^ Great link

But today I discovered my perfect tea room.

http://www.postcardteas.com/introduction.htm
MAP Postcard Teas, 9 Dering Street

A huge range of packaged teas are available from around 3GBP and up.

However, you can buy a cup of any of them (most are 1.50GBP) which will be prepared perfectly and presented in an appropriate vessel. If you like it and decide to buy it, the cup of tea is free.

Don't expect fast service, but the staff is knowledgeable and very friendly. Both teas we picked were delightful, the descriptions of both were very accurate.
"Pouchong - A wonderful green oolong with a citrus-like tang. This very lightly oxidized tea comes from the mountains around Pin-Lin in the north of Taiwan."
(This was lovely and 'bright' with a zingy, citrus/metal aftertaste)
and
"Nokcha - A special Korean tea grown without using modern agrochemicals on an estate where wild flowers flourish between the rows of tea bushes. It has a unique sweet biscuit-like taste."
(Very different to the Pouchong, warming and relaxing and unmistakably 'biscuity'. Very different to any other green tea I've tried.)

We bought a pack of the Nokcha (6.50GBP) and were treated to the teas.

We left feeling energised and mildly elated. There are a lot of teas to try here, I'll be coming often.


NB - Be sure not to use tapwater and get the water temperature right when making the tea at home. Best part of having tasted the tea in the shop first was knowing that I got it very wrong on my first attempt. It was nice enough, but a little persistence helped me get the best out of it. Made the world of difference! (Evian is not so good for tea, BTW, Volvic is better). In fact the difference was so striking, I'm wondering if I'm really getting the best out of the other teas I have at home. So much I've still to learn! My cooking skills improve by eating at good restaurants, hopefully this place will help me up my tea-making skills.