Somewhere – Tea in London

If you’re visiting London Art Portfolio from abroad you’ve probably heard of that stereotype that the British love their tea. Well we do, so we thought we’d compile a list of some of the best places in London to enjoy the fantastic treat that is a nice hot cup of tea! Even if you’re a student from the UK you may not have heard of some of these lovely tea rooms and restaurants so if you have a moment during your time at LAP and you love tea we highly recommend checking them out!

1. Bea’s of Bloomsbury

Bea’s of Bloomsbury restaurants can be found around London the most prominent being at 44 Theobalds Road (WCX 8NW) They serve a fantastic afternoon tea that includes cakes, cupcakes, brownies, savory baguettes, scones with cream and jam and of course a lovely pot of tea at a very good price. The afternoon tea goes on for one and a half hours and requires pre-booking so if you’re interested check out their booking forms on their website www.beasofbloomsbury.com You can also follow them on Twitter at @beas_bloomsbury

2. High Tea of Highgate

High Tea of Highgate sells beautiful teas and tea accessories that would make a brilliant souvenir for our international students. Their blends served and sold in their store are made in-house and with names like “British Breakfast” and “London Afternoon Blend” how can you resist! Shop or sit and relax, it’s up to you. High Tea of Highgate can be found at 50 Highgate High Street (N6 5HX) They’re closed on Mondays but open until 6pm every other day!

3. Orange Pekoe Teas

Orange Pokoe teas (named after a grade of tea, not a type of orange!) is a shop and cafe that sells and serves some of the finest handpicked tea leaves in the world, they were also voted London’s best tea room 2008. They also serve fantastic coffees, breakfast, lunch and of course an afternoon tea that comes complete with freshly baked cakes. The afternoon teas require pre-booking so if you’re interested you can call them at 02088766070 They also serve a cream tea (for a steal at £7.50!) and a luxury champagne afternoon tea (for a little more). You can find Orange Pokoe teas at 3 White Hart Lane (SW13 0PX)

4. Sketch London

Sketch is one of London’s finest restaurants that specialise in giving their customers a fantastic mix of food, art and music all in one place. If you fancy an afternoon tea expect the best: caviar and quail egg sandwiches, pastries, macaroons and cakes will accompany your luxury tea. You’ll be able to enjoy your treat in their ‘glade’ area which appears like a garden indoors. They’re also currently offering a champagne lunch that comes complete with a ticket to Damien Hirst’s current exhibition at The Tate, you can find out more information at their website www.sketch.uk.com If you’re interested in trying out the Sketch experience you can find them at 9 Conduit Street (W1S 2XG)

If you find any other tea rooms that you think we should add to this list do comment and we’ll give them a visit, for now we hope you enjoy the fine selection we have found!