Restaurants

April 2009: Tea Palace has closed down at Westbourne Grove, but has recently opened a retail outlet at 12 Covent Garden Market, WC2E 8RF

Sharing a street with fashionable boutiques and spas, Tea Palace attracts the pampered as well as the tea aficionados from across London. If you want to take some tea home, choose from around 160 varieties sold in attractive plum-coloured caddies. Decor in the seating area has a retro-chic vibe; a swirly purple carpet and tiered cake stands contrast tastefully with oriental wind chimes, quirky doily-effect patterns on walls, and soft leather banquettes. Besides common blends like darjeeling, assam and builders’ brew, the 16-page list includes such exotica as cherry blossom black tea, lavender grey (earl grey blended with flowers from Provence) and green tea made with puffed rice. A dinky-sized portion of leaves is brought to the table for inspection, making the transformation into a fragrant brew all the more memorable. Surprisingly unstuffy, the atmosphere is laid-back and kids are welcomed. On our visit, the darjeeling first flush didn’t live up to its promise, having slightly stewed notes – an unfortunate yet basic glitch in an otherwise enjoyable afternoon.

Time Out editors