Dear fellow tea lovers,

I have three requests which I hope you could help me with.
I am a British resident in Tokyo but visiting London with my wife next
month.

1.
We've tried afternoon tea at the Dorchester last Christmas on my
wife's first UK visit and this time, we have booked the Ritz in
Picadilly.
Do you have a personal recommendation for the best hotel afternoon tea
experience in London ?

2.
Where can I find the best, top quality, assam tea in London ? I know
it's subjective but I am on a quest to find the perfect blend and
wondered on your advice, what kind of variety I should be looking for
if money is no object. The ideal assam tea for me would be very
strong yet not bitter, smooth malty taste, excellent with milk and a
great "pick me up". My assam of choice here in Tokyo is "SANKAR BOP",
which is supplied by the French company Mariage Freres, T162.

3.
How good a company are Mariage Freres ? I just wondered, I've always
been very impressed with their service and regularly visit their
Japanese headquarters in Tokyo. Are there any other particular places
you would recommend tea-lovers to visit in Japan ? Or, for that
matter, in London!

Thank you very much for your feedback. I hope to receive many
replies.

Richard MORT