The best places for tea in London

The best places for tea in London

Here in the UK we have a reputation as big tea drinkers, so it's not too hard to find a great place for a cup of tea in London. It's not only the English style of tea that we have here – there are plenty of global takes on the drink available, including warming spicy chai or green matcha. If you want to know about which places offer the best blends, we can help you find a delicious cup of tea London-wide. This is our guide to the best places for tea in London.

In this guide
  1. The best places for drinking tea in London
    1. Chai Guys – Choice of chai blends
    2. Twinings Tea Shop – Selling tea for hundreds of years
    3. Camden Tea Bar – Cosy market tea bar
    4. Tea House Theatre – Lively venue in Vauxhall
    5. Candella Tea Room – Traditional Kensington tea room
    6. Karak Chaii – Modern chai experts
    7. Mariage Frères – Fine Parisian tea
    8. The Drawing Room – High-end tea room
    9. My Cup of Tea – Tea tasting in Soho
    10. The Chinese Tea Company – Destination for Chinese tea
    11. Be-oom – A unique London tea house
    12. Kennington Lane Café – Down-to-earth local caff
    13. WA Café – Tea and Japanese bakes
    14. The Muffin Man – Long-standing local tea rooms
    15. Amala Chai – Colourful chaiwalas
    16. Mei Leaf Teahouse – Artisan blends
    17. Matcha Venture – A must for matcha lovers
    18. Tea and Tattle – Tranquil tea room
    19. Tab x Tab – Modern coffee shop
    20. Prufrock Coffee – Lots of tea choices
    21. Claridge's ArtSpace Café – Luxury hotel café
    22. How Matcha – So much matcha
    23. Little Tea House – Tea room with a twist
    24. Katsute100 – Intimate Japanese tea room
    25. Eggbreak – Tea for all tastes
    26. Yauatcha – Tea and dumplings
    27. Blackheath Tea Hut – Historic local tea hut for a nice cuppa
    28. Tea2You – Darjeeling specialists

The best places for drinking tea in London

Chai Guys Old Spitalfields Market Chai Guys Covent Garden Chai Guys Bakehouse
Chai Guys Old Spitalfields Market
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Chai Guys Covent Garden
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Chai Guys Bakehouse
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Chai Guys Covent Garden
@chaiguys
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Chai Guys Old Spitalfields Market Chai Guys Covent Garden Chai Guys Bakehouse

Choice of chai blends

Chai Guys serve some of most authentic chai London has to offer. These modern spots offer a range of chai blends and at Chai Guys Covent Garden you can also shop for ceramics and tins of chai to sample at home. Drinks include an iced chai and you can grab a pastry whilst you're here too.

  • Old Spitalfields Market, Horner Square, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets Seven Dials Market, 35 Earlham Street, Covent Garden 193 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill
    Chai Guys Old Spitalfields Market
    Old Spitalfields Market, Horner Square, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
    Chai Guys Covent Garden
    Seven Dials Market, 35 Earlham Street, Covent Garden
    Chai Guys Bakehouse
    193 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill
  • Chai Guys Old Spitalfields Market
    chaiguys.shop
    Chai Guys Covent Garden
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    Chai Guys Bakehouse
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  • Chai Guys Old Spitalfields Market Chai Guys Covent Garden Chai Guys Bakehouse

Twinings Tea Shop

Selling tea for hundreds of years

Twinings Tea Shop was founded in 1706, making it London's oldest tea shop. Visit the flagship store from the popular brand to discover an extensive collection of blends, tea accessories, and gifts. You can stop at the loose leaf bar to try some tea, with options ranging from the familiar to the more unusual. Masterclasses in tea are held here too.

Camden Tea Bar

Cosy market tea bar

You can sample 100 diverse types of tea at Camden Tea Bar. This cosy spot also has a sister shop nearby where you can purchase eclectic teas to use at home. This relaxed tea house offers teas for every preference, whether you like a caffeine-free drink, strong fruit flavours, or a classic black tea. 

Tea House Theatre – Tea houses
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Tea houses
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Tea houses
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Tea houses
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Tea House Theatre – Tea houses
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Tea House Theatre – Tea houses
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Tea House Theatre – Tea houses
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Tea House Theatre – Tea houses
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Tea House Theatre – Tea houses
Tea House Theatre
Tea House Theatre – Tea houses
Tea House Theatre

Tea House Theatre

Lively venue in Vauxhall

Vauxhall's Tea House Theatre is a unique and lively venue. By day it's a cosy and bohemian tea room serving food and a large and varied selection of tea blends. Books, newspapers, and board games are available as you unwind with a drink. The venue has an on-site theatre and is host to a varied range of events and performances.

