At the end of October, I visited the Twining's Tea Museum and Shop, which is located on the Strand opposite the Royal Courts of Justice. Thomas Twining started out at the age of 31 in 1706 with one coffee shop, which became well-known and used by the likes of architect Christopher Wren. By 1708, he had two establishments. This location on the Strand was Twining's flagship shop since the early 1700s.
Buildings were known by landmarks or imagery instead of addresses, so Twining had a golden lion painted above the door. It became known as Golden Lyon tea and coffee house in 1717. The shop was actually larger than it is currently because business was booming and the coffee and tea was sold by weight; the other part of the shop is now a pub next door.
Against all odds, his business was profitable in uncertain times of the UK (riots, heavy taxes, wars, etc), and he ran it for 35 years before he passed away.
The front of the shop contains teas that can be purchased. There are loose leaf and bags of tea, and some of the tea is limited edition and comes in collectible tins. More expensive tea can also be purchased here. Some of these can be smelled before making the purchase.
At the back of the shop is the museum and tea tasting bar. The museum held tea-related items and vintage tins, tea pots, pictures/illutrations, and china. Also on display were wooden boxes where the tea could be stored.
The tea bar at the back of the shop offers tea tastings. Visitors can have a taste before purchasing their favourite tea. Four pots of tea had been brewed for visitors, but visitors could also ask for any flavour of tea stored on the shelving on the back walls. When I arrived at the tea bar, one visitor (a tourist) had just asked for a cup of the Queen's 90th Birthday tea, which is a limited edition blend. The Twinings staff worker put the little crown on her head when making this special tea. (She and all of the staff were also dressed up for Halloween.)
Russian Caravan, a green tea Long Jing, and another black tea were brewed and were on offer to visitors. I had a sample of them.
Twinings Tea Museum and Shop are located at 216 The Strand and is open from 9:30am to 7:00pm weekdays and from 10:00am to 5:00 on Saturdays and 11:00 to 6:00 on Sundays.
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