste hundreds of teas each year to select the best for their blends.
Naturally, other than their sensational tea, they also have an inviting setting to spend the afternoon with friends, family, or your date, and we can’t recommend this best tea shop in London enough.
- Price range: £££
- Food: Yes, they have exquisite cakes
- What it’s best for: An luxurious experience to either purchase premium tea or sample their best selection.
Biju Bubble Tea Room Soho
- Address: 45 Old Compton St, London W1D 6HQ
Let’s finish this list with Biju, the best bubble tea shop in London’s neighbourhood of Soho.
Biju Bubble Tea Room Soho in London is a great place to enjoy a delicious cup of bubble tea. The shop offers a wide variety of bubble tea flavours, all of which are made with fresh ingredients and organic milk.
Regardless if you’re planning a day out with friends or want a refreshing and delicious drink during the afternoon, Biju has got you covered.
- Price range: ££
- Food: No
- What it’s best for: A different experience, sweet yet not unhealthy to enjoy on a day out with friends and family.
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Conclusion
There are few things as quintessentially English as a nice cup of tea, and what could be better than enjoying one in some of the best tea shops in London? From traditional teas to modern blends, these shops have something for everyone, and we’re sure they will convince you for more.