The chances are many of us will make ourselves a nice cup of tea on April 21 without even realising it’s National Tea Day!
Tea drinking has become such a British institution we celebrate our favourite hot drink every day, all year around, by downing vast quantities: it is estimated that we drink 100 million cups of tea in the UK every day.
And while a lot of tea drinkers like nothing better than a mug of ‘builder’s brew’ many prefer the taste of a specialist tea. We tracked down some great places in Chester city centre to relax and unwind with a cup of tea that is a little different from the norm.
Of course, if you fancy going the whole hog and treating yourself to an Afternoon Tea, you can find lots of great places to book, here.
FACTFILE
Tea drinking was made fashionable in England by Portugal’s Catherine of Braganza, the queen-consort of Charles II, in the 1600s. The unique plant originated in China which is still the top tea producer in the world.
Catherine’s love of tea filtered down through the aristocracy and those wealthy enough to buy it. Nowadays, millions of Brits from all social standings start the day with a steaming mug of tea – usually using a teabag and usually adding milk.
There are lots of different types of tea – white, black, green and oolong included – and the good news is it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial to your health.
* Don’t forget, most hotels, pubs and restaurants in Chester will also be very happy to serve you a cuppa, whatever day it is. We’ll drink to that…
Zuger’s of Chester
This Swiss family-run tearoom stocks hand-picked tea leaves from the brand Tea Drop, whose best sellers include Honeydew Green, French Earl Grey and Lemongrass Ginger. Pop in yourself to find out which speciality tea takes your fancy and treat yourself to something special.
Find them:
2 St John St
CH1 1DA
- Search for Zugers of Chester to find them on Facebook
🔵 CHESTER GIFT CARD ACCEPTED HERE
Chester Cathedral Refectory
For a venue with a difference head to The Refectory Cafe, which is set in the cathedral’s stunning 13th century monks’ dining hall. Take your pick from a range of speciality teas that include Strawberry, and Raspberry and Pomegranate, as well as Peppermint, Decaff and Green Tea.
Find them:
Abbey Square
CH1 2HU
🔵CHESTER GIFT CARD ACCEPTED HERE
Marmalade
A licensed cafe that prides itself on its range of gluten-free produce Marmalade serves a wide range of loose leaf speciality tea, which is often better quality and tastes fresher than a teabag. Relax with a cuppa while enjoying a slice of their home-made cake.
Find them:
67 Northgate Street
CH1 2HQ
🔵CHESTER GIFT CARD ACCEPTED HERE
Chalk Coffee
Yes it’s a coffee shop, but not everyone drinks coffee, right? So when you’re tagging along with your coffee-loving mate and want a proper brew – of tea – Chalk can offer you a selection of teas that include Lemongrass and Ginger, Berry and Hibiscus, Rooibos and Moroccan Mint.Â
Find them:
24 Watergate St
CH1 2LA
🔵CHESTER GIFT CARD ACCEPTED HERE
Pars Kahve
Turkish Hospitality with a modern twist. If you’re after something a little different, why not explore up Watergate Row and head into the beautifully decorated Pars Kahve. The team highly recommends the Rose tea.Â
Find them:
5-7 Watergate Row South,
CH1 2LE
🔵CHESTER GIFT CARD ACCEPTED HERE
Jaunty Goat Coffee
Gunpowder Green, Red Berry Cocktail and Peppermint are just three of the tasty tea flavours you’ll find at both Jaunty Goat coffee houses, which offer vegetarian and vegan dishes to anyone staying for a bite to eat.
Find them:
57 Bridge St
CH1 1NG
and
128 Northgate St
CH1 2HT
🔵CHESTER GIFT CARD ACCEPTED HERE
Katie’s Tea Rooms
Set in a Grade II listed building, Katie’s Tea Rooms offers speciality teas that are all loose leaf and served with a pot of hot water. Expect to find Keemun Best, Rose Petal, Jasmine and Peppermint Tissane on the hot drinks menu.
Find them:
38 Watergate Street
CH1 2LA
Atina Kitchen
A family-run, eclectic restaurant that dishes up Italian food with a contemporary British twist, Atina Kitchen has a vast range of vegan, loose leaf tea. Take a quick peek at their website and you’ll find Chocolate and Ginger, Lemon Punch and Berry Wellness Organic – a red berry infusion with apple, hibiscus and rosehip. Go in for a cup of tea and stay for breakfast or brunch.
Find them:
103 Foregate St
CH1 1HE
Naughty Badger
A coffee house and bistro that occupies a prime position on the east row of Bridge Street. Alongside their coffee they stock the exclusive Tea Drop brand and recommend Fruits of Eden, with an aftertaste of passion fruit, as well as a classic Earl Grey. Feel free to order some home-made food while you’re there…
Find them:
7 Bridge Street Row E
CH1 1NW
- Search for Naughty House Coffee House and Bistro to find them on Facebook
