Origin and Expansion
A teahouse, also known as a tearoom, is an establishment serving tea and light refreshments such as tea sandwiches, pastries, and other light fare. Tearooms often serve as centers of social interaction. In Britain, with less space available for gardens, tearooms became popular city establishments. Glasgow and London were pioneers in this space, led by Catherine Cranston and the Aerated Bread Company respectively. Similarly, in rural areas, farmers’ wives provided tea and baked goods to travelers.
Varieties of Tearooms
Besides the classic Victorian-style tearooms offering English tea and sweets, there is a diversity of tearoom styles. This includes zen tea rooms featuring Chinese tea, modern rooms providing blended teas, and combinations such as tea-bakeries.
Global Influence
The tearoom culture has become particularly prominent in the Czech Republic since 1989, boasting over 400 tearooms and holding the title for the largest per capita concentration of tearooms in Europe.
Traditional Tearooms in Asia
In Japan and China, tearooms are an integral part of the tea culture. They are often small, enclosed spaces situated in dedicated houses designed for conducting tea ceremonies and hosting special guests.