Tea in London Tours
I’ve always been inspired by people who one day decide to shed their old skin and try something completely new and different (and even scary.) Many people spend their lives doing exactly what is expected from them (or so they believe) instead of what they really dream to do. Sometimes following that passion means venturing out on their own and taking a risk, like starting their own business. This is one of the reasons why I admire Denise from Uniquely Tea. It’s not just because her passion includes two of my favorite things, London and tea, but because she had an “a ha” moment and chose not to ignore it. At a time when one might seek security, she dug deep and found the courage to take life by the horns and show it who’s boss.
Denise will be a guest blogger here in the future, so be sure to look for her post about life with an Englishman. In the meantime, she was kind enough to take time from her busy life to answer questions about her business, Tea in London Tours, which I think is a brilliant concept.
1. Describe Tea in London Tours.
Tea in London is an intimate, small-group tea-themed tour from the US to London. Accommodation is a charming hotel in Bloomsbury. All transport is via private, comfortable air-conditioned coach accompanied by a friendly London Blue Badge Guide. Afternoon Tea at traditional, non-traditional and very unique venues is enjoyed on every day of the tour, with the remainder of the itinerary consisting of (among other things) walks, museum and art gallery tours, and journeys to gardens and ancestral homes ~ all in one way or another deeply rooted in tea and tea history, especially from a British influence. Opportunities for shopping are always built-in, as well as a free day to privately experience London on your own or with your spouse/traveling partner.
2. When did you start your business and why?
Four years ago, following a routine mammogram, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Surgery and radiation followed immediately, and today I am cancer free.
Throughout those soul-searching months of recovery, my illness forced upon me a new perspective on many things…life, relationships, what matters and what doesn’t matter. I was given a second chance and was reminded that it was time to dust off my dreams and goals and aspirations that had been neglected for far too long.
I thought about my passions and how I wanted to pursue them. I realized that London’s rich tea history was being virtually neglected by the travel industry, and so I started Tea in London tours – the perfect combination of my love for tea, travel and London.
3. What makes you specialized in providing these tours?
I love tea! I have been a tea enthusiast and tea educator for many years. I simply cannot get enough information about tea, tea history, tea cultures, etc. I love London! As an Anglophile I have always had a love affair with England, and when I married a Brit and moved to London, I spent several years seeking out every tea experience there possible. I also love travel, and am a graduate of The Travel Institute’s London Destination Specialist course.
4. Which is your favorite place to take tea in Britain?
For me, the ultimate tea experience is at The Ritz London, but I enjoy small, village tearooms just as much ~ especially in Devon or Cornwall where all that wonderful fresh, local clotted cream is offered.
5. Do you think the popularity of tea in Britain is waning since the introduction of coffee bars like Starbucks?
Until I lived in England, I believed that every Briton drank only tea! It came as quite a surprise to me that most people there drink both coffee and tea. But the everyday British cuppa will never disappear. It is a fact of British life, like breathing.
6. Is tea drinking a habit of older generations in Britain or is it still going strong with youth?
While the older generation are indeed devoted tea drinkers, a cup of tea is still a very much accepted beverage amongst the young. It is interesting to see tea companies targeting youth by advertising the many positive qualities of tea such as its health benefits. Afternoon Tea, by the way, has really become fashionable with young professionals like singers, musicians, actresses, designers, etc., serving as a catalyst for its resurgence amongst the younger generation.
7. How has the downturn in the economy effected your business if at all? What are the obstacles you face ie, higher airfares, etc.?
The major obstacle for any foreign tour is the exchange rate and that is the one that effects us the most. Fortunately, the dollar is slowly strengthening and our rates reflect the same. We previously bundled domestic/international airfare into our tour cost but discovered that travelers much preferred to search out deals on the Internet or use personal air miles, therefore, airfare is no longer included.
8. When is your next available tour and can you give a short synopsis of the itinerary?
The next Tea in London tour is scheduled for September 13-18, 2010 and will include sightseeing, a day trip to Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire, private pictorial tea tour of The National Portrait Gallery, private 400 tea history walk, private tea tour of the Victoria & Albert Museum, shopping, a free day, and Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason, Woburn Abbey, Ritz London ~ and a mystery location! There is also an option to take the UK Tea Council’s 1-day Tea Masterclass.
9. What is your idea of the perfect cup of tea?
An excellent quality loose leaf China black tea perfectly brewed in a Brown Betty teapot and served in a beautiful floral antique bone china teacup ~ somewhere in London, of course. 
I think there are many interesting places in London where you can drink tea. Regards from London Hotels
Comment by Susan — January 11, 2011 @ 10:08 pm