London: Tea Time in Wonderland

And only a 5 minutes walk from the Eurostar!

Happy City had warmly recommanded it and her advice is always good as gold. Frozen by the winter air, hands threatening to turn blue, the idea of of defrosting around a cup of tea sounds irresistible.

The entrance opens on a lovely shop mixing designers creations and objects from the past. A puzzle of the Queen, elegant trios filled with wrapped tea, funny brooches… All those objects you probably would disregard as kitsch in  a charity shop but which, set in a more modern decoration just turn absolutely adorable. You havebarely walked in  and already you are in love with the place.

A few steps higher is a wide lounge – natural light from the glass roof (the building used to be a bathhouse in Victorian times), white walls, upcycled chairs from the 50ies-60ies, painted in bright colours (and on sale, yeheeee!). On the walls, more fun finds, as well as craft creations such as knitted messages… Simple but inventive. Cosy describes it best. Makes you wish to be a cat, settle on a chair and purr in happiness for the rest of the afternoon. everything invites you -  there are blankets and games in a corner. Look around: people are quick to Facebook/Tweet what a fab address this is but minutes after that, iphones are forgotten. Dominoes and Scrabbles are out.

A tea room, sayeth you? Not only, much better! Of course, treats and sweets are on the menu. But cocktails are too! Some have a childhood nostalgy note – one is served with a candy cane, another is sherbet based… order straight from the counter: soups, quiches, mountains of cakes. Yummy time ahead, my friends! My bowk of moroccan stew was served with two thick slices of bread. The cheesecake was light, cloud like, with just a sprinkle of sugar on top. Cups and spoons are of course deliciously vintage – I looked deses[erately for a price but those were not to be sold, damn!

Shop, tick. Drink, tick. Do? Well, you will have to come (back) evening time! You will knot, fold dinosaur-origamis or paper planes, create jewellery with sweets… very regressive, and very much fun too. Workshops are free or almost. Have a look on the program!

A find to treasure. Best place to spend a rainy day. Or to wait for your train – much more cheerful (and better warmed too!) than the chains @ St Pancras, which you can find elsewhere in London.Ideal (vital?)  if weather conditions delay or cancel your trip too!

Drink, shop & do
9 Caledonian Rd
London N1 9DX
Closed on Mondays but open till 21.00 Tuesdays to Saturdays and until 20.00 on Sundays

Pssst:
- Love vintage parties? Try the Vintage patisserie…
- Do you collect cute cups and trios? Go to Vintage Heaven!

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