Japanese tea culture is growing in the UK, with hundreds of new Japanese businesses opening up every day in the country. From traditional Japanese tea houses to specialist cafes, even Japanese takeaways, there are so many options to choose from. This has only been a recent trend in the UK however, and Japanese tea houses have only appeared in the last two decades. This is being driven by the increased popularity of Japanese teas worldwide. So, in this article, we will go into 15 of the best Japanese tea houses, cafes and restaurants that you can visit in the UK.
Table of Contents
NO.1 Ippuku Tea House
This Japanese tea house in the city of York, in the UK, focuses on traditional and modern Japanese cuisine such as Okonomiyaki or Omurice, served alongside a variety of Japanese green teas and other beverages.
They also offer vegan and gluten-free options, and set menus, in order to give you the authentic Japanese Tea House experience. As well as that, they regularly hold language exchanges and special nights, such as Sake tasting nights or nights focusing on a particular area of Japanese food and culture.
Name: Ippuku Tea House
Open hours: Mon to Fri:11:30 am – 9 pm; Sat: 10 am – 9 pm; Sun:10 am – 6 pmAddress: 15 Blake St, York YO1 8QJ, UK
Website：https://www.ippukuteahouse.com/
NO.2 Cha-ology
This Japanese tea house is small and personal, and you have to book in order to enjoy their range of handmade Japanese sweets and handpicked special Japanese teas.
Inside, the Japanese tea house is minimal and understated, putting all the focus on their outstanding food and drink. You won’t find another Japanese tea house in the UK that focuses so much on the quality and presentation of their tea.
They also sell some of their products online, and even host workshops which focus on individual types of tea, such as matcha and hojicha.
Name: Cha-ology
Open hours: Wed to Sat: 2 pm – 7 pm; Sun to Tue: Closed
Address: Unit 3B Nuovo Great Ancoats Street Manchester UK
Website：https://www.cha-ology.com/
NO.3 Katsute 100
A well-established Japanese tea house in London that sources their teas from smaller artisan suppliers that are not widely available around the UK. These are specialised teas that are brewed to perfection.
As well as tea, they also serve a selection of Japanese inspired cakes and desserts, alongside sandwiches that are bursting with filling. They also serve and sell bottles of premium sake, and Japanese tea sets and tableware.
They also put on regular events and pop-ups around the UK capital, in order to educate the UK population about the wonders of Japanese teas, food and culture.
Name: Katsute 100
Open hours: Mon to Sun: 11 am – 9 pm
Address: 100 Islington High Street London N1 8EG UK
Website：https://www.katsute100.com/
NO.4 Teanamu Chaya Teahouse
Another great Japanese tea house in London, the UK’s capital, that also is accessed by reservation only. It also is one of the only Japanese tea houses in the UK that offers afternoon tea that is inspired and influenced by Japanese favours.
They also have a tea shop on site, offering a wide variety of quality Japanese teas and tea sets. Plus, they do something totally unique, combining the practice of meditation with brewing, serving and drinking tea with close friends and neighbours.
On top of all of this great stuff, this Japanese tea house also offers masterclasses in tea and making tea, so you can learn all facets of Japanese tea, but here in the UK.
Name: Teanamu Chaya Teahouse
Open hours: Sat and Sun: 12 -6 pm; Mon to Fri: Closed
Address: 4 Melina Road Shepherd’s Bush London W12 9HZ UK
Website：http://www.teanamu.com/teahouse/
NO.5 The Tea House
With its deceptive name, you may think this is another Japanese tea house in the UK capital, but it is actually a tea shop that specialises in Japanese tea and tea equipment. Many of the teas are loose leaf versions, and also include herbal and fruit blends.
It is a family run business, and since 1982 they have been helping customers find their perfect blends of tea. They also sell Japanese teapots and other gifts relating to tea, so you can authentically brew lovely cups of tea at home.
They have over 200 teas available, and with these, they offer brewing and storing advice, so you can be confident that you can get the perfect cup of tea for you.
Name: The Tea House
Open hours: Sun: 11 am – 7 pm; Mon to Wed: 10 am – 7 pm; Thurs to Sat: 10 am – 8 pm
Address: 15 Neal Street Covent Garden London WC2H 9PU UK
Website：https://www.theteahouseltd.com/
NO.6 Panko
Panko is a small Japanese restaurant and takeaway located in Glasgow, that also offers Japanese tea. It may not be a Japanese tea house, but this little spot of Japan in the UK offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese food, served for the masses.
They also offer vegetarian and vegan options and is open early for if you need a matcha to wake you up in the dull Scottish mornings. Food offered includes gyoza, Japanese curry, and more.
This establishment is affordable, with prices for food coming in at around £3 to around £7 depending on the dish you choose. It has only been open for a couple of years, but it has grown to be a popular destination for Glaswegians.
Name: Panko
Open hours: Mon to Fri: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm; Sat and Sun: Closed
Address: 9 Bothwell Street Glasgow G2 6NL UK
Website：https://www.facebook.com/pankoglasgow/
NO.7 Pekoetea
Another Japanese tea shop, rather than a Japanese tea house is Pekoetea in Edinburgh, in the UK. They offer a wide range of loose leaf, powdered, and bagged teas that are sourced from Japan.
As well as tea, they sell Japanese tea sets, cups and teapots that are beautifully made and designed. Kyusu, special Japanese teapots, are also sold here, at affordable prices.
It is open all throughout the week, so you can grab your matcha or sencha fix all week and year round. It does have a small cafe area, but options are limited, so make sure to check before you go to see what teas are available.
Name: Pekoetea
Open hours: Sun: 12 pm -5 pm; Mon to Sat: 10 am – 6 pm
Address: 20 Leven Street Edinburgh EH3 9LJ UK
Website：https://www.pekoetea.co.uk/
NO.8 Senbon Sakura Cafe & Japanese Kitchen
This cafe and restaurant also offer takeaway, as well as Japanese tea that has been exported to the UK. As it is not a Japanese tea house, the focus is not solely on the tea, but on the food as well, which is always freshly made to order.
They also have gluten-free options, and sell premium sake in the cafe shop that is on site. Valuing their customers is of the utmost priority for this company, so you know that you are going to be treated well when you visit.
Speciality sushi rolls are offered every day, with a different kind available each day. If it’s your birthday, they can make you a sushi ‘cake’ that is totally unique and special for you.
Name: Senbon Sakura
Open hours: Sun: Closed; Mon to Fri: 11 am – 10 pm; Sat: 5 pm – 10 pm
Address: 71 Great George Street Leeds LS1 3BR UK
Website：https://www.facebook.com/senbonsakurauk/
NO.9 Oishii
Oishii is the first Japanese restaurant in the South Lanarkshire region of the UK and uses only the freshest ingredients for it’s Japanese inspired cuisine. It has an extensive menu that also includes some types of Japanese tea and other Japanese drinks, as well as sushi, and other food products that you wouldn’t normally find in a Japanese tea house.
The chefs have over 20 years of experience in Japanese cuisine and culture and can bring a little taste of Japan into your living room through their takeaway delivery service. They have speciality dishes that include a Volcano roll that has some fascinating spices involved in its creation.
Name: Oishii Japanese Restaurant
Open hours: Sun: 3:30 pm – 10 pm; Mon Closed; Tues to Thursday: 12 – 2 pm, 4:30 – 10:30 pm; Fri and Sat: 12 – 2 pm, 4:30 – 11 pm
Address: 8 – 10 Hunter Street, East Kilbride G74 4LZ,UK
Website：http://oiishi.co.uk/
NO.10 Etsu
This Japanese restaurant has over 70 years of Japanese culinary experience under its belt, so you can get truly authentic Japanese food and drink in the UK. Japanese dishes such as Ten-Don and Karaage are given a more upscale look and feel, within gorgeously detailed surroundings.
It is also a more personal experience, as the restaurant only has room for up to 48 people at any one given time. So, the waiters will be able to focus more attention on you as you adventure through the exciting realm of Japanese cuisine.
Name: Etsu
Open hours: Mon Closed; Tues and Thurs 12 – 2:30 pm, 5 – 9 pm; Wed 5 – 9 pm; Fri 12 – 2 pm, 5 – 10 pm; Sat 5 – 10 pm; Sun 4 – 9 pm
Address: 25 The Strand Liverpool L2 0XJ UK
Website：http://www.etsu-restaurant.co.uk/
NO.11 Shijo
Shiijo is a small cafe and takeaway place, found in Newcastle in the UK. It specialises in its Japanese curries and again, although not a Japanese tea house, it also offers some types of Japanese tea in their takeaway cups and with sit-in meals.
