Winter's almost here: it's tea time again!

One of my first posts since starting this blog was about the top tea spots in London and Paris. I was surprised to see that it generated not only great feedback (thanks Mom ; ) !) but also some google hits (thanks to whoever dropped by to visit!).

While that post listed the more traditional afternoon tea spots, I have since compiled a list of my favorite London tea places which are a little "off the beaten track". By making afternoon tea a little bit more relaxed - no booking, no dressing up - but not less of a gastronomic treat, some of these places are doing a great job keeping tea culture alive and brewing.

I hope you find this list useful:


Tea, Paternoster Square (in the heart of London’s financial district)

You may have never thought of cream tea as a lunchtime treat but, judging by the number of customers munching on scones at midday, a lot of people have! This is a "Pain Quotidien" style café (ie. communal tables) with a varied tea menu and a nice choice of green teas, white teas and oolongs alongside the more traditional black teas. You pick your tea, mix and match with cucumber or egg sandwiches, scones and lovely cakes. Sit down and relax for at least 30 minutes or for however long your lunch break allows.

Perfect for: When work is stressing you out - or anytime really (they also do breakfasts)

Order: "Monkey Picked" Oolong tea, sandwich, ginger scones, fresh berries


Peyton and Byrne, Wellcome Collection

Some of you may have seen my enthusiastic post about this new branch of Peyton and Byrne. The great choice of cakes, sweet things and nice loose leaf teas make it an ideal spot for a civilized afternoon break - you can even throw in a bit of culture with a quick tour to the permanent collection or the temporary exhibitions (free of charge).

Perfect for: a rainy day

Order: mint cupcakes, scones, a pot of tea


Shipps tearooms

A cute tea house just next to the gastronomic quarters of Borough Market. For a cozy tete-a-tete with a huge tray of fresh sandwiches (they kindly offer to wrap any leftovers for takeaway) and delicious cakes. Lovely old fashioned touches such as embroidered table cloths and vintage tea china. The only downside were the less than perfect scones (they should be warmer and less dry) but otherwise, well worth the detour to south London.

Perfect for: a gourmet break before or after a cultural hour at the Tate Modern (a 15 minute walk away)

Order: tea for two (great value at GBP 15 each)


The Caramel Room (Prêt-à-Portea), Berkeley Hotel

A more formal tea outing, given the glitzy hotel location and need for booking, but one with a modern twist: at the start of every season the pastry chefs at the Caramel Room team up with different fashion designers to create runway inspired cakes resulting in the Missoni éclair, the YSL ginger boots, the Chloe chiffon, etc. - which are available for eating in (cute Paul Smith china is an added bonus) or take away. The overly fussy canapes are my only gripe: I would be happier with the simple pleasures of cucumber, salmon or roast beef sandwiches.

Perfect for: a sugar binge on a wintry afternoon. Booking recommended.

Order: the complete set (£34, ouch!), don’t forget to ask for a refill of your favourite cakes


The Crush Room, Royal Opera House

If you are attending a matinee at the ROH you can order high tea at the pit lobby or the Crush Room (cosier and more elegant than the Floral Hall). Your table will be ready and tea will be served during performance intervals: on the first you get the sandwiches, on the second you get home made scones and lovely cakes. When I get depressed about the grey weather in London the thought of either tea or the Royal ballet usually cheer me up... both at the same time = double treat!

Perfect for: Taking the kids to see the Royal's lavish production of the Nutcracker.

Order: set tea with or without champagne (the staff will look after your champagne bottle between intervals). Telephone pre-ordering essential.