If names of tea like Mandarin Orchid and Nokcha appeal to you, then Teasmith an experience worth sipping.

The Venue
Teasmith is a small shop on quaint East London’s boutiquey Lamb Street that specialises in selling anything and everything to do with Oriental tea. Most of the space is used to sell its products therefore there is only a handful of stools along a bar to perch on whilst sipping your tea. The colours are muted and chic, with contrasting dark wood and white with only bare light bulbs and windows for light. Minimal decoration here is key, with clean lines and everything perfectly fitted into its own niche. All there is for the drink in customer is a wooden bar, plastic stools, and a hot water tap on the other side for the staff to fill up your cup. It works well and there’s less to distract you from the actual tea itself.

The Atmosphere
Due to the lack of seating there are very few customers at one time using the shop as a cafe, so there is very little cafe atmosphere to speak of. However the soothing music combined with the quiet peacefulness create a serene ambience where you can sip your tea and drift off. If only the stools were comfier, then it would be effortless to relax. Just drinking the delicious flavoured hot liquid soothes the mind and soul, and you somehow feel very far away from the disorder of everyday life. You’ll soon find yourself at peace and wanting another mug.

The Food
The food is all inspired by the teas themselves, with fabulous treats such as green tea cake and the moreish walnut and miso biscuits – a lovely crumbly biscuit that has a addictive salty taste.

The Drink
Tea. If you want something else, then you clearly cannot read as this is what this shop specialises in, hence the name. But don’t expect any Earl Grey or English Breakfast, or milk for that matter, think more along the lines of Sencha and Snow Jewel and you’ll be bang on. The flavours of the teas are extremely authentic, with elements of jasmine, white fruits and smoky green tea. Some of the teas however sound more interesting than they taste, as their flavour are so mild it tastes like you’re drinking hot water.

Each infusion has unique flavours and properties from invigorating to relaxing. It may sound far too complicated to actually be a soothing experience, but the well informed, friendly staff will be happy to tell you all you need to know. Soon you’ll impress all your friends about your knowledge on the wonders of delicious aromatic teas. For £3.50 - £5 a cup, which are refilled for free depending on your tea, and given to you at the precise temperature required, you’re paying for pure quality.

The Last Word
A wonderful glimpse into the complex delicacies of herbal teas. However, the lack of seating makes it difficult to linger, but it’s still worth a visit for tea fanatics and newcomers alike.

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