Tea orchestrates the mind and relieves exhaustion. It awakens thought and restores the body. Here in a cosy street in Reading, glass teacups filled with zesty tea rest beside a fine-looking display of scones and sweet treats. There you’ll see ladies taking a break from their stress of the week to sink into snug pillows and sip warm tea as the sounds of tender music humming in the background set the tone to unwind and the multitudes of flowers dotted all over the place create quite an uplifting sight for the eyes. This is the place to relish a delightful afternoon tea experience, this is the majestical 7 Flowers and Tea.

7 Flowers and Tea is an independently run tearoom and florist located in Central Reading. It is a floral haven and the ideal spot to unwind and experience an afternoon tea in a vibrant interior overflowing with a garden-fresh floral aroma. Alongside tasty cakes, tarts and fine tea, the tearoom doubles up as a chic florist offering personalised bouquets, gifts, and boxes. Their exciting menu also changes every few weeks to keep things seasonal and there is something for every taste including vegetarian and vegan options.

The establishment opened in late 2018 and offers guests delicious teas that can’t be found traditionally in the UK which is something they’re extremely proud of. Though there a plenty of teas within people’s comfort zones, guests are encouraged to try something different, fun, and flavourful. The name 7 Flowers and Tea comes from the owner of the tearoom, Qiqi Liu, whose first name means ‘seven’ in Chinese. She turned her passion for flowers and tea into this sophisticated and cosy tearoom and florist, offering elegant and aromatic blooms for any occasion and a pot of premium brew for the tea-lovers.

Sitting down on the comfortable plush pillows, one could never get bored here as wherever eyes drift, there’s greenery and flowers, it’s like sitting in nature. In front of me, there’s a glass cabinet with plants and saplings in beautiful vases and on the right of it more of the place’s products such as their plant pots, baskets, and ornaments. The showcasing of these pretty adornments makes it quite tempting to go over and pick something to purchase for some new home décor.

Upon reading the menu, I was in awe of the extensive list of what sounded like fabulous teas, most of which I hadn’t heard of let alone tried before. Everything was teeming with flavour from the refreshing fine teas to the sweet milk teas, the choices were endless. I opted for the Flowering Rose and Marigold which was a blend of Maofeng Green Tea, Peach flavouring, Rose and Marigold, a thrilling melange I was excited to try.

The tea came with a small pot of honey on the side and a convenient little sand timer, indicating when the drink was ready to devour. One sip and eyebrows were raised (in a good way of course). An array of flavours hit; the luscious smooth taste of the peach followed by the sweetness of the honey was welcoming and there was a zesty hint as well, all bouncing off one another, it was faultless.

What’s more, the aroma of the tea and the scent of flowers in the tearoom create a sense of tranquillity, they strangely fuse well together, its gentle on the nose and crafts up this utopian setting perfect for the quintessentially British afternoon tea experience. Of course, the afternoon tea adventure is unquestionably incomplete without warm scones and the strawberry jam and clotted cream. Mine were delicious, the scone was toasted to perfection and tasted divine.

The yearning for something sweet can truly be satisfied here as guests at 7 Flowers and Tea are able to indulge in an exquisite selection of cakes and delectable, sweet treats. The menu displays tangy delights such as the silky Lemon Tart and the Baked Crème Brulee Cheesecake Tart, these pair exceptionally well with the fine teas or even the lattes and coffees. For the vegan visitors there is the vegan Carrot Cake and the Mini Mocha Loaf Cake. And of course, a warm scone with jam and cream is also available, this being the pinnacle of the luxury afternoon tea experience.

When it comes to the charming flowers, every bouquet, box, and gift is designed and created by hand in store and much like the teas and nibbles, the choices are lavish. There are red roses and seasonal flower bouquets, all hand tied of course and for something a little daintier, the floral baskets and boxes are a vivacious treat for yourself or someone special. There’s also plenty of home décor such as tableware, vases, luxury candles and beautiful preserved roses in Bell Jars.

And for those who wish to learn the art of flower arranging, 7 Flowers and Tea run two-hour long workshops for beginners to come in and have a go at customising and arranging their own flowers. Refreshments from their glamorous menu will be served and guests are encouraged to take home everything they make.

7 Flowers and Tea is the place to be for an unforgettable and elegant afternoon tea delicacy. It’s the place to experience both tradition but also something a little extraordinary. It’s where one can escape everyday life with some golden-crusted scones and piping hot tea and, conveniently, a place to pick up a bouquet of darling flowers for a loved one or a special occasion. Whatever you’re here for, the dazzling selection of fine teas and sweet treats makes for the ultimate sophisticated and luxurious treat.