http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box The Tea Box - Richmond Upon Thames, 7 Paradise Road, TW9 1RX, United Kingdom en http://cdn.trustedplaces.com/i/uploads/placepics/202710_4f473c23.140.jpg http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1n9zl7
Review by petermason1

Rating: 1.00
Tags: crowded, good brew
We'd been here before and it was fine, so decided on a re-visit - but this time it was terrible and we won't be going back. When we ordered we were told that we would have to wait 25 minutes for our food, even though all we wanted was some scones, cake and sandwiches. In fact the tea came in 25 minutes and the food came 25 minutes after that. When the food arrived the bread in the sandwiches was hard and the salmon tasted as if it was off. The cake we ordered turned out to be nothing more than a sliver. And of course, we had finished our tea by this time.

There are plenty of staff, so it's puzzling as to why the waiting times are so long. Admittedly it was fairly busy, but it's not as if they are cooking anything; it should be just a matter of putting things on a plate and preparing the sandwiches.]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:36:02 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1n9zl7354981257 petermason1 crowded good brew 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1d9yu7
Review by Richmonder

Rating: 1.00
Tags:
Stay well clear - the below review is really not a fair representation of this place. In fact, judging by the fact that it has been plastered across all the review sites across the internet, I suspect it is just the owner's response to the flurry of bad reviews that are appearing recently.

This could be a nice spot to enjoy some tea and watch the world go by, however, it is ruined by an INCREDIBILY rude owner, below par food and extremely slow service.

The owner simply argues about everything ("you only waited 30 mins for your sandwiches, not 45" - we had waited 45....) and this is evident from her responses to the negative posts here and on other sites.

There are many far better places to spend your time (and money!) in Richmond.]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:57:22 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1d9yu7812858360 Richmonder 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1c6yx7
Review by Teatastic

Rating: 5.00
Tags:
Calling ALL tea lovers, This place is actually as fantastic the internet says.

I have to say I was somewhat puzzled by the difference in the reviews below vs the original provided by Trusted places and serveral other sites. So me and my girlfriend decided to investigate. Having been there yesterday its an amazing place.

I found the Tea box to be both warm and welcoming with a least 50 teas to choose from.... thats Amazing!. On arrival we were greeted by one of the staff, shown to our table and asked if we were familiar with the various Tea's on offer. I was but my girlfriend had a Tea selected for her by the waiter after a few questions about her drinking habits! This turned out to be vanilla black which she enjoyed so much she even bought some to take home.

We also had fresh cut sandwiches and devon cream with scones which were warm and just simply delicious.

If your out and about in Richmond and fancy a quality place to do tea.. do it here.

And finally... to those other reviewers ... your loss is my gain. Thanks to trusted places and others for finding my new favorite place
]]> Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:22:39 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1c6yx774846694 Teatastic 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/182yi8
Review by Jules2209

Rating: 1.00
Tags:
This is by far the worst dining experience I have had to endure. I attended with a group of 11 people who arrived on time, pushed 2 tables together so we could sit together and then ordered when they very first came to take our order. After 45 minutes our food arrived, and then we were told we would need to leave in 15 minutes - despite no previous warning. After we negotiated staying for an extra 15 minutes so wouldn't have indigestion, the manager came to our group organiser and hounded her in front of the whole group, determined to have the last say and prove that she was right (to the point that our organiser was just about in tears). Her points were incorrect (stating we arrived at separate times - we did not, we actually travelled together on the train) and that they had to rearrange the whole restaurant for us - we did this.

The fact that the staff have been on this website, telling other people that have identified their extremely poor service that they too are wrong, goes to show that they do not know the first thing about customer service.

Extremely disappointing. I would recommend staying far, far away.]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:26:09 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/182yi8879052215 Jules2209 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/137yn7
Review by greedyannie

Rating: 5.00
Tags: cosy, quiet & relaxed, quick bite
The Tea Box is just around the corner from where I work and I have been here several times to meet a friend who also works in Richmond.

I am not a tea drinker and therefore did not get all that excited about the prospect of hundreds of different flavours of tea etc. However my friend enjoys a different tea every time she goes, and I have never heard any complaints from her!

I myself tend to enjoy a sandwich from the reasonably extensive menu. In my experience the sandwiches are delicious, they have that homemade touch and always a nice big side of coleslaw. I was at first slightly taken aback that they do not serve soft drinks such as Diet Coke, but the selection of delicious fruit juices more than made up for that. The pricing is reasonable for the food - and the food is a lot nicer than several other places in Richmond that charge substantially more. And I would definitely recommend the carrot cake - perfectly moist and delicious!

