It’s a: brew bar dedicated to serving Londoners with the
perfect cup of loose leaf tea
Who’s behind it: Emilie Holme, founder and tea guru
Did you know: On the weekends they can be found at Kings
Cross & at Brockley Market serving tea from their retro 1974 Citroen-H van
Opened: March 1st (1 month trial with the potential to
extend)
Location: Tokyobike, Old Street
Address: 87-89 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4BA
Closest Tube: Old Street
For a fiercely proud nation of tea drinkers it’s a surprising struggle to find anywhere in town that can deliver a quality pot of the good stuff. So when we heard that the fine folks from Good & Proper Tea were upgrading from their tea truck and launching a pop-up in Tokyobike’s trendy store just off of Old Street, we were off like a shot, cups in hand.
The crisp white décor contrasts pointedly with the
sumptuously dark colour of the breakfast tea special brewed upon my arrival. At
the brew bar glass teapots boil away. Infusions of cedar red, honeyed yellow,
bamboo green and chestnut brown materialise, respective timers ticking down to
optimum tea leaf distilment and maximum flavour.
Don’t know your Oolong from your Darjeeling? Never fear, the
positively charming staff are happy to talk you through the many offerings of
loose tea available before custom brewing your own pot. A high end taste but at
an affordable £2.20 a cup my morning beverage is enjoyed with gusto. (Noted is
the chalk board jauntily proclaiming a Happy hour between 4-5. 50% off all tea
and cakes is a delectably dangerous offering by the looks of their homemade
brownies.)
With smooth music serenading in the background this is a
must visit for all tea lovers. Coffee Houses are all well and good but too many
imitate the bustle of the claustrophobic streets we try to escape from, but
there are no storms-in-teacups to be found here. This pop-up offers a serene
space to simply take some time out and enjoy a blissful brew. *Sips* Ahhhhhh.
