The Tea Box

A trip to the Tea Box is rather like visiting a posh grandmother for a traditional afternoon spread. It’s a deliciously retro spot on a corner site, with comfortable armchairs, proper cakes & scones, sandwiches – even old-fashioned tea stands, should you feel inclined to go the whole hog. Choose your tea from the many different varieties offered (including ‘tipsy’ teas: tea-based cocktails), relax & discuss bowls or tennis. It’s a slice of imaginary Bohemia in banker-rich Richmond, & it’s all very civilised: though the place can get crowded at around 4pm, when children from local private schools persuade their parents to take them for a treat. Be careful to be polite to the staff: they tolerate Bolshie customers about as much as a smart grandmother appreciates rude children.