John Kennedy’s specialist emporium is a showcase for extremely fine teas, and part of the pleasure of dropping in to sample and buy are the shreds of knowledge you pick up in the process – especially if the man himself is around. The delicacy with which premium teas from China, Taiwan and Korea are served here is a marvel to behold. You can call in for a single cup of nutty, creamy-tasting roast oolong or Japanese sencha, or embark on the afternoon tea-tasting menu (£20) at weekends, which matches exquisite William Curley pastries and chocolates with five distinguished brews. The shop is filled with intriguing paraphernalia and beautifully packaged goodies, and there are regular masterclasses too – sometimes featuring aged teas dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.