Coffee is part of the routine of lots of people. There's a lot of coffee shops across the city, all of them full of people enjoying their morning fuel, a cup of coffee with Valrhona brownies that gives them the energy to go through the day. But don't forget that afternoon tea has a very important role in English culture and a loose leaf tea served with a freshly baked scone with Cornish clotted cream is a must in the London society.
If you are part of this community, the mundane act of taking a sip of your cup makes you part of a ritual that started 365 years ago. It may seem that the afternoon tea or the morning coffee has been installed in the city forever but the first coffeehouse in London opened its doors in 1652 and it was called Pasqua Rosee.
If you are part of this community, the mundane act of taking a sip of your cup makes you part of a ritual that started 365 years ago. It may seem that the afternoon tea or the morning coffee has been installed in the city forever but the first coffeehouse in London opened its doors in 1652 and it was called Pasqua Rosee.
Reviews (19)
Nnniiicccooo E.
Sep 01, 2020
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Madison R.
Jan 22, 2020
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This place is near perfect! My husband and I ended up in here because St. Paul's Cathedral wasn't open yet. We both ended up getting the Cream Tea option they had. Both getting 2 scones and a nice coffee (a latte for me and a mocha for him).
We staff and food were both great! So was the atmosphere! We sat upstairs and for a while it was just us and so peaceful. 1,000% recommend!
We staff and food were both great! So was the atmosphere! We sat upstairs and for a while it was just us and so peaceful. 1,000% recommend!
Vidya P.
Jan 09, 2020
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Loved the location next to the church. The ambiance was wonderful too! Lucky we went during an off-peak time so we had our pick of seating. Definitely a great choice for someone who wants to have the experience of tea/scones without the high price tag.
The scones themselves were so crumbly and the clotted cream was to die for. Add in the jam and it was the perfect treat. My husband and I shared a place (the "cream tea" special for 9.95) and then I got my own tea (since I typically don't drink tea/coffee, I stuck to one of the fruit teas they had, while my husband went for the Earl
The scones themselves were so crumbly and the clotted cream was to die for. Add in the jam and it was the perfect treat. My husband and I shared a place (the "cream tea" special for 9.95) and then I got my own tea (since I typically don't drink tea/coffee, I stuck to one of the fruit teas they had, while my husband went for the Earl
D. B.
Jun 14, 2019
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FABULOUS teas and deserts! Love the service and delightful for afternoon tea. Quite an array of fine delicacies and served in proper manner (according to this San Franciscan!) make reservations to get great seating with a fabulous view of St. Paul's Cathedral. This will make your afternoon so very special and feel so British!
Anna C.
Jun 10, 2019
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My husband and I booked afternoon tea on Sunday for 1pm. We had such a nice time and really enjoyed all the food. They put us in a quiet corner upstairs since we had reserved in advance and the whole experience was exactly like I wanted. I definitely recommend this place because they offer a very nice afternoon tea in a cute but more contemporary setting.
Sarah S.
May 08, 2019
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I choose Bea's of Bloomsbury because they offer a gluten-free version of afternoon tea. I figured the extravagant price of 30 pound/person was a testament to how good of quality it would be, despite seeing other full teas advertised for 12 pound/person elsewhere. I was sorely disappointed. The sandwiches had very little filling inside and the bread was extremely dry. The desserts were dry, dense, and lacked favor. The scones were more like dense, dry shortbread. Albeit it this was their gluten free version of the full tea, but I've had much, much better gluten-free versions of all these
Carol L.
May 01, 2019
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Bea's does a really good "Bea's Cream Tea" if you want a cheaper version of Afternoon / High Tea.
It comes with two freshly baked scones (original or sultana) and delicious 'England Preserves' jam and traditional Cornish clotted cream. You also get the option of a specialty coffee or tea of your choice. The price is £9.95 per person, which is probably the best price for two scones and a drink that you'll get in London.
My boyfriend and I both got one of each scone and loved the jam they gave us and the clotted cream. I was honestly very satisfied with the
It comes with two freshly baked scones (original or sultana) and delicious 'England Preserves' jam and traditional Cornish clotted cream. You also get the option of a specialty coffee or tea of your choice. The price is £9.95 per person, which is probably the best price for two scones and a drink that you'll get in London.
