It's busy in here, and we queue. The queue is necessary in order to take in the vast menu, and make well-informed decisions. The range of teas on offer here would even make General Yen reconsider. Chris goes for a Chilli Chilli Bang Bang. Yes, inventive names come with the teas. Tea is really what's going on here. Loose tea enthusiasts, Yumchaa sell their own teas and have a few Teapigs knocking around for plurality. No PG Tips, though. They also have a good-looking selection of sandwiches and cakes which, of course, I can't afford. The prices are pretty standard for a central London café which makes an effort and has young culturally-inclined professionals as its market. So, fairly reasonable all things considered.
So, what did I get? One of there adventurous tea blends perhaps? Or stick with the coffee? No, something in me compelled me to get a Bottlegreen - ginger with a hint of lemon. So, yes, disappointing. However, tea samples were thrust before me in quick succession and I got pretty high knocking back shots of various blends of which I have since forgotten. For a true cup, I will have to return.
It's airy here, in this pale wooden room. We're in the basement, upstairs was full. If I could move into this basement, I would. It's homey. There are enough different tables and chairs to match the extensive range of teas. For every visit you could sit on a different chair with a different tea - Armchair and Mango Sunrise one week; wooden stool and Lemon Sherbert the next...
The staff care about the tea, and they care about whether you care about the tea. And I care about whether they care about me and the tea, so top marks for the staff. They brew a coffee with the same enthusiasm so coffee drinkers don't be wary.
And what's this? French music. C'est un bel après-midi, chantons!
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