-Hope-

Gloria Pritchett “Modern Family” icons

Twinings Tea Shop and Museum

Squeezed between much larger buildings on either sides, the Twinings Tea Shop has occupied the same premises on Fleet Street for 300 years (the Est. 1706 refers to the year the company was established – the shop opened in 1717). The door to the shop is framed with columns reminiscent of a Greek temple, though instead of sculptures of gods and mythical creatures, there are instead a lion, and two figures in traditional Chinese dress – a rather dated display to remind purchasers where their tea came from.

The inside of the shop is a delight for those who enjoy a good cuppa; dark wood shelves stock boxes and tins of the traditional favourites (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Assam, etc.), expensive single-origin teas, and more unusual modern blends (I picked up a box of Cherry Bakewell flavoured green tea!). Fruit infusions (yes infusion – if it doesn’t have tea in it you can’t call it tea) and coffee are also sold.

Sam: It’s your bed, right? Your bed, it’s too soft. When I was over there, I’d sleep on the ground, use rock for pillows, like a caveman. Now I’m home, lying in my bed, and it’s like… Steve: Lying on a marshmallow. Feel like I’m gonna sink right to the floor.