A nice cuppa..

Do you need a break from all your excessive Christmas shopping? Then how about snugling up with a nice cuppa in the city.

I've never quite gotten the hang of coffee, though several of my friends have attempted to introduce me to the black magic of espresso and latté. I've always been more in favour of tea. So I'd like to share with you some of my favorite tea places here in Copenhagen and around the world.

My absolute favorite place to get a varm cuppa is at Living Room in Larsbjørnsstræde. The cafe changed is name last year from Robert's Coffee, but much else has stayed the same, including the large, cozy fireplace downstairs, and it's snug Maroccan-inspired lounge. The menu features several organic choices, from teas and coffee to sandwiches and candy. They also serve pastries from Emmery's. Besides a tight, but excellent, selection of teas, the Living Room offers a range of fresh smoothies and milkshakes, which are amazing.

The interior of the cafe oozes coziness. You walk through the double glass doors and before you are two staircases, one leading up to the cash register and bar, the other leading to the seating arrangments downstairs, including the big fireplace and Maroccan room. A mix of retro and 70's furniture, along with old lamps, candles and lanterns, make you feel at home instantly and want to snuggle up in one of the big comfy chairs or couches. (Photo by Scanpix from aok.dk)

You might also enjoy a royal cup at A.C. Perch's Tea Room in Kronprinssegade, which specialises in supplying Copenhaganites (and the royal court) with exquisite, quiality tea. This family owned tea shop is one of the oldest in the city and dates back to 1835, when Niels Brock Perch (named after his father's friend Niels Brock) opned his shop. In 2006, Perch opened it's first franchise in Tokyo, Japan.

Perch offers single cups of tea (I'd like to sample the Chai Classic) or a full afternoon tea ensenble, complete with sanwiches, scones, clotted cream, lemon curd and cakes. Check out their menu for more information. (Photo by danesito at aok.dk)

Or perhaps you are looking for a more zen-like cuppa? Then head down to Sing Tea House in Skindergade, where you can enjoy encellent tea, smoothies and sanwiches. You might also want to sign for a Japanese tea ceremony or tea tasting session, if you have time. In summer, visit Sing's Chinese House in Frederiksberg Garden.

On my to-do list is also Cafe a la Menthe in Rådhusstræde and Taste in Store Kongensgade (you want to visit this place not so much because of their tea, but because of their gorgeous cakes!)


My absolute favorite tea place is tea right next to St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Located next to the cathedral, tea offers a wide range of award-winning teas. My personal favorite is their Immunitea, made from white tea. Try the afternoon tea - scones with clotted cream and rasberry jam along with your choice of tea. Enjoy inside the cozy cafe or sit outside at one of the tables. If you can't make to London in the near future, fear not - tea just opened an online shop and ships to pretty everywhere.