Tea time again

Remember I mentioned the Sikkim tea at Kim's Coffee House in Saffron Walden? What do you mean, no?!

I love this tea and I have sampled it several times when I have visited the coffee house. On our last visit we picked up a leaflet which gave some information about the supplier, the Kent Tea and Trading Company. We visited their website and were pleased to find that we could order the tea to be delivered to our very home, for enjoyment in our own little mugs and everything!

It's delicious - a second flush, so quite a lot of fruitiness and moisture, but with the distinctive Darjeeling edge. I always want to describe that as 'tobacco taste', no matter how unappetising it sounds.

Anyway, if you like your Himalayan silver tip teas, I'd recommend it. So, some good things do come out of Kent, then!

Tea is better than coffee

In the world of tea rooms, an honourable mention must go to Kim's Coffee House in Saffron Walden.

Firstly, it has the most amazing selection of tea, all loose leaf. It's served in great teapots which don't lose the heat immediately and is of a great quality. Ask to see the 'full' tea list and try the Sikkim - somewhere between an Assam and a Darjeeling.

Secondly, the food is pretty good. One expects a nice selection of cakes from a tea room, but this cafe serves a good range of sandwiches, salads, breakfast options and homemade cakes. I had a delicious open bagel with mounds of smoked salmon, presented with a huge lemon wedge and some black pepper.

Thirdly, it's in a good location and has a nice garden at the back.

My only complaint is that it isn't open on Sundays!