A Brief History
Discover the ancient origins and fascinating history of tea!
Search for tea businesses, UKTIA member companies and afternoon tea venues.
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Great Fosters
Stroude Road
Egham
Surrey
TW20 9UR
Great Fosters is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture set amongst 50 acres of stunning formal gardens and parkland. Probably built as a Royal hunting lodge in 1550 and very much a stately home since then, it is now a prestigious luxury hotel.
Afternoon tea is served in the Anne Boleyn, Cocktail Bar, Main Hall and in the warmer months on the terraces. Our pastry team will tempt you with dainty sandwiches, homemade scones with Devonshire clotted cream and a selection of cakes that look almost too good to eat!
Amanda Dougans
Great Fosters
Stroude Road
Egham
Surrey
TW20 9UR
Phone: 01784 433822
Web: www.greatfosters.co.uk
Email: reception@greatfosters.co.uk
Please note that children aged 3 - 12 years of age are charged at £15 per child.
Booking times
Afternoon Tea is available at either 2.00pm, 2.15pm, 2.30pm, 4.30pm, 4.45pm and 5.00pm.
You are welcome to keep your table for up to 2 hours. Reservations are recommended especially at weekends.
Group bookings
Please note that we are able to accommodate a maximum of 10 guests on any one table.
InterContinental London Park Lane
One Hamilton Place
Park Lane
London
W1J 7QY
Situated on the site of Queen Elizabeth II former residence (145 Piccadilly) Wellington Lounge presents a truly fitting location to enjoy Afternoon Tea. The award-winning Wellington Lounge Afternoon Tea is inspired by its location overlooking the Royal Parks and iconic London landmarks. A true epicurean experience, the finest British ingredients are served alongside bespoke teas to create a modern twist on tradition.
The Tea Menu at the Wellington Lounge boasts a superb selection of fine teas, ranging from white teas to herbal infusions. The fully described menu really does include both traditional and more modern blends thus offering a tea to suit every taste.
Organic herbal infusions:
Helen Douglas
InterContinental London Park Lane
One Hamilton Place
Park Lane
London
W1J 7QY
Phone: 020 7409 3131
Web: wellington-lounge.co.uk
Email: wellingtonlounge@ihg.com
Millennium Hotel London Mayfair
44 Grosvenor Square
London
W1K 2HP
Our afternoon tea offering is traditionally served on Wedgewood ?Wild Strawberry? crockery which is 100% made in Stoke-on-Trent, our cutlery and 3 tiered stands and tea strainer are silver with matches beautify with our crockery. Quiet, professional and attentive service by our afternoon tea team.
Inspired by tea & chocolate this blend is a match made in heaven. With a strong, rich and full bodied 2nd flush Assam base, this is a powerful yet honeyed tea with malty overtones. The deep chocolate richness comes from cocoa nibs and is complemented by delicate hazelnut flavouring and can be enjoyed with or without milk. *Nut allergy sufferers will not be affected.
Widely regarded as the finest tea in the world the 1st flush Darjeeling is considered the Champagne of the Tea world and can only be picked for three weeks of the year. Grown at altitudes around 6000 ft the Darjeeling is light tea that is packed with delightful flavour which is delicately complimented by elderflower.
Ceylon teas originate from a variety of altitudes on hill sides in Sri Lanka that have been growing on the same hillsides since 1848. This high grown tea has a beautifully light flavour and blends perfectly with the sweet flavour of caramelised passion fruit. Full bodied with smooth caramel overtones this tea is golden in colour with a supremely luxurious aroma.
Tea in Morocco is a real tradition and everyone has their own version. With a gunpowder green tea base with a spearmint infusion this is a sweet and refreshing tea with menthol overtones. The rolled 'gunpowder' pellets lock in the delightful flavour and pack a strong punch.
