Whether you’re seeking a perfectly brewed pot of Assam, a flat white with velvety microfoam, or simply a warm corner to gather your thoughts, the right place makes all the difference.
But how do you separate the genuinely good from the merely convenient?
Here’s a practical guide to finding spots that are worth your time (and your money).
1. Start With the Brew Itself
A good café or tearoom should take its drinks seriously.
In Teashops
Look for:
Loose-leaf options rather than only bagged blends
Clear information about origin (Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon, Japanese green, etc.)
Proper teapots and strainers
Milk served separately
If a place advertises “afternoon tea”, check whether they actually know their teas or if it’s simply about the cake stand.
In Coffee Shops
Watch for:
Beans sourced from known roasters
Baristas who weigh and time their shots
Clean machines and well-maintained grinders
Milk that’s textured, not scalded
A good flat white shouldn’t taste burnt or bitter.
2. Pay Attention to Atmosphere
A truly good spot has an identity.
Are people lingering, chatting, reading? Or is it just a quick turnover counter?
Some places have become institutions because of this welcoming character:
Bettys Café Tea Rooms https://www.bettys.co.uk/cafe-tea-rooms
Elegant, traditional, and meticulous about tea service. A benchmark for classic British tearoom culture.
The Attendant https://attendantcoffee.com/pages/locations
A quirky London coffee shop set in a converted Victorian lavatory — proof that atmosphere can elevate a simple cup of coffee into an experience.
You don’t need grand heritage or novelty architecture — but you do want somewhere that feels intentional.
3. Check the Cake (It Tells You Everything)
The counter is revealing.
Are cakes clearly homemade?
Is there a seasonal element?
Are scones fresh, not dry?
If a place cuts corners on baking, it often cuts corners on brewing too.
4. Look Beyond the High Street Chains
Chains aren’t automatically bad — consistency can be reassuring — but independent places often offer more character and better sourcing.
In the UK, you’ll find quality in both national names and smaller operators:
Caffè Nero
Costa Coffee
Tea Room at Fortnum & Mason
Each offers a different experience — from dependable espresso to refined afternoon tea service.
5. Use Reviews — But Read Between the Lines
Five stars mean little without context.
Instead, look for:
Comments about friendly staff
Mentions of clean facilities
Praise for specific drinks
Repeat visitors
If locals keep returning, that’s usually a good sign.
6. Trust Your Instincts
Sometimes you walk in and immediately feel at ease. The lighting is right. The cups feel solid. There's an attractive smell of coffee in the air. The music isn’t intrusive. The staff greet you properly.
That instinct matters.
7. Turn It Into a Ritual
Finding good teashops and coffee shops isn’t just about caffeine. It’s about slowing down.
Make a habit of:
Trying one new independent café per month
Ordering something different each visit
Supporting local businesses
You may discover a hidden gem just off the high street.
Final Thoughts
A good teashop or coffee shop isn’t defined by trendiness or Instagram aesthetics. It’s defined by care — care in brewing, care in baking, care in hospitality.
And once you find one that gets it right, you’ll return not just for the drink… but for the feeling.