My boyfriend and I both got one of each scone and loved the jam they gave us and the clotted cream. I was honestly very satisfied with the
Regina C.
Apr 07, 2019
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My friend and I really enjoyed this place! We had afternoon tea here. Unfortunately I didn't get to take pictures of the food. It had the traditional 3 teir set up. With finger sandwiches in the bottom. My favorite was this caprese style sandwich with a pesto paste. That was delicious. The bread was fresh and soft. The next teir was the scones which were so fresh and yummy. Especially with the berry jam and cream spread. The last teir was the desserts. They had such a favorite from a fluffy chocolate cake to this raspberry macaron. All of the food had attention to detail with a taste to match
Nina H.
Apr 01, 2019
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Huge disappointment! This was by far the worst afternoon tea I have ever had. It started with mediocre tea in tea bag and a dark set up. We asked for them to open the shades but they only opened one. We asked for afternoon tea for two which is not clearly described on the menu. I asked if it would be a tradicional set as I was assured it would be. We were both perplexed when it came. The tray for two people had less food than what you would get for one person in any other place. Mini sandwiches were try, the sweet bread that they called a scone was burned and the desserts quite frankly old and
Psalm D.
Mar 03, 2019
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Perfect place to have afternoon tea...any time of the day. So if you do plan on coming here, make sure to make a reservation because it does get busy. So busy that we had to have afternoon tea at around 10 in the morning. In any case, we enjoyed very much the tea cakes and tea...sorry I can't go into so much details as I have forgotten what type of tea and the teacake set we ordered. It is pricey but it's for the experience. I probably would not come back but do recommend going at lease once! =)
Pamela A.
Jul 08, 2018
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The place's decor is super nice. I came here after being recommended by the Hotel Conicerge and it was a great choice! Loved my British tea and the croissant and jam was lovely. The eggs Benedict were also super filling. Overall, I really loved this spot. Would totally return for high tea next during my next trip!
Marie B.
Sep 24, 2017
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(3.5 stars) Gluten-friendly hi-tea. Delicious dessert items. Very beautiful presentation. Overall everything tasted good. I made a reservation for gluten-free high-tea on a Thursday afternoon. It wasn't very busy.
Menu:
Each sandwich had a generous amount of cream cheese that day which I probably shouldn't have eaten since my stomach is sensitive to dairy. I found there were too many sweet items. I couldn't finish all the desserts but I did eat the scone which was warm and delicious. The clotted cream came in a package which was disappointing. I'd come back and maybe ask them
Menu:
Each sandwich had a generous amount of cream cheese that day which I probably shouldn't have eaten since my stomach is sensitive to dairy. I found there were too many sweet items. I couldn't finish all the desserts but I did eat the scone which was warm and delicious. The clotted cream came in a package which was disappointing. I'd come back and maybe ask them
Fiana L.
May 08, 2017
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Stopped by to get a break from the cold weather and ordered some earl grey tea (didn't do the full afternoon tea experience).
Giving five stars for the location, friendly staff who went out of their way to give me local recommendations (one even came back to my table after writing down a restaurant's address for me), and the fact that I got a full pot of delicious tea, cream, and sugar cubes for two pounds rather than simply a small prepared cup (which is what I expected for that price).
Giving five stars for the location, friendly staff who went out of their way to give me local recommendations (one even came back to my table after writing down a restaurant's address for me), and the fact that I got a full pot of delicious tea, cream, and sugar cubes for two pounds rather than simply a small prepared cup (which is what I expected for that price).
Su H.
Jun 02, 2016
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I was in town for only a few days and I was worried that I wouldn't get to experience Tea time in London. Luckily they were able to give us a reservation here on the same day!! Amazing service!! As soon as we walked in I felt the welcoming environment.. Amazing Tea and yummy treats!! We also had a great view of St Pauls Cathedral!! For my first experience at a Tea party it was a great one!! It was tea for two and we each paid $38.17 :)
Elisa T.
Jan 11, 2016
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Bea's of Bloomsbury and Primrose Bakery are my faaaav places to get cupcakes in London. And there are a lot of chose from due to the big cupcake boom of 2011.
Beas of Bloomsbury creates cupcakes with thick buttery icing and dense cakey bottoms.