Every time I have been to the Tea Box the atmosphere has been lovely, it's normally fairly busy but the staff are always helpful and smiley, which is a big tick in my book.]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:01:47 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/137yn71179511087 greedyannie cosy quiet & relaxed quick bite 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1w7848
Review by Pebble

Rating: 5.00
Tags: cosy, top food, amazing brew, quiet & relaxed
I rarely go into Richmond now without popping into this, my favourite haunt. The selection of teas is impressive, the staff friendly and knowledgable ⬠they really want you to have the perfect cuppa. Presentation is beautiful, too ⬠each tea comes with a pretty bone china or glass cup and saucer and pot, plus a 'tea timer' to ensure your brew is spot on. It really is a tea 'experience', connoisseurs will love.
A special mention for the chocolate cake ⬠frankly, the best I've tasted and one that often crops up in my daydreams, drawing me back there. A true, homemade taste. The carrot cake comes a close second and the cream tea is delicious, too, with mini scones (but don't worry, there's plenty of them). I've always loved to take afternoon tea in Liberty but when it comes to cakes, the selection at Tea Box is far superior.
Whether you want to work, meet friends or while away some time on your own, you'll receive a warm welcome here and no pressure to move on before you're ready.
In summary then, it's the perfect cafe. I only wish they'd open in the evenings, by candlelight, as a welcome alternative meeting spot to Richmond's rowdy pubs.]]> Wed, 14 May 2008 13:38:34 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1w7848618516368 Pebble cosy top food amazing brew quiet & relaxed 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1e08k8
Review by sue

Rating: 3.00
Tags: cosy, tea, good brew, cakes, quick bite
Spurred on by the other reviewers below, I finally returned to The Tea Box to see if I enjoyed the experience more this time round. Service was a little better this time - didn't have to wait as long for someone to take my order, though I did feel a bit ignored when I went up to the counter to pay.

I was impressed when I asked if they had any decaf tea and was told that as all of their teas are leaf teas, they could remove the caffeine from the tea of my choice! Sounds almost too good to be true, but I took their word for it.

Again, I liked the old-fashioned tea cup and the "Perfect Tea Timer". I tried the chocolate cake again, and unfortunately it was still pretty average. Would be nice if they improved the cake selection and prettied up the display.

After my second visit, I have decided that I do actually like The Tea Box, and will no doubt return. (My new rating would be 3.5 stars if the system allowed)
]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:52:10 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1e08k81734939131 sue cosy tea good brew cakes quick bite 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1a8838
Review by jembobs

Rating: 5.00
Tags: cosy, top food, amazing brew, quiet & relaxed, cultured
As one of the owners, I recall serving you. Being Richmondâ¬"s finest and most popular tea house since we opened in October last year, we have prided ourselves on customer service - as you can see by other comments on this site. We, therefore, apologise for your tea being served to the two ladies sharing your table; this was an error on our part which was quickly rectified.

Our staff are trained by the worldâ¬"s most reputable tea wholesalers and distributors - whose teas are used by some of the finest establishments, including Harrods and the Fat Duck restaurant. Each tea we serve is therefore carefully measured according to the leaf size and teapot used. You chose Mao Jian - a green tea with a pleasant light liquor competitively priced at £1.95 for three cups. If asked for a strong green tea, we would have recommended Keemun Mao Feng ⬠a deep and complex tea ⬠which you are welcome to try for free on your next visit. (As avid tea drinkers you are probably no doubt aware too that, similar to wine, a tea of the same name can vary according to the vintage and location from where it is grown.).

On the day in question there were four members of the team on duty, two in the kitchen ⬠in any restaurant this is considered normal. As you say, you were sat facing a busy counter where team members busy working behind it, rather than those on the tea house floor, rely on customers informing them they require attention from someone on the tea house floor.

We are sorry to hear that you somehow felt that we resented your choice to have simply tea as we have no policy during busy hours to restrict tables to those dining only, and have no time limit on Afternoon Teas which are served throughout the day (displaying our philosophy of providing what customers want when they want it). In respect of leaving the menu on the table, menus are often left with customers out of courteousy. It is extensive and overwhelming for some customers who often enjoy reading it at their leisure - one of the many reasons perhaps why people are prepared to queue for a table at The Tea Box.]]> Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:12:19 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1a883870553512 jembobs cosy top food amazing brew quiet & relaxed cultured 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/177848
Review by Twosweeties

Rating: 1.00
Tags: Never Again!
This was our first visit to the Tea Box in Richmond, Surrey.
We went in around 5pm on Sunday April 6, 2008.

