London's best new artisan tea rooms

Taking tea is a ritual associated with maiden aunts perched on poufs in cavernous halls echoing with the tinkle of teaspoons and small talk. However, a new generation of artisan tea rooms is reinventing the ceremony. Here are five of the best

Brit factor: Urban Tea Rooms

Phoebe Luckhurst @phoebeluckhurst20 October 2014

TIMBERYARD

What: Timberyard is renowned for its coffee but the store takes tea seriously too: loose-leaf varieties including hibiscus berry, ancient emerald lily and iron goddess oolong (because you’re worth it) are weighed out on scales.

Where: 61-67 Old Street, EC1, timberyardlondon.com

NOTES COFFEE AND WINE

What: This Covent Garden store offers loose- leaf teas that change with the seasons from super-supplier Lalani & Co, which imports from choice gardens in India, China and Japan.

Where: 31 St Martins Lane, WC2, notes-uk.co.uk

BLUEBERRY BAR

What: Blueberry is a multi-tasking venue (open mics, quizzes, Salsa classes and club nights) that also does a fine line in tea. It’s £2 a cuppa; enigmatic flavours include Genmaicha Popcorn Tea and Black Rose Congue.

Where: 2-4 Paul Street, Shoreditch, EC2, blueberrybar.co.uk

TEANAMU CHAYA TEAHOUSE

What: Teanamu pays fierce attention to the ritual of tea, and you are encouraged to mix bespoke infusions. Alternatively, feast on dim sum and sesame cookies: a pleasing antidote to soggy cucumber sandwiches and pointless wisps of cake.

Where: 14a St Luke’s Road, W11, teanamu.com

URBAN TEA ROOMS

What: Urban Tea Rooms sources predominantly from British suppliers; its founding principle was to create a modern version of the traditional tea room.

Where: 19 Kingly Street, W1, urbantearooms.com