East meets West with deliciously delicate, Oriental Green Tea, infusing with the quintessential orchard flavours for a light & refreshing taste. The Sencha green base from Eastern China provides a pleasing palate refreshment and is bright in colour. A soft, mellow and aromatic tea, this is very easy to drink.
White tea is the healthiest possible tea and is jam packed with antioxidants. This chinese tea is plucked in the spring for the highest quality flavour and is indulgent and almost cloying with this unique flavour pairing. The rose and fig provide a light and refreshing tea with almond overtones.
Mighty by name, mighty by nature. Smooth, rich & full bodied with an unmistakeable malty punch. This tippy golden broken orange pekoe is the highest quality 2nd flush Assam as it should be. One for those looking for a strong, powerful smooth tea of unmistakably high quality.
A sublime blend of black Chinese teas with complex yet delicate bergamont and lemon peel flavouring. This superb blend results in a deep copper colour and an unrivalled citrus aroma. A tea with a rich history that is best enjoyed with a slice of lemon.
A divine blend of black Chinese teas with a refined blend of orange and lemon peel that delivers a refreshing, aromatic and delicate tea. These subtle citrus tones are best paired with a slice of orange.
Each Jasmine Pearl is rolled by hand over 60 times to results in this tightly rolled ball.These delicate Jasmine Pearls are the result of light green tea layered with Jasmine flowers and relayered up to six times to create the perfect balance of flavour. When brewed the pearls unfurl to reveal a full leaf with an elegant jasmine scent. The camomile flowers & rose petals add soft floral notes to the blend.
A green Chinese oolong made using only the youngest tea leaves, these tea leaves are bruised and only semi oxidised unlike black tea. A bright, light and colourful cup which is refreshing, summery and clean on the palate. This smooth tea is a joy to behold.
An infusion that is golden in colour, the Camomile is a sweet and subtly flowery beverage with a light and gentle taste. The Camomile aroma is famously relaxing and non more so than with this infusion.
The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny
15 Cross Street
Abergavenny
NP7 5EN
The Angel Hotel is a luxurious hotel, located in the centre of Abergavenny.
Situated between 7 hills on the Welsh/English border, Abergavenny is often referred to as the ?Gateway to Wales?.
The Angel has previously held an ?Award of Excellence? from The Tea Guild since 2008. In 2011 The Angel Hotel were proud recipients of The Tea Guild?s top national award, ?The Top City & Country Hotel Tea Award? considered to be the Oscar of the tea world.
Each morning, specialist baker, Sally Lane and her team freshly prepare the sandwiches, savouries, cakes and scones ready for the afternoon. Afternoon tea is served daily in The Wedgewood room.
There are wide range of teas and infusions on offer at The Angel. Guests are encouraged to experiment with the varieties on offer and staff are very knowledgeable about all the teas and infusions.
Guests are also able to purchase a variety of teas and beautiful teapots to take home, in addition to the extremely popular High Tea vouchers available, which make a lovely gift.
High Tea can also be served in one of The Angel?s three private event spaces for 10 or more guests. There?s no rush; relax with friends and enjoy being looked after by a dedicated member of our team.
Complex and intense in flavour. There is huge variation within this type of tea.
ASSAM
This Indian tea from Assam is one of the world?s oldest varieties. It has a rich, dark liquor and smooth, round, malty flavour.
DARJEELING FIRST FLUSH
A rare and sophisticated Indian black tea comes from the first tender new shoots grown between February and April on the foothills of the Himalayas, producing a light liquor with a delicate flavour of green muscatel.
DARJEELING SECOND FLUSH
This Indian black tea comes from the second harvest grown from May onwards in the foothills of the Himalayas, producing a wonderful amber liquor with a delicate muscatel flavour.
JUBILEE TEA
Keemun Gong Fu is one the finest black teas in the world. It was so highly regarded that the Chinese referred to it as the ?prince of tea?, due to the reputation of its exquisite flavour and rich fragrance.