After a great day, taking a Richmond history walking tour, then hiking about town, and having a marvelous late lunch:

I hate to judge a place by a first visit but....
In effect: The service was poor which is sometimes acceptable when it's busy(Hey, that's life).
But after a comedy of errors on their part: Forgot us; forgot us again;, clearly resented us for not ordering food in additon to our tea(insisted on leaving menus "in case we change our mind"); forgot us again, then served our pot to the wrong party; embarrassed them into accepting it anyway...,)
Our 1 pot of tea came out extremely weak, watery, (we already knew it was a mild tea, as we're avid green drinkers). Checking the pot, there was not nearly enough teas leaves in it. So instead of remedying the situation, and applying a little good customer relations, by tossing in, I estimate, 20-40 pence of tea leaves, the server (the 2nd one) basically got down by me, eye to eye and told me, we were wrong and smiled. He said "there were enough tea leaves,that it was only a mild tea" and left it at that. A very frustrating situation indeed. We tried again to drink, but it was awful. So we simply paid then left.

I have to say we tried to get their attention to come to our table throughout by eye contact, but had to resort to "waving someone down(quietly)" which I always hate to resort to. Our location in the restaurant? Front and center. Directly in front of the cashier, and in direct line with the front door. We could also view the kitchen door from there as well (it's not a large place). There were at least 4 workers there, with 2 or 3 in the kitchen most of the time.
Poor service on a busy day, (and sometimes even on a normal day), is excusable, but the attitude existing there is not!
There are several better choices for tea in Richmond, Surrey!



]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:38:10 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1778481350803785 Twosweeties Never Again! 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1r97t8
Review by joamzallag

Rating: 5.00
Tags: cosy, amazing brew, quiet & relaxed, quick bite
As a French person I love sitting around and watch the world go by. The Tea Box is a perfect place for that. It is different and has its own personality (not like all those chains!). On top of it I feel at home. You are always welcome with a smile and the tea does not only taste good but it looks beautiful. My tip: order a tea with flowers. If you are not sure, ask the team: they are great at recommending the most amazing teas!
This has become my favourite place to relax and have a break from a hectic life.]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:51:28 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1r97t8518326932 joamzallag cosy amazing brew quiet & relaxed quick bite 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1m66f7
Review by Liss

Rating: 4.00
Tags: cosy, amazing brew, quick bite
A friend and I met here for a sunday tea. When we arrived (about 12pm)the place was empty and I was a little concerned.... but by the time we left 2 hours later the place was packed and people were queing for seats! After looking at the menu I am not surprised as it is really set-up for morning and afternoon tea rather than lunch.

The tea menu is at least 4 pages long - rather daunting I found - so I randomly selected a flowering jasmine tea, which was rather nice.

When the tea arrived it came with a timer that told you when to stop brewing and start drinking for a weak, medium or strong tea! Quite a novelty.

I will definitely be returning to the Tea Box next time I am meeting someone for a hot drink, but if I am meeting someone for a bite to eat I will be going else where.]]> Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:34:20 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1m66f7191478011 Liss cosy amazing brew quick bite 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1l86v7
Review by paul_ratcliffe

Rating: 5.00
Tags: cosy, amazing brew, quiet & relaxed, quick bite
I've been to the Tea Box a number of times since it opened a few short months ago and it's quickly become my favourite place for a cuppa in Richmond. As you'll gather from Sue's review, yes there were a few teething troubles with the speed of service when they first opened but that all seems sorted out now. The atmosphere is laid back and a million miles away from the chain coffee shops that choke the high street, with real care and attention put into both the drinks and the food. The sandwiches and cakes are well made and tasty and with three pages of different teas on the menu to try out there are plenty of reasons to keep on coming back to this little gem. Check out the flowering teas for something a little unusual you're unlikely to see anywhere else.]]> Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:24:46 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1l86v71121824559 paul_ratcliffe cosy amazing brew quiet & relaxed quick bite 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1l8647
Review by Tibbz

Rating: 5.00
Tags: cosy, top food, quiet & relaxed
The Tea Box in Richmond is a really good place to go if you want a new, adventurous and top quality tasting cup of tea or a relaxed chat. It is very cosy and appeals to all ages. It is usually quite busy as it is very popular and the staff are extremely friendly. I am very happy that The Tea Box has opened up as I don't think there are enough places to have a good cup of tea in Richmond, at a good value for your money. As you walk in the door you are immediately greeted by a pungent aroma of flowering, herbal, black and green teas making it irresistable to sit down and grab yourself a cup of tea and a freshly made cake or scone. I would highly recommend The Tea Box for the next time you are in Richmond!]]> Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:25:49 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1l86472009870688 Tibbz cosy top food quiet & relaxed 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1j2608
Review by elijahs_fire

Rating: 5.00
Tags: cosy, proper food, amazing brew, quiet & relaxed, quick bite, lively, cultured
Just off the main streets, round the back of a church on Paradise Road, Richmond, is a perfect place for the tea lover.

