Loose leaf tea in London

Have you checked out Whittard?

https://www.whittard.co.uk

Thanks. It looks like there’s one near London Bridge, where we are going today

Harrods food hall

Fortnum and Mason for sure !!

We went to the Twinnings shop (216 Strand) and it was lovely. There is a tasting area at the back of the store. We also brought back some tea from Fortnum and Mason. A great shopping experience there as well.

Twinings flagship shop in the Strand, over the road from the Royal Courts of Justice. Fabulous location, fabulous products, exceptional atmosphere, just exactly what you are looking for. Both loose leaf tastings and courses in how to blend and experience tea (the loose leaf drink, not the meal). https://twinings.co.uk/pages/twinings-flagship-store-216-strand

I was just going to recommend Fortnum and Masons, until I saw Nigel's link to Twinings with a master class in tea, that looks like great fun!

I loved the Twinings shop that Nigel mentions. I didn't make it there this past trip but did on my first one and brought home lots of tea. I will definitely be stopping there on this next trip.

Thanks! Plan on making it to Twinnings tomorrow.

Sadly, T2 is no more. I finished off the last of the Scot’s Breakfast tea we got before the Pandemic, and they had several other favorite blends.

Also, Mariage Freres in Covent Garden sells loose tea

https://www.mariagefreres.com/en/store/restaurant-tea-salon-london-covent-garden-menu.html

If you find a loose tea you like and want to order it, What-Cha tea is a London based business. The teas are very good and the shipping charge to the US is surprisingly reasonable. It’s not a store but it is a good source, and a good supplement to a US- based company like Upton.

Highly recommend trying oolong milk tea from What-Cha or anyone else. Someone turned me on to this style recently and it’s very good. Something less common the check out!

Still there? Still searching for loose leaf tea? Adventurous?

Want to visit a London neighborhood not inundated with tourists?

Then train to Barnes Bridge and walk along the Thames path up to Orange Pekoe. Lovely spot for purchasing tea and/or enjoying a pot of tea and piece of cake.

@Claidia: Sounds intriguing. Not sure we will get there but appreciate the suggestion.