If you've been wondering where to buy tea in London then this is the list for you. Tea drinking is such a large part of English culture and there are so many varieties that there's always a flavor to suit everyone.
- If you're looking for an afternoon tea venue, then see my list of reviews:
Best Afternoon Tea in London - If you want to learn more about tea before buying tea, then find out about the
Tea Masterclass.
1. Where to Buy Souvenir Teas
If you don't know a lot about tea but enjoy drinking it and would like to take tea home as a souvenir, I'd recommend checking Harrods, Fortnum & Mason or the Buckingham Palace shop as they have some wonderful tins that would look great in your kitchen for years.2. Twinings
© Laura Porter
Twinings have had a tea shop on The Strand in London since 1717. The Strand shop stocks a wide range of specialty teas, fruit and herbal infusions, iced teas, and coffee blends, as well as gifts, teapots, cups, mugs, biscuits, cakes, and chocolates. There is also a small museum, which charts the history of the Twinings family, along with examples of tea caddies and more unusual items from the world of tea.
3. Tea Palace
Tea Palace is a modern tea emporium in Covent Garden Piazza that offers a wide selection of quality teas and infusions. The shop stocks their whole range of teas and infusions, a wide selection of gifts, accessories, tea tasting, tea sachets, scented candles and much more.There are always warm teas for you to taste in the basement and the staff are all knowledgeable so it's a good place for advice.
4. Postcard Teas
© Laura Porter
Postcard Teas is owned by Timothy d'Offay who has dedicated himself to all things tea. He travels the world to bring back the best tea and accessories for this delightful tea shop close to Oxford Street.
5. The Tea House
The Tea House on Neal Street in Covent Garden is a well-known landmark in the area. It must sell 100 tea varieties from around the world as well as associated tea paraphenalia. The novelty teapots remain a popular buy and the shop always smells nice, although it can be a bit dusty.6. Drury Tea and Coffee Company
Drury Tea and Coffee Company is a family-owned business that started in London in 1936. Drury has a central London store where they slow roast their own coffee blends. They also employ their own tea tasters to ensure high standards. There are over 100 tea varieties available and they can be bought loose or in gift tea caddies. I've always found the staff very approachable and willing to offer advice to help you make a choice. The Covent Garden store has a wonderful smell from the coffee roasting (and I'm not even a coffee fan).7. East Teas
East Teas in Borough Market want to get us to ditch the tea bags and get back to enjoying loose leaf tea. They are a London-based company who source directly from teamakers, growers and suppliers in the country of origin, and they encourage their suppliers to use traditional methods and processes.8. Algerian Coffee Stores
© Laura Porter
Algerian Coffee Stores is on Old Compton Street in Soho. It was established in 1887 and sells an incredible amount of teas and coffees from around the world. The shop is small and old-fashioned with wooden shelves to the ceiling and a long wooden counter. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
