If you are in search of an afternoon tea place with a difference, then come to Tea Palace, the Mecca of tea with over 600 different varieties to choose from.

The Venue
Inside Tea Palace is quite literally a sight for sore eyes, with one wall dominated by an impressive layout of tens of different teas. A narrow entrance is separated off from the main eating area by an attractive but useful partition. Contemporary yet modern, the decor is simple in style with embossed wallpaper, smart tables with fine linen and purple chairs that match the colour theme. The best position would be a corner table to take in all the sights of passers by, and it's also a good opportunity to spot a star - Kate Moss is said to be a regular.

The Atmosphere
This is a place where you are seen and definitely not heard. It’s already a strong favourite with the Notting Hill it crowd who come to talk and cogitate over the week’s private and public events.

The Food
For afternoon tea the standard Tea Palace choice includes various finger sandwiches, freshly made scones with clotted cream and jam served in cute little pots and a selection of cakes. The bottom layer on the tray is filled with little sandwiches of egg and cress, chicken and tarragon and smoked salmon. Especially recommended is the chicken and tarragon, which is perfectly balanced combination. Although on first glace it doesn’t appear much food, you will soon be full to the brim after you reach the summit of the stand.

The middle layer is filled with some incredibly fresh scones. Creamy, buttery and packed full of raisins, these scones give other, more established afternoon tea venues a run for their money. The clotted cream is thick and will go straight to your hips but it’s all in a good cause. If you have enough room left, at the top of the stand fine pastries await you. The chocolate and green tea cake is gorgeous. A thin layer of the green tea runs through the middle with the ganache topping providing an incredible sweet sensation on the palate. The coconut slice is light, moist and has just the right amount of coconut shavings plus a layer of jam running through. Other options worth a taste are carrot and honey cake and blood orange and almond cake with an interesting chai masala ice cream.

The Drink
As the name suggests, this is a palace of all things tea. With 619 teas to be exact, this tea lover’s paradise boasts one of the most impressive lists that an afternoon tea venue has to offer. Choose from a long list of black teas, green teas, jasmine teas, white teas, herbal infusions, tea tonics and organic teas and infusions to name a few. If you are completely lost in a sea of tea then a member of staff is on hand to lend a friendly word of advice.

With your pot of tea you receive a little bowl of the original leaves which is a great touch to really take in all the smells of the tea. For those who like their tea light, the western Sri Lankan Ceylon Ratnapura, which has a light and aromatic flavour. The Jasmine Silver Needle is also highly recommended. This is a delicate, refreshing white tea with scent of jasmine blossoms and low in caffeine. It’s supposed to be an energizing tea to flush all the toxins away as it’s crammed full with anti-oxidants.

The Last Word
London tea fans should bow down to Tea Palace’s mightiness in its domination and coverage of the tea world. An interesting variation on the afternoon tea tradition, this is definitely worth a visit even if it means a trek across the capital.

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