Whether it is a cup of English breakfast, green or a herbal infusion, who doesn’t love a good brew? Approximately 165,000,000 cups are drunk each day in the UK so it is a relief to know that tea has been proven time and time again to have an abundance of health benefits. These benefits can vary from heart and oral health, lowering cholesterol to providing hydration, anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins to the body. And if for no other reason than this, a cup of tea always has the power to put the world to rights!

Browns Hotel, Mayfair
The very stylish Browns Hotel in the heart of Mayfair serves every woman’s dream… Afternoon ‘Tea-tox’! Served in The English Tea Room, their award winning Afternoon Tea has a healthy spin. Who needs naughty finger sandwiches when you can indulge in delicious Smoked Chicken and guacamole on spelt bread? Followed by flourless Chocolate cake and sugar free deserts on a tea-stand? I sampled the finest White tea I have ever tried followed by Brown’s own created English tea. This Afternoon ‘Tea-tox’ is a truly virtuous and yummy treat. (www.brownshotel.com)

TeaSmith, Spitalfields
Prop yourself up at TeaSmith’s impressive ‘Tea Bar’ and select one of their many healthy tea options. The knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you choose a tea and explain the correct way it needs to be infused whilst they prepare it in front of you. I sampled the delicious Long Jin Green tea. Whilst brewing, the staff explained why the water temperature had to be at a specific point for each tea to fully enjoy the delicate flavours and benefits from the leaves. I enjoyed three infusions from my one pot. Some teas can be infused up to ten times, lucky if you pick one of those! (www.teasmith.co.uk)

Camellia’s Tea House, Carnaby Street
An artisan tea company, Lubna one of the owners is a qualified homeopath and has used her knowledge to develop the UK’s largest range of health teas, which can be enjoyed in the Tea Room or purchased to be taken home. I enjoyed the delicious ‘Beautiful Skin Tea’ made with dandelion, chickweed, herbs and flowers. This tea is said to improve circulation, have anti-inflammatory effects and will also detox your system. Camellia’s Tea House takes you away from the hustle and bustle of London whilst drinking in this relaxing, cosy Tea Room. (www.camelliasteahouse.com)

Postcard Teas, New Bond Street
Described as the ‘connoisseurs in tea’, Postcard Teas has established tea provenances by putting the maker or estates name on every tin of tea they create. You can sample one of their many teas for £2.50 which can be taken off the price of a caddy if you decide to purchase. A healthy Black and dark ginger tea made with ingredients from Vietnam caught my eye. You can literally post a Postcard tea to someone by selecting a tea that goes in a sealed bag with a postcard attached which is designed by the owner! (www.postcardteas.com)

Yumchaa, Soho
You are guaranteed to find one of the healthiest teas in London in Yumchaa, Soho. These guys serve only loose teas that contain essential oils. They use purified high quality water when brewing one of their own crafted teas that never come from a tea bag. Yumchaa have created a super healthy tea named the ‘Gentle Giant’ made from white tea, ginseng root which provides energy and jasmine flower to soothe stress. Their aim is provide truly yum ‘chaa’ (tea) experience! (www.yumchaa.com)

words by Stephanie Matysiak

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