To a Tea, London

I drink a lot of tea. Stupid amounts. Yes really, I know nothing about it. I've tried to learn, but when it comes in a bag, and tastes perfectly BRILLIANT with a splash of milk, that's all I need to know, isn't it? Yes. Oooh look, my hangover has gone.

But then To a Tea popped up in London's Barbican, and now I might have to change my mind. The tea rooms that you'll find me are cosy little things. Vintagey bric-a-brac all over the shop (even a florists, if I feel like treating myself). And well, To a Tea is the exact opposite of that.

And it's brilliant.


Stas, the charming guy behind the place, is so passionate about tea. He wants people to take time in brewing up and to enjoy their cuppa. But this doesn't need to be stuffy. And there's nothing stuffy about To a Tea. It's clean, it's modern, it's pretty. There's comfy chairs, little benches to keep me out of the way whilst I'm typing away on my laptop, and communal tables which the Domestic Sluts will no doubt take over very soon. For important Sluttery meetings, honest.

And then there's the cake. Goodness me I want their sponge recipe. It's the moistest, densest sponge I've eaten in a long time. It's perfect and made by the guys themselves. And yes, that is homemade jam on their scones. Their afternoon tea comes in under a tenner and pot of tea will cost you less than £2. They'll even explain how they brew the tea if you ask nicely (it's all about the temperature, not the time you brew for). I'm really rather taken with these guys.

I'm impressed that they've made tea exciting, without going all stuffy and pretentious. Throw in a modern space that doesn't feel cold and they've won me over. I'll be back for some more cake very soon.

To a Tea is at 14 Farringdon Street in London. Nearest tubes are Barbican and Farringdon (or Blackfriars when that decides to reopen). Go. Now.