Piacha was noticed many many months ago by one of the Rate My Bistro team. It looked like “our type of place” with lots of teas and comfy seating.
There is something quite special about Piacha. The staff make you feel very welcome and are able to give you tea suggestions. With so many teas on offer and unusual combinations, it can take a while to decide.
If you get the opportunity, then booking yourself in for one of Piacha’s tea tasting events is a must. You get taken through a number of teas, get to learn about the tea origins and the flavours. It is a great chance to sample different teas; ones which you may not have thought you would like.
Piacha Tea Bar has a black and red theme. There is additional seating on the lower level. The front of the cafe has the display of all of the loose teas, the range of beautiful teacups, teapots and tea accessories. The covered counter display is adorned with cakes, tarts, salads and sandwiches. Talking of which, Piacha does a different take on Afternoon Tea. Their sandwiches are infused with teas. They have specific teas to make the sandwiches such as the Genmaicha and Lapsang. Matcha ice cream is also on the menu.
After the shop and counter area is where you can relax with your tea. The lighting is soft and the music is jazz like. Big glass mugs contain the ruby golden teas. Being a fan of rooibos tea, the two varieties were had. The Rooibos Choc Cinnamon gives a subtle chocolatey flavour and pairs well with the cinnamon. It is nice on its own but also good with a dash of soya milk. The Rooibos Rhubarb Fudge is quite fruity with some sweetness from the strawberries and fudge.
Other teas that have had been had before are the Apple Green and the Berry Mix. Both are equally as good. For something refreshing, the Mint & Mint is a blend of classic peppermint with spearmint.
The menu at Piacha also has black teas, oolong teas (the Milky Oolong is delicious), green teas and mate, white teas, herbal blends, tea lattes, coffees and hot chocolate. Iced tea smoothies are on the menu. If you want something to warm you up, Piacha has just introduced porridge. With flavours such as Builder’s Brew, Red Berries and Matcha Coconut, this is no ordinary porridge. The unique porridge has been made with tea and it comes with spices, berries and nuts.
Piacha Tea Bar is a friendly relaxed tea haven. It is open till late and does wonderful real teas in flavours that match everyone’s tastes. Piacha has taken a lot of thought and effort to get the tea blends just right and new items keep appearing on the menu depending on the season. It’s always exciting to see what Piacha is going to come up with next!
Piacha Tea Bar, 280 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 2TZ
Rating: