Background

Twinings Flagship Store at 216 Strand, London

Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.

4.6

Established in 1706, Twinings at 216 Strand is the world's oldest tea shop, offering a rich history and a premium tea experience. This iconic London shop features a historic façade with a golden lion and Chinese figures, symbolizing its heritage. Visitors can explore a wide range of teas, enjoy a premium loose leaf sampling bar, and visit the adjacent museum detailing over 300 years of Twinings' legacy.

A brief summary to Twinings - The Strand

  • 216 Strand, London, Temple, WC2R 1AP, GB
  • +442073533511
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 11 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the premium loose leaf tea sampling bar to taste exclusive blends and ask Brand Ambassadors for personalized recommendations.
  • Explore the adjacent Twinings Museum to learn about the company’s rich history and its role in British tea culture.
  • Look for the iconic golden lion and Chinese figures above the entrance, symbols of the shop’s heritage and tea’s origins.
  • Consider booking a tea masterclass, available in-person at the store or online, for a deeper immersive tea experience.
widget icon

Twinings - The Strand location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

Unlock the Best of Twinings - The Strand

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Twinings - The Strand

Origins of a Tea Legacy

The Twinings Flagship Store at 216 Strand in London traces its origins back to 1706 when Thomas Twining purchased Tom’s Coffee House. At a time when coffee houses were popular male social hubs, Twining innovatively introduced dry tea sales, allowing women to purchase tea indirectly—a significant social shift. By 1717, Twining had expanded into adjacent properties, establishing what is considered the world's first dry tea and coffee shop. This pioneering move allowed Twinings to become synonymous with tea culture in Britain.

Architectural and Symbolic Heritage

The shop’s entrance, commissioned in 1787 by Richard Twining, Thomas’s grandson, is a striking neoclassical design featuring a golden lion and two Chinese figures. The golden lion, a nod to the original 'Golden Lyon' coffee house, lies down as a mark of respect to the founder. The Chinese figures symbolize tea’s origins, linking the store’s British heritage to its Eastern roots. This entrance remains a historic landmark on the Strand, standing opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.

A Living Museum and Tea Experience

Inside the compact but atmospheric shop, visitors can explore a small museum dedicated to Twinings’ history, including artefacts and the company’s Royal Warrant granted by Queen Victoria. The store also features a premium loose leaf tea sampling bar, where guests can taste a curated selection of teas and infusions, guided by expert Brand Ambassadors. This interactive experience invites visitors to discover new flavours and deepen their appreciation of tea.

Evolution and Enduring Influence

Twinings grew from a local coffeehouse to a global tea empire, exporting to America as early as the mid-18th century. The company weathered historical challenges, including the Boston Tea Party and high taxation on tea, which was eventually reduced, cementing tea as Britain’s national drink. Today, Twinings remains a symbol of British tea culture, continuing to innovate while honouring its rich heritage at the Strand location.

Shopping and Souvenirs

The flagship store offers an extensive range of Twinings teas, including exclusive blends not found elsewhere, alongside tea accessories and gift items. Beautifully packaged teas, including commemorative tins like The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Blend, make for treasured souvenirs. The shop’s intimate setting and historic ambiance provide a unique shopping experience for tea lovers and visitors alike.

Location and Atmosphere

Nestled in the bustling Temple area of London, the Twinings shop is a tranquil oasis steeped in history amid the city’s vibrant energy. Its heritage and sensory offerings create a timeless atmosphere where visitors can pause, sample, and immerse themselves in over three centuries of tea tradition.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Twinings - The Strand

Popular Hotels near Twinings - The Strand

Select Currency