SD Bells is all about the tea and coffee. In these days of tall skinny macchiatos and grande americanos, a non coffee drinker like me (yes really, I have NEVER drunk a cup of coffee) is deeeelighted to find somewhere that has a huge range of teas.
The interior is pretty traditional and comfy and I always see a complete mix of school kids, mums and tots and the more mature in Bells. I usually call in for 'elevenses' and sometimes even wait till eleven o'clock! Depending on what I've been up to the night before, I'll have either a cold diet coke or a nice civilised cup of Earl Grey if I have been a good girl. Either way, I'll also have a rather delish tray bake to get the blood sugar nice and high.
I have also had lunch a couple of times and the sandwiches are fresh fresh fresh and remind me of the kind of sarnies my mum would make!
Next door to the coffee shop is the really interesting part - the little shop where you can buy Bells tea and coffee to take home. The range is mind boggling and I can recommend the Oolong peaches and cream blend. Oh yes, there really is a peaches and cream tea and I love it. Being a freak of nature non coffee drinker I can't personally vouch for the beans, but everyone else tells me they're top notch! Give me a cup of tea every time (and a diet coke chaser for a caffeine hit).
The original Mr Bell started the business in 1887 which explains why these guys really know their leaves and beans! read more