Twickenham Museum: Shall I pour?
An exhibition you didn’t know you needed to see! The Twickenham Museum is hosting an exhibition on the history of tea drinking. From 1722, Thomas Twining, the famous tea merchant, owned several properties in the area and built up his famous business. Twining started out selling coffee, but soon acquired a reputation for stocking the finest tea blends in London. His first property in Twickenham was later known as the Dial House (passed on down the family and now the official residence of the Bishop of Kensington), next to St Mary’s Church. He died in 1741 and is buried in St Mary’s churchyard.
The Twining tea company has a rich and distinguished history that dates back over 300 years. Founded in 1706 by Twining, the company’s first tea house was located at 216 Strand, in London – a site that still serves as the company’s flagship shop and museum today. At a time when tea was a luxury item enjoyed mainly by the wealthy, Twining recognised its potential and began selling fine teas, quickly gaining a reputation for quality.
By 1717, Thomas Twining had transformed the first known tea shop in Britain to sell tea exclusively. This innovative move made tea more accessible to a broader clientele and helped popularise the beverage across the country. The Twining family continued to grow the business over the centuries, securing a Royal Warrant in 1837 from Queen Victoria – a mark of excellence the company still holds.
Twining’s commitment to sourcing and blending fine teas has remained central to its identity. It played a key role in shaping British tea culture, from its influence on afternoon tea traditions to its support for ethical sourcing and sustainability in more recent years.
Today, Twinings is a global brand, part of the Associated British Foods group, exporting to over 100 countries. Despite its international reach, it maintains its heritage and dedication to quality, still operating from its original Strand location – a lasting symbol of Britain’s love affair with tea and the enduring legacy of one of the world’s oldest tea merchants.
Exhibition ends 31 July. twickenham-museum.org.uk
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© Image courtesy of Twickenham Museum