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The Tea Guild Awards - what do they mean?

THE TOP TEA PLACE AWARD

This is recognised as the Oscar of the tea world and is an annual award presented in spring by The Tea Guild to the tea venue (Tea Room or Hotel) outside London,  that scored the highest marks allocated by The Tea Guild’s “secret” tea Inspectors.  Tea Guild Inspectors, who are all experts in tea and how to brew and serve it, anonymously visit each Tea Guild member, usually, at least twice during the competition judging period (from end July to end October) and check out that our very strict criteria is being maintained in the 16 categories that are judged.  These 16 categories include; hygiene and cleanliness, décor, staff attitude, efficiency of service, and include 8  tea service categories such as tea appearance, flavour and knowledge of tea.

The Inspectors report back on what the venue was perhaps outstandingly good at and also where they consider improvements could be made.

Winning this prestigious award is extremely competitive and the winner is presented with a specially commissioned and quite unique stained glass window from the artist, Lou Spencer.  Winners proudly display the window in their tea room.

TOP LONDON AFTERNOON TEA AWARD

This is the premier award of the London tea world and is also presented in the spring of each year to the London Tea Room or Hotel that scored the highest marks allocated by The Tea Guild’s “anonymous” tea Inspectors.  As before, Tea Guild Inspectors, who are all experts in tea and how to brew and serve it, secretly visit each Tea Guild member during the competition judging period (from end October to end January) and check out that our very strict criteria is being maintained in the 16 categories that are judged.  These 16 categories include; hygiene and cleanliness, décor, staff attitude, efficiency of service, and include 8 tea service categories such as tea appearance, flavour and knowledge of tea.

The Inspectors report back on what the venue was particularly good at and also, if necessary,  where they consider improvements could be made.

Winning this prestigious award is, as you can imagine, extremely competitive and the winner is presented with a specially commissioned and quite unique glass vase from the renowned artist, Adam Aronson of Aronson Noon Ltd.  Winners proudly display this beautiful vase in their tea room.

THE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

As the standards that Tea Guild members offer their customers have risen ever higher it was decided a few years ago to recognise those members who achieved almost top marks in the Top Tea Place and Top London Afternoon Tea competitions.  These members receive a certificate of excellence printed in gold foil and beautifully framed which they display proudly and prominently in their establishment.

It is important to recognise that EVERY Tea Guild member, whether they be the largest hotel or the tiniest village tea room, is judged by the same strict criteria and that it is thereby perfectly possible for any member to win either the Top Tea Place or Top London Afternoon Tea Award.

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