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By Roopa Gulati
Serious about its cuppas, this cosy café owes much to owner Jemma Swallow's enthusiasm for fragrant infusions and floral aromas. As testament to her zeal, an entire wall is devoted to black-lidded canisters filled with prime pickings from the world's famed tea gardens. Sited where the now-defunct Chocolate Café used to be, it has retained the family friendly vibe of its predecessor; but if you're after a mug of milky builder's brew, head elsewhere.
Despite the weighty chandelier and impressive tea chest, it's a homely spot furnished with a mélange of antique-style furniture. No fanciful experiments with food, either; locally made scones, flapjacks, sticky gingerbread, plus lunchtime salads and sandwiches fill any gaps between pick-me-up brews. Top marks to the butter-kissed cheese scones, and adventurous pumpkin scones with a kick of chilli.
Ribena-like in appearance, blackcurrant and hibiscus tea sparkled in a transparent glass teapot. We were treated to a deliciously fruity beverage (think essence of posh wine gums), bursting with natural sweetness. Equally impressive, green leaf tea, scented with hints of jasmine, restored and revived. As far as gizmos go, we loved the mini tea-timer plonked on the table with every pot - great for clocking the strength of brews. Next time, we'll linger over a wedge of Victoria sponge and enjoy the delicacy of first flush Darjeeling tea. Then maybe we'll play croquet in Richmond Park afterwards.
Time Out Issue 1942: November 7-13 2007
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I LOVED it here. I went for tea in the afternoon with a friend (she'd been with her mum before and loved it) and the staff were attentive, friendly and knew their stuff. They were able to select a tea based on the food I was eating (Goats cheese and pesto salad) and had interesting things to say about each tea I selected (we were there a long while).
I am making a special trip to Richmond next week, just so I can go again (this time without the car) for the High Tea (with Champagne),
Friendly, great food, brilliant service and reasonable price. I'm going back and making as many of my friends visit - I loved it.
I'm honestly surprised at any negative comments below. Don't let it put you off, support, good local businesses and go - you'll love it.
Its a very cute place but hopeless service, poor quality dry cakes and total inflexibility on set menu ruined the whole thing for me
A lovely and warm place to have tea and more!
As a French person I love sitting around and watch the world go by. The Tea Box is a perfect place for that. It is different and has its own personality (not like all those chains!). On top of it I feel at home. You are always welcome with a smile and the tea does not only taste good but it looks beautiful. My tip: order a tea with flowers. If you are not sure, ask the team: they are great at recommending the most amazing teas!
This has become my favourite place to relax and have a break from a hectic life.
I've been to the Tea Box a number of times since it opened a few short months ago and it's quickly become my favourite place for a cuppa in Richmond.
The atmosphere is laid back and a million miles away from the chain coffee shops that choke the high street, with real care and attention put into both the drinks and the food. The sandwiches and cakes are well made and tasty and with three pages of different teas on the menu to try out there are plenty of reasons to keep on coming back to this little gem. Check out the flowering teas for something a little unusual you're unlikely to see anywhere else.