Tea drinking in England: the best places and flavours

02/03/2015

Enjoy English tea, one of the main symbols of the country

The story of tea dates back to the 1600s, when the Portuguese and the Dutch tradesman imported it into Europe. The tea was much appreciated by Charles II and his wife Catherine of Brangaza, and in the middle of the 17th century it became a fashionable beverage, offered in a few of London’s coffee houses. However, it was still an expensive pleasure, only for the privileged few. At the beginning of the 18th century, tea was made available for most coffee houses across the whole country and finally became a common drink among all social classes.

The Beatles drinking tea (big)

The tradition of afternoon tea was introduced in early 1800s, when dinner was served fashionably late at 8 o’clock. Light snacks and a pot of tea were the best solution to fill in the long gap between lunch and dinner. In the 20th century, afternoon tea tradition lost its meaning when more and more Britons started to work in offices, but their love for tea never died.

Tea room in London (big)


Among a wide range of flavours, English Breakfast Tea is the most popular one in England. It consists of a blend of several black teas deriving from various locations including Assam, Ceylon and Kenya with Earl Grey and elegant Bergamot aroma. Darjeeling tea is the finest black tea and has been ranked above all other flavours, often referred to as ‘the Champagne of Tea’. Treasured for its light, soft and flowery flavour, it’s a perfect tea to enjoy in the afternoon.

Cornish tea is also known as Devonshire cream tea. Since this type of an afternoon tea is normally served with a combination of traditional British scones filled with fruits, raisins, jam or cream, it is also often referred to as ‘tea and scones’. The creamy part of the tea is very thick and consists of clotted cream, reminiscent of whipped butter. You can enjoy Devonshire cream tea in various places including pubs, restaurants and specialized teashops, mainly in touristic areas such as Stradford upon Avon, Cotswolds, Devon and Canterbury. Here, the prices range from £3 to £7.

Afternoon tea (big)


Traditional afternoon tea is quite pricey and is often served on special occasions. It is available in upscale touristic establishments and luxury hotels in London, and is traditionally served with tiny sandwiches, pastries and cakes. Afternoon tea is prepared in Chinese teapot and is served in fine porcelain. To enjoy this treat, be prepared to spend from £17 up to £50. In order to enjoy the authentic English afternoon tea, you can pay a visit to the Grand Brighton Hotel or the Abode Hotel.

When planning a trip to England, check out the affordable choices of hostels in London. On our official HostelsClub.com website you will find a wide range of accommodation offers together with special discounts.

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