Taking the old site of the 'Chocolate Cafe' (a place where I have heard many bad reports) now rests 'The Tea Box'. The style of this place is an interesting fusion of 1920-1940s tea room with a younger, hipper, and trendier 'Tea House' style. It combines styles from sleek black Japanese, paintings of Indian tea plantations, victoriana decor, and just a tad 'art deco'... and it strangely works! This synthesis of styles, blending the old with the new, puts the old tea lover (bingo players included) at ease as well as offering home to the new young aspirant or business person.

The place offers circa 37 different varieties of tea, a limited range of coffee (for those who are addicted, and aren't adventurous enough to try one of the teas!), soft drinks and juices, and even champagne, wine and beer! Along side the multitude of beverages there is plenty of choice of food to choose from, including things regular tea-room goers would recognise (the old carrot cake, tea cake, tea loaf.. etc) as well as things for lunch (sandwiches and salads) and things for an everyday treat (cream teas, afternoon teas and even high teas!!).

The place is modern enough to have an internet wi-fi connection, yet traditional enough to play an interesting array of classical music to 1940s style music! It is well worth visiting.
The staff are friendly and obliging, being able to ask easily any question on their selection of teas including recommendations and interesting quirks of the varieties supplied. If you like the tea you try, they do have retail of teh teas and tea regalia (such as teapots etc).


When I first discovered the Tea Box I spent several hours a day working on my laptop in a nice comfortable chair, being served tea (which is very reasonably priced at £1.95 per pot of tea for the more common teas, but goes up to £2.95 for some of the more exquisite teas that are well worth a try!). Every time I was there I was treated with kindness and diligence. The attention to detail was superb, including different styles of tea cups and pots for different teas, as well as advise to how long the teas are steeped.

I believe that customers should be aware that it is a tea HOUSE, serving some of the finest teas in the world (Heston Blumenthal uses the same teas in his restaurant!!!). It is also a tea room, meaning the service is with friendliness and kindness that you would expect from a local tea room.

The reviewer above, 'Sue', should be reminded that when reviewing it is best to review a business when it has actually taken off rather than within the first few weeks of opening for hte best service. Places find their feet; some find it within a few months, others take years (I know this from helping set up a few businesses!). I feel that since I've been going there (mid-late November) I have had no complaints, only praise.

Unfortunately, other people have caught onto my secret retreat in Richmond, and it can get slightly busy especially at the weekends. Though the staff try very hard to get you a seat, and if not will give an estimated time when a seat will be available, offer water and give you the menu to read through whilst you wait (which does take some reading!). I have also witnessed people having afternoon tea birthday parties in the place (three tiered plate stacks... very traditional!), and have takeaways.

A very affordable, yet sophisticated place which offers a 'home from home' without the washing up! perfect!]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:41:54 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1j2608546243697 elijahs_fire cosy proper food amazing brew quiet & relaxed quick bite lively cultured 51.45995 -0.303274 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1j15a8
Review by RobTJ

Rating: 5.00
Tags: cosy, amazing brew, crowded, quick bite, cultured
My wife and I used to walk past the Chocolate Cafe after it closed and wonder what would take it's place, after all, it's off the beaten track of the usual place for a bar or cafe to be located in Richmond.

Regardless of it's location we were pleasantly surprised with the news that The Tea Box would soon be opening and as soon as the doors opened we took a look in. The first impression is that of an old tea room in 1930's England, or even 1930's India - with a more modern chill out type of music playing in the background - sounds strange but it works.

The place was packed out when we arrived. There were at least 4 members of staff busy taking orders and ringing the till - however none of it was with a hint of panic or rush, just like the waiter who came to take our order after we were lucky enough to get a table. He was welcoming, patient, realising that we were first time customers, gave us time to ask questions as to the types of tea available - and believe me there's a lot to choose from - we ordered some Earl Grey and a strong Lapsong Seuchong Chinese leaf. The china the tea was brought in was quaint and made you feel like you should appreciate the contents a little more than the cardboard coffee cups you throw away on your way into work.

We chose some sandwiches from a good menu and they too were well presented and filling.

The customer service is the thing that stands out in this place. The patience and the attention to customer satisfaction is great. My wife is pregnant at the moment so she doesn't want to eat soft cheese, something which is on the menu in plenty. We explained this to the waiter who suggested some harder cheeses and then said that he would get some in for us! The second time we phoned to ask what time they were closing on a Sunday evening and I was asked, "What time were you thinking of coming around" ? They said that they were still finding their feet in terms of opening times to suit the local customers! I think that that type of customer service is excellent.

I recommend this place to anyone who's looking at an alternative to the every town Coffee houses that are in every high street in the country. Go along for a change and for some excellent customer service.]]> Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:56:28 +0000 /review/uk/richmond-upon-thames/cafe/1c84e8u/the-tea-box/1j15a81620929908 RobTJ cosy amazing brew crowded quick bite cultured 51.45995 -0.303274