YUNNAN GOLD PEARLS
This black tea is from the rich-soiled Yunnan province. Golden, down covered buds develop into a brew with an auburn sheen. A rounded richness with an underlying sweetness.
CEYLON
Outstanding orange pekoe, whole leaves from Sri Lanka: full bodied, soothing and complex. A powerful liquor with a coppery colour.
Scented Black Teas:
EARL GREY
This sophisticated blend of black Sri Lankan tea pairs the fruity notes of bergamot with a hint of citrus. Balanced and full of body with an ample and lasting flavour.
VANILLA
A blend of Assam from the organic Gossainbari Estate in India and Chinese Yunnan black tea with the finest Madagascan vanilla. Rich sweet and warm with hints of caramel.
LAPSANG
A large leaf black tea from China, smoked over pine fires, lively yet soft-textured and full, with a great tarry aromatic quality.
MASALA CHAI
A unique blend of high quality Sri Lankan black tea carefully scented with the finest Indian spices including cardamom, cinnamon, anise, cloves and ginger.
TEA AU CHOCOLATE
This refined tea combines black teas from China and India, organic Madagascan vanilla pods and Peruvian cocoa nibs, creating a subtle and velvety taste.
Called ?Black Tea? by the Chinese and was exclusive to China for centuries. These teas have an earthy mature character.
3-YEAR VINTAGE MINI TUO
An ancient tea from Yunnan in China, this dark brew has smokiness, and a warm, earthy, apricot flavour.
Generally described as ?unoxidized?, no chemical change occurs during their manufacture.
ORGANIC DRAGON WELL
Healthy Chinese tea rich in antioxidants, full of grassy freshness with a sweet undertone. It is best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon or drizzle of honey. Highly respected.
SENCHA SUPREME
An ancient tea from Kyoto, Japan; with beautiful emerald colour leaves. It has a mellow sweetness perfectly balanced with a mild and refreshing astringency.
JASMINE PEARLS
Our Jasmine Pearl tea is composed of the most perfectly balanced spring green tea, repeatedly hand rolled and scented with fresh jasmine flowers.
GREEN PEACH
A traditional blend of Sencha green tea, dry fruit pieces and sunflower blossoms. A light flavoured and refreshing green tea with hints of peach.
DRAGON EYE
This hand crafted tea is grown and made in the Chinese province of Fujian from tender downy buds that display a flower blossom. A light and Fragrant base, an arch of pure jasmine blossoms and a globe amarinth flower which blossoms above when infused.
Partially or semi-fermented and sometimes referred to as blue teas, traditionally manufacturedin China or Taiwan.
PHOENIX HONEY
The Phoenix Honey Orchid comes from the Guangdong Province of China, where the finest Oolong teas originate, this tea is sweet and fruity with an aroma of honey.
IRON BUDHA
A whole leaf tea from Fujian province in China. Intensely floral, hand-rolled and fired to create the flavour. Amber fragrant liquor combines the taste of almond with a hint of chestnut.
Lightly oxidised tea, harvested from the buds and leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant.
IMPERIAL WHITE
Precious buds (70,000 per kilo of tea) called ?silver needles? are gently dried, to give a delicate mellow flavour, with hints of cucumber and melon. The tea is soft, sweet and unforgettable.
Not actual teas; fruits, steeped in hot water. May contain caffeine. Usually taken straight.
RUSSIAN FLOWERS
Only the finest natural ingredients have been selected to create this delicate blend of Golden Dragon black tea with flowers from Kolomna. Infused with warming notes of orange blossom, lemon grass and hibiscus.
VERY BERRY
Whole blackcurrants, elderberries, cracked hibiscus shells and strawberries make this sumptuous herbal infusion delightfully refreshing. Vivid, intense and lively with a rich spectrum of berry fruits.
MANGO TWIST
A delicious blend of fresh green tea, rich black tea and whole mango pieces. Sweet, lightly spicy and refreshing.
