Pots of tea and ‘proper conversations’. If you find yourself wandering down the street and don’t know what to expect once you enter the door this is your place in wonderland spiraling upwards with hidden corners exquisitely d’époque awaiting you. Your 21st century clothes will feel out of date and you will want to run as fast as you can to the next vintage store to show up with the proper attire. One mesmerized wanderer once came in with his laptop, I was myself of the tea party, we all stopped our quiet whispers and looked at him in horror, to which the poor rescapé made his case even worst by adding: “do you have internet connection?”. I think the day’s host actually pursed his lips. It’s not modern-friendly, but that is the beauty of this corner of history where time flows by slowly between a cake and a pot, on Saturdays or Sundays. The elusive owner is Johnny Vercoutre, a man who actually chose to have the 40s lifestyle complete of house, car, soundtrack, and even socks. Time for Tea is an advocate of taking pleasure in the moment, and what better place than to do it in this house that was untouched since 1946 and Johnny restored a little over ten years ago. Maybe one day it will turn into a B&B, but for now, apart from the afternoon teas, it throws parties with vintage themes. Not just 40s, if you feel your era of choice is another. You can choose your cup of tea.

Text by Acelya Yonac

Time for Tea
110 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JN
Website: www.timefortea.org.uk
Open Saturday and Sunday 1200-1900 for tea and cake (usually).
www.timefortea.org.uk