Twinings Tea Shop and Museum
WC2R 1AP Strand Temple
Twinings Tea Shop and Museum, 216 The Strand, London - King Charles II
Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II, was a Portuguese princess. Catherine played her part in popularising ‘drinking tea’ in England, she did not introduce it but made it more fashionable.
It is reported that as soon as Catherine arrived in Portsmouth, England, (13th May 1662) she asked for a cup of tea, but none was available (tea was the favourite drink at the Portuguese court). Catherine was certainly the trend-setter of tea.
Twinings Tea Shop and Museum - is situated at 216 The Strand - opposite the Royal Courts of Justice. It is the oldest shop in Westminster and has been located at the same premises for over 300 years; it has a small museum which details the history of Twinings Tea. This is an outstanding tea shop with a wide selection of teas.
Thomas Twining, born in Gloucestershire, was the founder of ‘Twinings Tea’, he was buried at St. Mary’s Church, Twickenham - where there is a memorial to him.
Nearest tube station is the Temple (District and Circle Lines) and is a 2-minute walk from the station via the Strand - just opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.