Orange Pekoe — Restaurant in London

A tea house/cafe tucked away on a corner of White Hart Lane and a stone’s throw from the River Thames. Meet and greet can be slightly intimidating as is the library wall of international teas upon entering. We’ll come back to this! Well, what’s good?

Undoubtably a fine and wide selection of delicious teas: white, black, fruit, seaweed, not to mentioned really, really, great coffees. If your not familiar with the teas, then best to ask the staff who have a good knowledge of them. If you fancy something light and beautiful to watch, chose their flowering Jasmine tea.

Something sweet? They really do have some of the most delicious cakes and pastries in Barnes - all made in-house. Oh, and if you’re partial to a scone, opt for their cream tea, a good-sized pot of tea with two warm scones, clotted cream and tasty homemade jam, good value for one or two sharing.

There are also plenty of good options for breakfast, brunch or lunch and set afternoon teas. Gluten free and vegan options are available too. The higher-end prices are thankfully matched with higher-end quality across most of their menu. The interior is nicely decorated and nice to be in when it’s not too busy.

What’s not so good? Inside space is wanting and a little too cosy and loud when full. When warm (or cold) enough, the outside space is a much better option. Service is undeniably hit and miss, though more hit. And, as others have pointed out, you never quite know what version of the manager you will meet, Ms Smiley or Mrs Angry. So, the atmosphere can, depending on the former or latter, be great or unpleasant, though in my experience, Ms Smiley is mostly around. Notwithstanding this unknown, the food and drinks are great, so give it a try.

Barnes Station is a 2-minute walk, and Barnes Village 5-mins away. Parking (street) can be challenging. Wouldn’t particularly recommend for children.

“Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that...

Booked well in advance for a birthday tea treat. We brought our two dogs who were welcomed, we were seated in the back portion of the restaurant where there is a skylight. It’s pleasant and bright but loud as there are no sound absorbing materials and made up of all hard surfaces: marble tables, wooden chairs, wood floors. Unfortunately our table was situated right outside the very busy toilet and next to the family table. The cakes and sandwiches were fresh and tasty, as were the scones (although served cold, personal preference is warm) with homemade strawberry jam which was delicious, served in lovely porcelain. I had two disappointments with my experience: 1. The tea was served very weak without the tea leaves and therefore not a great advertisement for the teas available for purchase, I did not enjoy the tea 2. The floors were quite dirty all around, covered in debris crumbs etc. perhaps a very busy morning but could have done with a quick sweep, the rest of the place appeared clean. Although other reviewers rave about the service I’d say ours was mediocre, polite and friendly however we weren’t followed up on to see how were enjoying the tea and if we wanted any extras (I did but never got to ordering it for this reason.) Overall, it was fair value for money, and I might return to try their regular menu as the burgers looked...

Lovely ambiance for a tearoom, but it ends there for me! The tea came in a pot, that somebody had brewed for exactly 3 mins I was told..but they had taken the bag out, the tea is in a sort of teabag. It was very weak and hadn't had time to infuse! And for me killed the whole ritual of tea- making! Principles that only come with tea- making! So no loose tea in the pot,no tea strainer, or hot water on the side. The scone was very mediocre. Most people who go out for afternoon tea , do know a bit about tea making,especially if they are english, they do not need the tea to be timed and brewed for them, it is a matter of knowledge and taste. I also feel that the tea is not of high quality compared to other tea that I have had. I have been to so many tea rooms in my life, and this has to be one of the...