Utterly charming little place, especially if seeking a change from the all-too-common Brightonian pursuits of drinking yourself comatose, and certainly more relaxed than a Starbucks-style espresso-induced caffeine frenzy. Spread over two floors, it's an idiosyncratic mixture of art deco antique shop (replete with 20s/30s era statues, lighting, furniture and even an old wind-up gramophone, nearly all for sale at and covering a good spread of price-ranges) and teashop/cafe, it is pleasant enough even if not furniture-shopping - after all, a cup of fine tea in an authentic period setting conjuring up images of a bygone and more carefree age could not be more welcome in times like these.
The staff are very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful - at Qype's tea-tasting event last night, I learnt more about tea than I ever thought there was to know (and found it surprisingly interesting) and sampled a wide - and exceedingly refreshing - selection of teas, all brewed fresh and served, of course, in period-style china set upon between-the-wars furnishings. There are a vast array of brews to choose from. The establishment has its own expert tea buyer and blender and many of its concoctions are unique, from the relatively standard (Earl Grey for example, although even that has a slightly novel twist, being subtly more citrussy than the norm, or Lapsang Souchon if you prefer things smoky, and many others) to some quite unique mixtures involving such unexpected ingredients as aniseed, chilli or vanilla (not all in the same pot, obviously).
There are even ice-chilled teas containing a healthy dash of - ahem - vodka or rum, for special pre-booked occasions, if you're in the mood. Or maybe to put you in the mood... They are doing a Valentine's special, for example - perhaps worth taking note of if your other half is a little more discerning and tricky to impress than the "red rose & box of milk tray" hoi polloi.
A helpful menu explains the basic ingredients and differences, breaking the teas down into sections (black teas, white teas, infusions and specialities) and giving a guide to the various blends' constituent flavours and aromas. Staff will talk you through it if you wish of course.
It is not all tea, strictly speaking, as options include herbal infusions using, for instance, roobios, mint and a wide range of herbs and flowers. So if you fancy something a little more detoxifying and caffeine-free, the choice is there. And as we learnt last night, tasting tea is an art as almost as subtle and refined as tasting wine; take your time, savour the top-notes and delicate, more hidden flavours in the background. It's worth noting that all the blends are also available to buy to take home, so you can pick your favourite and enjoy at leisure.
The shop also caters for events (birthdays, hen parties and so on) and, with prior arrangement, a liquor licence can be obtained for these. A service is also to be offered whereby staff will come to your venue, be it house or hotel, and serve tea, sanwiches, cake and so on in period garb, lending any event a genuinely warm old-world charm.
There's a small but very respectable menu too. As well as the exceptional range of cakes (as well as a specialist tea-blender, they've a specialist cake-maker, and we sampled everything from chocolate brownies to parsnip cake - much, much tastier than it sounds; I recommend it, bloomin' lovely with a cuppa, so it is) there is a breakfast and lunch menu with soups, salad, sandwiches and such like, as well as arguably the best scones and clotted cream you'll get this side of Devon.
The furnishings, paintings and artefacts are simply lovely to browse, and probably lovely to buy, if you're in the market for such things (my current budget precludes such indulgences, but don't let that put YOU off, of course).
Handily situated near the heart of Kemptown village, it's an oddly exotic yet relaxed place to unwind after a bit of shopping or beach-combing, or you could of course make it a destination all of its own. Tea is, as we learnt, something to linger over, not wolf down as you hurry to work. So go on, treat yourself to a bit of old-style decadence.
Price-wise, a pot of tea (two cups) comes in at about two and a half quid, so less than a pint and considerably less intoxicating. Well, apart from the vodka-infused tea, obviously. Sandwiches and soups are in the £3-£4 bracket on the whole, all very reasonable considering the sumptuous surrounds and atmosphere (for travelling back in time 80 years, it's a helluva lot cheaper than a trip in the Tardis).
So pop in for a browse, stay for a brew. You'll be glad you did. read more