Best British Tea Emporiums?

Just thought I'd fish around for some friendly opinions:

What are the best tea emporiums in Britain? What teas are they best known for?

I've only been to a few emporiums in London, based upon recommendations from a tourist book: Whittard's near the Strand (yeah, I know they're of Chelsea. I was in London.), The Tea House in Covent Garden, Algerian Coffee Stores, Twinings. And, of course, Harrod's and Fortnum & Mason. Couple other places whose names I don't remember because I didn't buy any tea there.

So far, Harrod's and Fortnum & Mason stand above the rest in my mind. They're a real pleasure to visit and peruse all that variety. And I love the tea bar at F&M. (Not cheap, though.) In all fairness to the others; I was intentionally buying teas I hadn't ever had before, so I may not have gotten fair samples of their teas.

Anyway, I'd love to get some recommendations for me to tuck away in my pocket for whenever I can next get over there.

Thanks!

Reply to
Steve Thurston
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A lot of them have international ordering on their web sites or retainers in the US if that is where you reside, usenet is a little worldwide :-)

I regularly order from Taylor's of Harrogate in Yorkshire, using their African teas as my everyday drinks, with a special favorite Mountains of the Moon and close second Kwazulu. The more arcane teas most often discussed on this group do little for me in my expansion of my taste, despite my writing about food and drink as part of my living.

As for London, growing up near there I soon learned to avoid it like the plague, too pricey and pretentious. There are some wonderful places a short train journey away and you get to see some of the real Britain.

JJ

Reply to
Jeremy

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