STRAWBERRY AND KIWI
A deliciously fresh blend flavoured with ripe strawberries and tropical kiwi fruit, redolent of summer.
PASSIONFRUIT AND ORANGE
Artful blend of orange and tropical passion fruit flavours produce a beautiful ruby red drink that is loaded with great flavour.
WILD CHERRY
Cherry is a dark red beverage with an intense fruity flavour whose colour resembles ripe cherries light scented.
ROSEHIP AND CHERRIES
A caffeine free, full flavoured blend of organic rosehip berries, cherries, currants and elderberries with almond pieces. It is a light and soothing infusion.
Created using freshly picked and dried whole herbs and flowers. Naturally caffeine free.
GINGER TEA
Ginger and lemon creates an invigorating balanced infusion which is smooth and refreshing. It is light, refined and perfectly balanced.
MOROCCAN MINT
Grown especially for the Angel and looked after by our own Gardener. Fresh leaves are picked on demand. Green, smooth, refreshing. A traditional simple light infusion.
CHAMOMILE FLOWERS
Egyptian. A floral infusion of whole flowers; a calming, fresh, light flavour.
WHOLE ROSE BUDS
Soothing, soft and refreshing. Buds of white tea are mixed with tender oriental rosebuds. The flowers give a fresh, velvety taste. From Iran.
LEMON VERBENA
This refreshing tea is made from the cut leaves of pure lemon verbena. With a lovely rich lemon scent and flavour when infused.
LEMON GRASS AND GINGER ROOT
Oriental flavours from Thailand. Bright, assertive and refreshing. Thin slices of the dried roots are infused.
FENNEL
A fragrant mix of ginger, fennel seeds, cardamom pods, liquorice root and whole rose buds. A refreshing infusion with a delicious Astringency.
SOUTH AFRICAN ROUGE
A herbal Infusion from South African red bush tree, very high in antioxidants. It is accented by refreshing cranberry and orange notes.
Jo Nugent
The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny
15 Cross Street
Abergavenny
NP7 5EN
Phone: 01873 857121
Web: www.angelabergavenny.com
Email: reservations@angelabergavenny.com
The Goring Hotel
15 Beeston Place
London
SW1W 0JN
The Goring did not invent afternoon tea; however the Goring family has been serving it for over 100 years. The Tea Guild honoured us in 2013 with the most coveted prize ? The Top London Afternoon Tea Award 2013. Afternoon tea is served on well spaced tables by the fireplace in the winter and overlooking the magnificent acre of manicured garden in the summer. Afternoon tea guests are encouraged to join in the croquet which is in full swing on the pristine English lawn.
Her Majesty the Queen recently bestowed a royal warrant to the hotel which was also a favourite of the late Queen Mother.
Our finest range of many and varied teas and infusions are individually sourced from the world?s top growing regions. From single estates in Sri Lanka to family owned Himalayan plantations. We offered a great variety of tea Black and White tea, Oolong tea, Green tea and the increasingly popular infusions.
Our Black Teas
Produced from the leaves of different varieties of camellia bush, black teas are cut, rolled and oxidizied naturally in the open air, and fired to create varying degrees of colour and concentration. Regional climate and soils, altitude, and careful manipulation of the processes all contribute to create surprising variations in flavor in flavor and colour.
Our White Teas
Picked, withered and sun or machine dried over a low heat, with no rolling to break the leaf skin, white tea has a mild, sweet, and distinctive flavor, without any of the grassy or vegetal flavours associated with green tea. It also has relatively low caffeine.
Our Green Teas
Fired soon after picking to prevent oxidation and preserve their green colouring, these teas are aromatic and characterful. They have less caffeine than black varieties, yet still seem to give a considerable lift to the spirits.
Our Infusions
Freshly packed fruits and herbs that deliver an aromatic, invigorating and clean taste. A wonderful fillip. All these infusions can be enjoyed with the addition of honey or sugar.