It’s katsu curries have become very popular, and so the cafe has been voted one of Newcastle’s best spots to visit for a cheap but tasty lunch. It’s great value, and it’s fast and friendly service means that you will leave smiling from ear to ear. Why not pop in and have a warming bowl of ramen noodles and gorgeous broth?
Name: Shijo
Open hours: Sun 12 – 5 pm; Sat 11 am – 6 pm; Mon to Fri 9 am – 7 pm
Address: Unit 4, Haymarket Hub Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7PF ,UK
Website：https://www.facebook.com/ShiJoCafe/
NO.12 Mount Fuji
A Japanese tea house and bento restaurant, this little gem in the middle of the UK offers exquisite Japanese food in the centre of Birmingham. Their green tea cafe uses green tea sourced directly from the foothills of Mount Fuji itself.
They offer food such as bento boxes and several types of sushi to keep you satiated while you enjoy a refreshing, hot cup of Japanese green tea. As well as green tea, they also serve other types of Japanese tea, and some other dishes too, such as takoyaki and gyoza. Their miso soup is light and full of flavour, and because the cafe is found in the Bullring, you can enjoy authentic Japanese food whilst you shop!
Name: Mount Fuji
Open hours: Mon to Sat 11:30 am – 10 pm; Sun 11:30 am – 9 pm
Address: 1 Spiceal St, Birmingham B5 4BH, UK
Website：http://www.mountfuji.co.uk/birmingham/
NO.13 Momo Japanese Restaurant
Situated in a London hotel, this stylish and sophisticated restaurant prides itself on quality food and drink. They have daily specials, and a wide range of dishes for you to try, as well as teas that you would normally find at a Japanese tea house.
The restaurant helps you to experience a genuine Japanese dining experience, and the presentation is perfect down to the very last detail. You won’t find Japanese food like this anywhere else in the UK. They even have a traditional Japanese garden that surrounds it, and an outdoor seating area for you to enjoy it – when the weather is sunny!
Name: Momo Japanese Restaurant
Open hours: Sun Closed; Mon to Sat 12 pm – 2:30 pm, 6 pm – 10:30 pm
Address: 55 Hanger Ln, London W5 3HL, UK
Website：https://hotel55-london.com/ealing-japanese-restaurant/
NO.14 Harajuku Kitchen
The Harajuku Kitchen, in the far north of the UK (Scotland), provides a unique and adventurous tasting experience of Japanese cooking and drink. Whilst not a Japanese tea house, the restaurant also serves a wide array of Japanese drinks, including some types of tea.
It’s a popular spot, especially for Japanese and other asian people living in the capital city of Scotland. A home away from home, the authentic cooking here focuses on natural flavours and respecting the ingredients.
It also offers a flavour of Japan for the locals of the city, who are bored with the usual restaurant fare. The menu includes traditional dishes and more modern ones, including tempura, and udon noodles.
Name: Harajuku Kitchen
Open hours: Mon to Fri: 12 pm – 3 pm, 5 pm – 10 pm; Sat: 12 pm – 10 pm; Sun: 12 pm – 4 pm, 5 pm – 9 pm
Address: 10 Gillespie Pl Edinburgh EH10 4HS UK
Website：https://harajukukitchen.co.uk/
NO.15 Noa
If you visit Noa in Bristol, you may get some sushi samples to try! The service is impeccable in this establishment and they offer Japanese tea house style tea too! All of their ingredients are sourced directly from Japan, so you know the experience will be an authentic one.
They offer this gorgeous food at reasonable prices, and their set menu is very popular. The interior is similar to sushi bars and restaurants that you would find in Japan, so it’s a definite Japanese experience to try in the UK!
They recently revamped the whole restaurant, so that they can offer you an even better experience, and have also improved their menu, which includes lots of tasty Japanese treats.
Name: Noa
Open hours: Mon to Sat 12 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 10:30 pm; Sun 6 pm – 10:30 pm
Address: 12-13 Waterloo St, England, Bristol BS8 4DS, UK
Website：http://www.discoverclifton.co.uk/business/noa/
So as you can see, there are so many options all over the UK for Japanese tea houses, cafes, restaurants and takeaways, in order to try out all the different Japanese teas available, as well as some authentic food. Some will be more traditional than others, and also offer authentic Japanese tea house experiences, whilst some will only serve the teas alongside food or other drink that you are consuming.
Look around your local UK city to see what is on offer, and if you can’t get the experience outside of the house, you can always buy a Japanese tea set and some tea leaves to create the experience at home.
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