Postcard Teas, Mayfair

POSTCARD TEAS, 9 Dering St, Mayfair, London W1S 1AG, is a perfect example of the kind of independent shop London does so beautifully. Run by world tea expert Tim D’Offay, the shop is a labour of love for Tim and his staff. It is a tea resource that hits the patron’s every sense: one can sip tea made with the perfect temperature water and served in the appropriate cup; one can admire the beautiful metal tumblers of tea for sale that each have a beautiful reproduction of an old postcard wrapped around the tube; there is always an art exhibition in the basement level that focuses on a specific art or artist related to tea. It could be master Korean ceramics and tea pots, or it might be vintage Indian labels off of tea crates and bales. Seeing, sipping and socializing seem to me to be the three tenets of this beautiful shop. Tim himself is a paragon of kindness and he wears his knowledge with such lightness. He knows every farmer worth knowing in Japan, China, Korea, India and beyond. He will listen to a customer and thoughtfully recommend just the right tea based on their tastes and curiosities. This word oasis is far over-used, yet POSTCARD TEAS is just that within the centre of a crowded capitol. Long may its gentle way be with us.

POSTCARD TEAS from within.

The teas with vintage postcard wraps and attendant description cards.

Tim D’Offay making tea.