For a sumptuous yet relaxed afternoon tea, this little gem in sleepy Barnes village is a lovely stop along the Thames.

The Venue
Orange Pekoe is a quintessentially English tea room, from the white wrought-iron garden tea party-style table sets outside to the mind-boggling selection of classic teas that line the walls as you enter. Superbly located, just off a roundabout on the edge of the river in quiet Barnes village, there’s only a small shop front and a few scattered tables to draw your attention to the sweet little cafe that resides here. Upon entering you’re treated to a counter laden with tempting cakes, tarts and biscuits while dozens of black tea caddies line the walls, each labelled with the tea leaves it holds. Eclectic items for sale like fine china tea sets are scattered around the small space, which opens out into a narrow light-filled corridor, set with rustic wooden square tables.

The Atmosphere
Refined, intimate and relaxed, Orange Pekoe is devoid of the formality of some of London’s stuffier tearooms. It attracts mums (or nannies) with buggies, the cream of Barnes locals during the week and daytrippers on weekends. It’s always humming with conversation and very busy – booking, especially for afternoon tea, is advisable. On sunny days, it’s a feat to bag one of the cushioned vintage tables outside, although if you do you’re guaranteed a blissfully chilled out cuppa, watching the world go by.

The Food
It’s not only the tea the punters come for – the food is also exceptionally good and guaranteed to warm the cockles as much as good brew. Proudly using seasonal ingredients, artisan producers and local bakers (when food is not prepared in house), Orange Pekoe dishes up traditional breakfasts, lunch and afternoon tea, featuring their own freshly baked cakes. The breakfast menu is smattered with delights like homemade granola (£4.95), toasted crumpets (£3.60) and Eggs Benedict (£7).

For lunch, the daily changing homemade soup is always a treat – if it’s available, try the flavoursome, sweet and warming carrot and coriander, served with crunchy buttered toast. A solid English Ploughman’s (£8.50) with the requisite mature cheeses, crunchy pickle, sweet chutney and charcuterie meats comes displayed on a chunky rustic wooden board and is completely irresistible.

For an afternoon tea that rivals the Ritz, with a touch of local charm, the Traditional (£16.95) includes cut finger sandwiches, fluffy scones with thick Cornish clotted cream, a slice of homemade cake and tea or coffee. A cream tea (£7.50) is also a popular choice, featuring two hot scones with cream and jam and a pot of tea or coffee.

The Drink
Despite the wholesome food, the tea is obviously Orange Pekoe’s darling. There are over 100 loose leaves and herb infusions to choose from, all at £3.60 per pot (which squeezes out at least four to five cups). From the familiar English Breakfast, Earl Grey, chamomile and peppermint to the Orange Pekoe Winter Tea Blend, which is a nice and spicy choice for a frosty day, there is something for every palate and a helpful staff member to help you find the right one for you – and if you find something you like, the teas are also available to buy.

Not to be outdone are their freshly ground coffees. The honey latte (£2.20) is divine – the sweetness of honey the perfect antidote to a nicely bitter milky coffee. Homemade iced tea (available during the summer), smoothies, juices, traditional ginger beer and lemonade are also on offer but if you’re partial to a glass of bubbly with your afternoon tea then a glass of delicate, pale golden Champagne does nicely at £7.50 a glass and £45 a bottle.

The Last Word
Home-style charm and superior beverages coupled with a pleasant, friendly atmosphere make Orange Pekoe one of the best afternoon tea spots in London.

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