Richmond Tea Rooms is just what the Gay Village needed

Canal Street has been overrun by hen-dos and there are tons of bars concentrated into one area. But if you want to have a yummy cocktail in quirky surroundings, then this spot is a great escape from the hum drum of the surrounding nightlife.

You could easily walk past the Tea Rooms on Richmond Street in the Gay Village, but don’t. Inside you’ll find a quirky little parlour serving up a range of teas, and as day gives way to night, slip into the Lodge bar through the back where you can relax on comfy sofas and sip moreish cocktails.

The first thing you see when you walk up the stairs and enter is a glass cabinet displaying cakes, tarts and a whole host of sweet treats. Look around and you start to notice the twee, Alice in Wonderland inspired parlour. With its kitsch furniture and regal chairs, it’s a feast for the senses. And even on a late mid-week night it was full of tea-drinkers enjoying a brew and cake.

The Lodge, in contrast to the parlour, is a dark, oaky, sumptuous affair where you can while away the hours with cocktails in front of the fire. With its heavy, dark furniture, antler lightshades and jazz music, it’s reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy. 

The cocktail list is extensive and at just £6.50 for a handmade creation, they’re a bargain. You can choose from classic cocktails like a Cosmopolitan or Long Island Iced Tea, or the more creative Breakfast Martini or Berry Bramble, which came adorned with fresh blueberries. For a Christmassy drink, try the Amaretto Sour which the mixologist combined with just the right amount of the almond liquor and sours.

With the clocks going back and the cold weather setting in, Richmond Tea Rooms is the perfect place to get cosy. They’re offering Confidential readers 2-4-1 cocktails in the Lodge until Thursday 31st October, so take advantage and get down there, click here for more information.