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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 Aranson of Aranson 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 continue to rise 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  awards, known as The Awards of Excellence, are considered to be the “Michelin Stars” of the tea world and 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, Top London Afternoon Tea or The Top City & Country Hotel Award.

TOP CITY & COUNTRY HOTEL TEA AWARD

This year, owing to an increasing number of Tea Guild members falling into this category of membership, we decided to recognize their commitment to offering their guests excellence in their Tea and Afternoon Tea service by introducing a NEW AWARD; “The Tea Guild’s Top City & Country Hotel Tea Award”.

This Award, considered to be highest accolade that City and Country Hotels can achieve in the Tea world, will also be presented in the spring of each year and the same strict criteria that The Tea Guild always insists on will  apply to this category. Our “incognito” Inspectors will continue to secretly visit each member venue to ensure that the highest of standards are being achieved and maintained and then report back to us about their assessment and, for example, what improvements could be undertaken in order to enhance what they offer their guests. Each Tea Guild member, in every category of membership, receives a confidential assessment report annually.

The award winner will be presented with a specially commissioned glass bowl designed by the world famous glass artist, Adam Aaronson of Aaronson Noon Ltd.

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