This particular chain is always packed and this is the first time I've actually gotten a seat in there. We ordered and paid at the till and sat at on the ground floor next to the window.
It was dark since the lights weren't turned on above us and damp from the rain outside. It's also quite a small space and we were right next to the
Beas of Bloomsbury creates cupcakes with thick buttery icing and dense cakey bottoms.
This particular chain is always packed and this is the first time I've actually gotten a seat in there. We ordered and paid at the till and sat at on the ground floor next to the window.
It was dark since the lights weren't turned on above us and damp from the rain outside. It's also quite a small space and we were right next to the
Lindsay H.
Mar 30, 2015
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Arrived early for our high tea reservation and were granted a fairly immediate table(the requested table near the window upstairs. We went in March at 3 PM and the sun was blinding and hot and the shades were drawn. Lesson learned. Ha! Service was fabulous and we loved our experience. Each person gets their own tea choice and tea pot. We had green and black currant teas. The black currant was the best tea I have ever had! I am salivating at the thought right now. They kept our pots filled, upon request and lumps of sugar are on the table.
The food was very good as well. The scones, in particular
The food was very good as well. The scones, in particular
Puria F.
Mar 22, 2015
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Verdict: When afternoon tea not need to cost an arm and leg Bea is a lovely place to be at!
Pros:
- Fab location, looking at St P!
- Cosy and intimate settings.
- Regardless of the size, this bea is tiny, I always been lucky to get a sit and never been rushed out to free a table!
- Attentive and accommodating staff.
- Still very good (but not as good-valued as before) fulfilling afternoon tea!
- Cupcakes: Lemon vanilla or carrot cake are to die for!
Cons:
- Pricing seems now a little out of whack: Afternoon tea price gone up almost 6£ in less than a year!
- I for one have difficulties with pulled
Pros:
- Fab location, looking at St P!
- Cosy and intimate settings.
- Regardless of the size, this bea is tiny, I always been lucky to get a sit and never been rushed out to free a table!
- Attentive and accommodating staff.
- Still very good (but not as good-valued as before) fulfilling afternoon tea!
- Cupcakes: Lemon vanilla or carrot cake are to die for!
Cons:
- Pricing seems now a little out of whack: Afternoon tea price gone up almost 6£ in less than a year!
- I for one have difficulties with pulled
Colleen C.
Dec 16, 2014
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Oh Bea's. Oh Bea's.
Oh dear Bea's.
It seems a bit off, you sees.
I booked a midweek afternoon tea with my mother thinking Bea's would be a nice treat. I'm sad to report I just wasn't that impressed. At all.
First, this entire shop is in need of a good scrubbing and polish. Despite its fancy digs behind One New Change, the interior somehow seems worn, chipped, a bit grimy and frankly, in need of some polish. Fingerprints on the case, bathroom a bit divey. The good news? This can all be fixed in a few hours, Bea. I highly recommend putting some focus here, it&apos
Oh dear Bea's.
It seems a bit off, you sees.
I booked a midweek afternoon tea with my mother thinking Bea's would be a nice treat. I'm sad to report I just wasn't that impressed. At all.
First, this entire shop is in need of a good scrubbing and polish. Despite its fancy digs behind One New Change, the interior somehow seems worn, chipped, a bit grimy and frankly, in need of some polish. Fingerprints on the case, bathroom a bit divey. The good news? This can all be fixed in a few hours, Bea. I highly recommend putting some focus here, it&apos
Marje B.
Jun 18, 2014
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I was very excited to do afternoon tea in London and Bea's was highly recommended, we're in London after all how can you not have afternoon tea?
This place is cute, not very big, highly recommended getting reservation. The entrance has sweets and treat for take away, if you don't want to have the full experience.
There was three of us, we recieved an assortment of sandwiches, (tuna, pulled pork, smoked cheese) scones was delightful with yummy cream and jam ( this was the highlight of the afternoon) and assortments of sweets from marshmallows, brownies, cupcakes. Everything
This place is cute, not very big, highly recommended getting reservation. The entrance has sweets and treat for take away, if you don't want to have the full experience.
There was three of us, we recieved an assortment of sandwiches, (tuna, pulled pork, smoked cheese) scones was delightful with yummy cream and jam ( this was the highlight of the afternoon) and assortments of sweets from marshmallows, brownies, cupcakes. Everything