Candella Tea Room

Traditional Kensington tea room

Based in Kensington, Candella Tea Room is a sought-after destination for tea drinkers. This traditional tea room serves brunch and afternoon tea, but you can also visit for a drink with a slice of cake. More than 30 different blends are available. The surroundings are timeless, with a baby grand piano in the corner giving the space character.

Karak Chaii Kingsbury Karak Chaii Neasden Karak Chaii Acton Karak Chaii Hounslow Karak Chaii Southall Karak Chaii Ealing
Karak Chaii Kingsbury
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Karak Chaii Kingsbury Karak Chaii Neasden Karak Chaii Acton Karak Chaii Hounslow Karak Chaii Southall Karak Chaii Ealing

Modern chai experts

Modern chai specialist Karak Chaii is a must-visit destination for any chai lover. Various expertly brewed chai blends are on offer here, in addition to other hot and cold drinks. Indian-inspired food is also available. If you really can't get enough of chai, you can even try ice cream packed with those signature spicy flavours here.

  • 557 Kingsbury Rd, Brent 281 Neasden Ln, Brent 263A High St, Ealing 26C High St, Hounslow 95 The Broadway, Ealing 39 Broadway, Ealing
    Karak Chaii Kingsbury
    557 Kingsbury Rd, Brent
    Karak Chaii Neasden
    281 Neasden Ln, Brent
    Karak Chaii Acton
    263A High St, Ealing
    Karak Chaii Hounslow
    26C High St, Hounslow
    Karak Chaii Southall
    95 The Broadway, Ealing
    Karak Chaii Ealing
    39 Broadway, Ealing
  • Karak Chaii Kingsbury
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    Karak Chaii Neasden
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    Karak Chaii Acton
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    Karak Chaii Hounslow
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    Karak Chaii Southall
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    Karak Chaii Ealing
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    Karak Chaii Kingsbury
    020-848 835 46
    Karak Chaii Neasden
    020-845 062 42
    Karak Chaii Acton
    0121-777 88 77
    Karak Chaii Hounslow
    020-879 711 11
    Karak Chaii Southall
    020-893 371 65
    Karak Chaii Ealing
    020-332 512 17
  • Karak Chaii Kingsbury Karak Chaii Neasden Karak Chaii Acton Karak Chaii Hounslow Karak Chaii Southall Karak Chaii Ealing

Mariage Frères

Fine Parisian tea

Mariage Frères brings tea with a French twist to London. This Covent Garden venue features the largest wall of teas in the world. You can shop for blends to take home or have a premium cup of tea here, along with sweet and savoury bites infused with the ingredient. This grand and traditional store also houses a tea museum.

The Drawing Room

High-end tea room

Tea connoisseurs can't miss The Drawing Room at Brown's. This upscale tea room has a classic look and is popular for afternoon tea, but food is served all day. Accompanying the all-day dining menu is a considerable choice of teas, including seasonal blends. The venue is staffed by tea sommeliers who can help you choose.

My Cup of Tea

Tea tasting in Soho

Head to Soho and visit My Cup of Tea, where you can shop for fine teas or test them out at the tasting counter. This smart and upscale store specialises in premium teas and accessories. You can also learn more about your favourite drink by joining a tasting or blending experience in-store.

The Chinese Tea Company

Destination for Chinese tea

Located in Portobello Road, The Chinese Tea Company is one of London's leading Chinese tea stockists. This place channels the essence of a Chinese tea shop, selling loose leaf blends and handcrafted accessories like cups and teapots. There's also an intimate tea house where you can try the shop's teas or join a tasting.

Be-oom

A unique London tea house

Be-oom has the distinction of being the only Korean tea house in the capital. Visit the minimalist Exmouth Market site to sample natural and organic teas sourced from small sustainable farms in South Korea. The space is calming and there's a garden too. Alongside the broad choice of tea, you can try Korean-inspired desserts.

Kennington Lane Café

Down-to-earth local caff

If you prefer a down-to-earth cup of tea then Kennington Lane Café is for you. This low-key local café is honest and humble, known for the friendly and chatty service, delicious fry-ups, and the proper cups of tea served here. In fact, this place was rated the top place for tea and coffee in London in 2022.

WA Café Covent Garden WA Café Ealing Broadway WA Café Marylebone
WA Café Covent Garden
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WA Café Ealing Broadway
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WA Café Marylebone
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WA Café Covent Garden WA Café Ealing Broadway WA Café Marylebone

Tea and Japanese bakes

Japanese patisserie WA Café combines French techniques with distinctive Japanese ingredients to produce unique fresh bread, cakes, and other treats. Bakes are available for takeaway and delivery, or you can sample them in the calm and minimalist café. Tea drinkers will find a broad selection of hot and iced drinks to choose from.

  • 5 New Row, Covent Garden 32 Haven Grn, Ealing 6 Thayer St, Marylebone
    WA Café Covent Garden
    5 New Row, Covent Garden
    WA Café Ealing Broadway
    32 Haven Grn, Ealing
    WA Café Marylebone
    6 Thayer St, Marylebone
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    WA Café Ealing Broadway
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  • WA Café Covent Garden WA Café Ealing Broadway WA Café Marylebone

The Muffin Man

Long-standing local tea rooms

The Muffin Man Tea Shop opened in Kensington in 1962, making it the oldest tea shop in the area. The interiors here are homey and simple. Breakfast and lunch are available here, plus there's afternoon tea. You can also visit just for a hot drink. In addition to coffee, this café stocks a broad collection of teas, including attractive flowering varieties.

Amala Chai Lloyd Park Market Amala Chai Broadway Market Amala Chai Canopy Market Amala Chai Victoria Park Amala Chai King's Cross
Amala Chai Lloyd Park Market
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Amala Chai Broadway Market
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Amala Chai King's Cross
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Amala Chai Lloyd Park Market Amala Chai Broadway Market Amala Chai Canopy Market Amala Chai Victoria Park Amala Chai King's Cross

Colourful chaiwalas

Grab a warming cup of some of London's tastiest chai from an authentic chaiwala - Amala Chai. These colourful stands can be found in various locations, serving drinks made from tea and spices sourced from small-scale and sustainable Indian farmers. Each cup served here combines chai traditions with a modern attitude.

  • Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow/Waltham Forest Broadway Market, Hackney/Dalston West Handyside Canopy, King's Cross Victoria Park Road, Hackney King's Cross Square, Euston Road, Camden Town/King's Cross
    Amala Chai Lloyd Park Market
    Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow/Waltham Forest
    Amala Chai Broadway Market
    Broadway Market, Hackney/Dalston
    Amala Chai Canopy Market
    West Handyside Canopy, King's Cross
    Amala Chai Victoria Park
    Victoria Park Road, Hackney
    Amala Chai King's Cross
    King's Cross Square, Euston Road, Camden Town/King's Cross
  • Amala Chai Lloyd Park Market
    amalachai.com
    Amala Chai Broadway Market
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    Amala Chai Canopy Market
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    Amala Chai Victoria Park
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    Amala Chai King's Cross
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  • Amala Chai Lloyd Park Market Amala Chai Broadway Market Amala Chai Canopy Market Amala Chai Victoria Park Amala Chai King's Cross

Mei Leaf Teahouse

Artisan blends

Mei Leaf Teahouse is a long-term fixture of Camden Town. This tea shop specialises in artisan single-batch tea. Check out the unique blends available and find something to drink at home, or have a refreshing cup of tea at the tea bar. There's an extensive menu of different blends, or you can opt for a tea flight if it's too hard to choose.

Matcha Venture

A must for matcha lovers

Try out premium matcha sourced exclusively from Japan at Matcha Venture in East London. Matcha is a passion at this place and there are lots of ways that you can try it out. This friendly spot serves matcha lattes and iced drinks, as well as creative options like matcha slushies. Sweet baked goods are available.

Tea and Tattle

Tranquil tea room

Based at the renowned bookshop Arthur Probsthain, Tea and Tattle is an elegant and tranquil tea room decorated with elaborate Chinese wallpaper. Lots of customers visit for afternoon tea, but the extensive range of loose leaf teas available here mean it's ideal for a cuppa at any time. Scones, cakes, and sandwiches are also served.

Tab x Tab

Modern coffee shop

West London's Tab x Tab is popular for brunch, coffee, and cocktails, but tea drinkers aren't neglected here. There's a concise choice of black, green, and white teas on offer that's sure to inspire you, in addition to chai and matcha drinks. This is a modern venue with an industrial style and it welcomes remote workers.

Prufrock Coffee

Lots of tea choices

Although Prufrock Coffee is run by a team of coffee experts, it still offers heaps of choice for those who prefer tea. As well as various black, green, and herbal blends, there are limited edition premium teas and stone-rolled teas. Breakfast, sandwiches, and pastries are also available at this cool minimalist café.

Claridge's ArtSpace Café

Luxury hotel café

Claridge's ArtSpace Café is the luxury hotel's first on-site café. This elegant space is complete with its own art gallery and has a patisserie counter as well as a menu of sweet and savoury signature delights. Hot and cold drinks are available, including a carefully sourced selection of sustainable premium teas. This includes the Claridge's signature blend.

How Matcha

So much matcha

Whether you're after food or drinks, it's all about matcha at How Matcha. A huge range of hot and cold matcha drinks, including bubble teas, are available here, all prepared with ceremonial grade matcha sourced from Japan. Treats like cakes, cookies, and brownies are served too in a buzzy and contemporary environment.

Little Tea House

Tea room with a twist

Whetstone is home to Little Tea House, a cute and contemporary local tea room. Afternoon tea is popular at this venue but food and drinks with an Asian touch are served too. Tea drinkers will discover numerous options including herbal teas and chai. Plenty of sweet snacks are served to go with a hot drink.

Katsute100 Covent Garden Katsute100 Brick Lane Katsute100 Angel
Katsute100 Covent Garden
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Katsute100 Brick Lane
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Katsute100 Covent Garden Katsute100 Brick Lane Katsute100 Angel

Intimate Japanese tea room

Japanese tea room and boutique Katsute100 has a few locations around the city. Visit to shop for Japanese loose leaf tea and tableware, as well as sake and Japanese whiskies. Alternatively, unwind in the intimate tea room with a refreshing cup of tea. Various types are served, including matcha. Pair your drink with a Japanese dessert like strawberry shortcake.

  • 147 Brick Ln, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets 100 Islington High St, Islington 19 Long Acre, Covent Garden
    Katsute100 Brick Lane
    147 Brick Ln, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
    Katsute100 Angel
    100 Islington High St, Islington
    Katsute100 Covent Garden
    19 Long Acre, Covent Garden
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    Katsute100 Brick Lane
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    Katsute100 Angel
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    020-773 949 96
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    020-735 483 95
  • Katsute100 Covent Garden Katsute100 Brick Lane Katsute100 Angel
Eggbreak – Tea houses
Eggbreak
Eggbreak – Tea houses
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Eggbreak – Tea houses
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Eggbreak – Tea houses
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Eggbreak – Tea houses
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Eggbreak – Tea houses
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Eggbreak – Tea houses
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Eggbreak – Tea houses
Eggbreak

Eggbreak

Tea for all tastes

Breakfast restaurant Eggbreak will satisfy down-to-earth tea drinkers as well as the bougie ones. A wide range of teas are served at this on-trend eatery, from builder's tea in a mug to iced tea and a choice of fine loose leaf blends in a pot. The tea goes with the modern and global breakfast-focused food menu.

Yauatcha City Yauatcha Soho
Yauatcha City
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Yauatcha Soho
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Yauatcha City Yauatcha Soho

Tea and dumplings

Yauatcha captures attention with its charming European-inspired patisserie, boasting meticulously created confections that blend Chinese traditions and ingredients. In the rear, you'll find a serene teahouse where you can relax with an extensive array of dim sum, accompanied by premium Chinese teas ranging from delicately perfumed white teas to robust, smoky oolongs.

  • Broadgate, The City/City of London 15-17 Broadwick St, Soho
    Yauatcha City
    Broadgate, The City/City of London
    Yauatcha Soho
    15-17 Broadwick St, Soho
  • Yauatcha City
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    Yauatcha Soho
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    Yauatcha City
    020-381 798 88
    Yauatcha Soho
    020-749 488 88
  • Yauatcha City Yauatcha Soho

Blackheath Tea Hut

Historic local tea hut for a nice cuppa

The Blackheath Tea Hut lives up to its straightforward name. Remarkably, this location has hosted a hut offering tea and hot meals for more than a hundred years, having survived wars and crashes in the meantime. A cherished fixture in the community, it provides a variety of hot food, including breakfast dishes and burgers, as well as strong cups of tea and other hot drinks. It counts celebrities like Jarvis Cocker and Jools Holland among its clientele.

Tea2You

Darjeeling specialists

Situated in Borough Market, Tea2You offers an exquisite selection of teas responsibly sourced from sustainable and ethically-run estates in India. While they're experts in premium Darjeeling tea, their shop boasts over seventy varieties of tea. Beyond selling loose-leaf teas, Tea2You is dedicated to enlightening customers about the nuances of tea, including its health benefits, correct brewing techniques, and much more.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.