BLACK TEAS:
The Goring Afternoon Blend
Our own blend of Assam and second flush Darjeeling makes for a light and delicate drink that is nevertheless satiating in its grip and strength
Fortnum and Mason Royal Blend
First blended for Edward VII in 1903 Royal is a blend of Assam and Ceylon characterised by a smooth and honey- like flavor
Ceylon
Harvested in the hill country of Sir Lanka and specially graded. This bright cup has a full bodied and lively, spicy palate
Assam
Grown in the North- Eastern Indian state of Assam, the leaves have large golden tips, delicious malty aftertaste. Full bodied and brisk.
Lapsang Souchong
From the Zhen Shan province in China. The large chunky Congou leaves are smoked over open pine fires to give this tea a thick, smoky aroma, with a sweet ginger and caramel aftertaste.
Earl Grey
Long leaf Ceylon and tippy Assam leaves. Full bodied, with the natural fragrance and citrus flavour of ripe bergamot orange. Much more floral than the Prime Minister who gave his name to it.
Premier Darjeeling
Grown in West Bengal in the shadow of the Himalayas. Darjeeling means ?land of the thunderbolt?. The silver tipped leaves are twisted whole and so release a delicate flavor and light colour.
WHITE TEAS:
Silver Needle
Made in the Fujian province from the Fuding Da Bai leaf. Light, delicate quenching flavours are underpinned by a cucumber and melon freshness. Surprisingly full textured with a satisfying velvety finish
Oolong Tea
The production of Oolong tea is extremely elaborate. After withering and tossing on bamboo trays, the leaves are turned in a bamboo drum to bruise the edges and encourage oxidation. The tea is then fired, hand rolled and fired again in a complicated cycle until its finished taste and character is achieved.
Yellow Gold Oolong
Grown in the Fujian Province. A complex tea that combines typical Oolong body with the grassy freshness of a young green tea. An aroma of blossoming lilies seems to lift the spirits.
GREEN TEAS:
Dragon Well
Picked once a year before the Quing Ming Lunar Festival in Zhenjiang, the site of the original Dragon Well. This tea has a grassy freshness, underscored by the subtle liquorice root complexity and body.
Organic Maojian
From the leaf of the same name, this tea is from the misty garden of Anhui, where the nights are long there is little direct sunshine. Grassy, aromatic and brisk, with a velvety texture.
Jasmine Pearls
Harvested in the Fujian Province and processed as green tea, then hand rolled with Jasmine into pearls with lavish ivory tips. Rich, round and deeply jasmine infused.
Rosebuds
Gently dried whole rose buds. Light and fragrant yet soothing
Camomile Flowers
Handpicked Camomile flowers from Egypt. Gently aromatic, smooth on the palate and very calming.
Blackcurrant and Hibiscus
A vibrant and fruity infusion with a deep red colour. Soothing for the stomach.
Mango and Strawberry
A colourful mix of red and orange fruit with dark cerise hibiscus petals. Hugely refreshing.
English Mint
Locally grown, fresh mint leaves. The aroma, colour and taste are delightful.
Peppermint
Delicate mid green, dried whole leaves of peppermint. Cool, clear mint flavor with a refreshing clean aftertaste.
Mr Stuart Geddes
The Goring Hotel
15 Beeston Place
London
SW1W 0JN
Phone: 020 7396 9000
Web: www.thegoring.com
Email: thelounge@thegoring.com
For further information please visit our website, www.thegoring.com; telephone 020 7396 9000 or email: thelounge@thegoring.com
The Hansom, St. Pancras NW1
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Euston Road
London
NW1 2AR
Zoja Briuskova
The Hansom, St. Pancras NW1
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Euston Road
London
NW1 2AR
Phone: 07564075485
Web: www.thehansom.co.uk
Email: zoja.briuskova@renaissancehotels.com
The River Bar & Grill is the restaurant and bar at The Lowry Hotel opened in April 2001 and is situated on the first floor of the five star Lowry Hotel, part of Rocco Forte Hotels.
