Time for Tea

Another good idea for a Christmas present is to treat a loved one to a spot of tea somewhere special. You could make an event of it, or do it as part of a day trip or shopping expedition.

Here are a couple of places I'd recommend in London and the south:-


1. Betty Blythe 

I highly recommend these vintage tea-rooms. Me and my sister's took my mum for her birthday back in January, and we had the most fabulous time.  Go for afternoon tea and raid the 1920's themed dressing up box. I must have taken over a hundred pictures of us in ridiculous turbans, pearls and fur collars. The food is delicious as well, we were incredibly well-fed on sandwiches (crust off, of course), scones, macaroons and cakes. Plus you can bring your own booze.

(full review here)

2. St Martin in the Fields 

The crypt at St Martin in the Fields is the perfect place for a pit-stop if you're doing tourist things in London, it's practically next door to the National Portrait Gallery. It is competitively priced, the food is freshly made and as an added bonus there is occasionally free lunchtime concerts.  It is is the crypt of a church, so you'll be having your afternoon tea on top grave sites - but I kinda like that

(full review here)

3. The Waiting Room

If you're over in north London you have to go to The Waiting Room in Tottering. The food is just incredible. It's afternoon tea done properly - with loose tea leaves, strainers and sugar tongs. The tea rooms also act as shop, where you can pick up vintage pieces for your home.

(full review here)

4. The Lock, tiptree tea rooms

Tiptree are known as manufactures of quality jam, so they're tearooms over in Heybridge (Essex) are known for their cream tea. Heybridge is a good place to have a walk round and work up an appetite. The Lock is always popular, so you may have to wait for a seat.

(full review here) 


The next place to go on my list is the afternoon tea bus tour. Doesn't it sound amazing? A double decker bus, the sights of London and tea and scones. I've read some really positive reviews and am sorely tempted to book this.

picture source