The ritual of tea reinvented in a space in tune with modern times. At Yumchaa there are no old ladies eating scones, just young trendsetters sipping rooibos while indulging in macaroons and focaccia.

The Venue
Camden Lock is no place to relax, packed with tourists and a riot of colours and smells, the place hardly seems suitable to wind down. That is, until you find Yumchaa. This delectably decorated tea space is located on the first floor, above the hustle and bustle and with a view over the lock and Regent’s Canal. The indoor is stripped down to its bricks and a fashionable hand-finished mix and match of wooden furniture. Rather than pub-like, here the colour scheme is very light, with subdued pastels, white and untreated wood. More tables are located outside on the veranda overlooking the canal and market. Everything feels contemporary and approachably elegant.

The Atmosphere
Yumchaa was started by two friends with a unique passion for tea and this was their first shop (the others are on Parkway in Camden and in Soho). The atmosphere is welcoming and approachable, while discreet. Most tourists don’t reach the first floor so most customers are elusive Camden connoisseurs, those who know the market well enough to dodge tourist traps to peruse only niche stalls and less known specialist shops. Expect couple of all ages, small groups of friends and the occasional wide-eyed foreign visitor.

The Food
At Yumchaa tea is a ritual just as much as it would be at Clardiges, save that the term afternoon tea has been scrapped together along with scones and clotted cream: why should tea be an afternoon-only ritual? Here you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and afternoon break with tempting homemade cakes (£1.90 - £2.50). The selection varies but you can always count on brownie or chocolate fudge cake, and carrot, lemon drizzle or apple sponge as well as colourful macaroons. Amazing-looking focaccias and bagels (from £3.40) are tempting at lunchtime. Large, clearly fresh and just mouth-watering, the fillings vary but the oily, fresh, smooth basil tomato and mozzarella focaccia seems a staple and a favourite. Other options include falafel with roasted vegetables, ham with cheddar and red onion, chicken pesto and more.

The Drink
Tea is the main course at Yumchaa. They only serve their own house blends and tea bags are strictly banned. The selection includes black, green, white and red teas, with the remarkable absence of herbal. It is all about creative blends. The layered smell and flavour of teas like Adventure (rooibos, rose hips, apple pieces, almonds, hibiscus, kiwi pieces, caramel and spices) provides a sensory experience which mixes memories with visions of exotic paradises. Caramel Sweetheart is deliciously indulgent while others like Courtesan are distinctively exotic. Assam, Jasmine, Lapsang Souchong and other non-blended teas are also available, traceable back to the farm where the tea was grown. Presented in individual pots, although more expensive than elsewhere the tea is affordable at £1.90 to £2.10, especially since having it here is such a pleasant experience.

The Last Word
Yumchaa has more personality and taste than vast majority of London cafes. The tea space is recommended for a relaxing lunchtime stop, washed down with quality tea.

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