Created by renowned designers Olga Polizzi and the late David Collins, The River Bar & Grill combines contemporary and classical design in a light filled oasis, overlooking the River Irwell.
The River Bar & Grill offers 108 covers. An additional private dining room for 20 people is also available, perfect for private events such as baby showers of a celebration of any kind.
We offer an innovative range of the finest quality loose leaf teas and herbal infusions hand sourced from the world?s finest tea farmers in China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan and Taiwan.
Huseyin Bozkurt
The Lowry Hotel
50 Dearmans Place
Chapel Wharf, Salford
Manchester
M3 5LH
Phone: 0161 827 4041
Web: www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/thelowry-hotel
Email: Enquiries.lowry@roccofortehotels.com
The River Bar & Grill will be launching a range of special Afternoon Tea Events in the summer of 2014.
The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1B 5BJ
An intimately serene atmosphere pervades this townhouse which feels more like a country hotel than one set within the famous literary Bloomsbury area of central London. The beautiful gardens help to foster this impression, while indoors the stylish public rooms are staffed by a dedicated and discreet team. The Montague on the Gardens hotel seems to inhabit two worlds. In front, is the British Museum and the hurly-burly of tourist London. To the rear, there's a serene private garden, cut off from the city by a rectangle of fine Georgian townhouses. Between the two lies The Montague - an intriguing blend of up-to-the-minute city vibrancy and old-world Bloomsbury calm.
Afternoon Tea in the Conservatory draws local residents as well as visitors. They come to catch up with the day's news and to demolish a generous plate of scones, served with strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream. Tea in the conservatory is delightful, with views on to the grounds beyond; or you can go one better in the summer, and sit on the terrace under a large sunshade.
This hotel has been awarded 'The Tea Guild special Awards of Excellence 2011, 2012, 2013' in recognition of its outstanding quality and consistently high standards in Afternoon Tea service.
Ms Arjeta Arapi
The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1B 5BJ
Phone: +44 (0)207 6371001
Web: www.montaguehotel.com
Email: aarapi@rchmail.com
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Please note that we will be delighted to accommodate any special dietary requirements that you may have, including all vegetarian sandwiches, gluten free breads, pastries & scones and removing any fresh cream and mayonnaise products from the afternoon tea stand.
If requested, we will endeavour to ensure that there are no nuts in the afternoon tea offering. However all afternoon tea products are produced in an environment where nuts are used and we cannot guarantee that our food is 100% free from nuts or nut traces. Please just let any member of our team know if you have any dietary requirements.
The Ritz London
150 Piccadilly
London
W1J 9BR
In keeping with the beautiful surroundings of The Palm Court, pretty chinaware and silver tea services perfectly complement the charm of the room. An extensive choice of 16 different types of loose leaf teas and infusions is offered.
The Traditional English Afternoon Tea menu includes freshly cut finger sandwiches with a variety of fillings including Smoked Salmon, Ham, Cucumber and Egg Mayonnaise to name a few. Warm baked raisin and apple scones with strawberry preserve and clotted Devonshire cream followed with a delectable selection of cream cakes and afternoon tea pastries topping the tiered cake stand.
The ambience of Afternoon Tea is complete with musical accompaniment from resident pianist Ian Gomes. Ian Gomes is the master of the international language of the piano.
Joi Chuku
The Ritz London
150 Piccadilly
London
W1J 9BR
Phone: +44 (0)207 300 2345
Web: www.theritzlondon.com
Email: tea@theritzlondon.com
Dietary Requirements
With at least 48 hours? notice the Afternoon Tea menu can be altered for your personal dietary requirements.
Dress Code
Please note that befitting the elegance of The Ritz a formal dress code sets the tone - jeans and sportswear shoes are not permitted and gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie.