Tea Orient

There is a place. Hidden from the obviously oblivious, disguised from the busy and tucked away from the unadventurous. A place I rather like because the staff are friendly, welcoming and carry a smile with little effort. The music strokes your eardrums without perforation, intrusion or disturbance. The layout is unique, thought out and suitably comfortable. I choose 'suitably comfortable' because it's not the kind of place where you go to 'crash out'. There aren't big sofas where you lose yourself and can barely move. No, this is a place that, with its two small levels, caters for different customers. Customers who have escaped work and customers who have escaped shopping shenanigans. 

A place that oozes practicality and simplicity. It combines a service and a product that you can take away with you to recapture the unique experience. 

WHAT IS THIS PLACE? What situation strikes the balance between tranqulity and energy? Business and pleasure? Adventure and comfort? 

TEA ORIENT A not so commonly known tea shop located just off Oxford Street provides the perfect place to brush off the bustle and open the doors to a mini tea adventure to the Orient. Sat on one of the handmade, solid wood and high chairs I write my experiences here at one of their desk-like tables that are high off the ground and provide a great working space - whether it be to catch up on work away from work or putting thoughts to paper. The free wi-fi provides an excellent opportunity to use your computer with minimal distraction and great refreshments. It's a nice atmosphere here and one where I can engage with the staff or drift away into my imagination at my choosing. A plasma screen beams the news silently with only subtitles to update you, leaving the sound to be created by the ambient music which serves an oriental fusion that tells tales of elements, not drama. It's wonderfully simple here. Even in it's modern and colourful interior of purples, oranges and dark woods, it still manages to relax you, but practically. I don't come here to unwind, I come here because I want to achieve something whilst being served a fantastic tea experience within a serene environment. 

The Tea is special. A visual treat. A glass teapot displays your choice of tea. In my case this morning I opted for the Calendula Paradise. A leafy stem supporting a simple orange flower. This transparaent, hot 'display cabinet' of tea allows you to see this beautiful water flower blossom before your very eyes. The tiny tea cups are also made of glass and provide a dainty experience that means you drink smaller amounts and savour the taste by allowing the flower to further bloom in your teapot.If a flower in your teapot sounds too adventurous then fear not, they provide other teas including traditional and herbal. 

Why not visit and sample some of the East. Watching the flower open up amidst the hot water in your proudly displaying teapot is wonderful and it doesn't have to end there. You can purchase pretty much all that you see and experience and then recreate the experience in your own home. This makes a perfect gift for those who love their teas - and we english love our teas. I'm not a traditional tea lover myself which is why this shop is perfect for me. I love this place. A truly delightful education that won't break the bank.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: go to www.teaorient.co.uk or pay a visit and see me in there. 355-361, Unit 3, Sedgley Place, London, W1C 2HA (Opposite the HMV, next to the large Boots store on Oxford Street).