The Official London Tea Walk with The Milestone Hotel – Discover the Lost Tea History of London
Step out of the elegant Tea Lounge at The Milestone Hotel, part of the Red Carnation Hotels Collection, and join us on an unforgettable journey through London’s tea history. Our London Tea Walk blends storytelling, heritage, and, of course, a taste of the finest teas, offering guests the chance to see the city through the lens of its rich tea-trading past.
Leadenhall Market – Where London’s Tea Story Begins
The walk begins in the City of London at Leadenhall Market, one of the capital’s oldest markets with roots dating back to Roman times. Here, we explore the rise of the East India Company and its early trade with China, laying the foundations for Britain’s centuries-long love affair with tea. The historic arcades and cobblestones provide the perfect backdrop as we uncover how tea first arrived on London’s shores.
Places on the tour are limited — book your London Tea Walk with The Milestone Hotel here.
Mincing Lane – The World’s Largest Tea Auction
From Leadenhall, the tour continues to Mincing Lane, once known as the very centre of the global tea trade. Here, auctions decided the fate of Ceylon, Indian, and Chinese teas for over a century. We revisit stories of wartime interruptions, resilience, and even PMD Tea’s own involvement in the tea trade during World War II, keeping alive the memory of London’s once-bustling tea auctions.
The Thames, Tower Bridge, and St Katherine’s Dock
As we make our way past the Tower of London and along the River Thames, the tour highlights the deep connection between London’s waterways and the tea industry. Guests visit St Katherine’s Dock, which in the 19th century became the world’s largest hub for tea docking and warehousing. At its height, vast quantities of Ceylon and Indian tea passed through this site, cementing London as the tea capital of the world.
London’s Tea Plaques – Remembering a Forgotten Legacy
One of the most unique moments of the tour is visiting one of London’s three Tea Plaques, discreet markers that commemorate the city’s lost tea history. These plaques serve as quiet reminders of the enormous role London once played in shaping the global tea industry.
Return to The Milestone Hotel – Afternoon Tea Experience
No tea walk would be complete without a proper Afternoon Tea in London. Guests are whisked back to Kensington in a traditional black cab, enjoying an authentic London transfer before arriving at The Milestone Hotel and Residences. Here, the journey continues with a guided Afternoon Tea experience, featuring curated tea pairings, stories from the tea trade, and recommendations that connect each cup to the places explored on the walk.
Book Your London Tea Walk
Step into the footsteps of London’s tea traders and experience the city’s rich heritage before returning to the timeless luxury of The Milestone Hotel for Afternoon Tea. Spaces on the London Tea Walk are limited, ensuring each guest enjoys a personal and immersive experience.
Book your London Tea Walk with The Milestone Hotel here
Discover the aromas, stories, and traditions that shaped London as the world’s tea capital and taste the legacy in your cup.
