Hot Drink Heaven (Whittards)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Whittards
Date:	16/09/09 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Friendly atmosphere & a good range of high quality products

Disadvantages: A bit pricey for frequent purchases

I'm not a coffee drinker, although I wish I was because it always smells so tempting, but I love a good cuppa tea. I'm a bit of an old woman when it comes to my home comforts really, and I'm also a bit of a cup/mug collector, hence I have a cupboard full of different ones that have accumulated from impulse purchases. I quite like having a browse around Whittard's and think it's a good place to go for something drink related that is that little bit more special that a supermarket brand, but it's not somewhere I shop frequently.

... Who ...

Whittard's is a tea shop first established way back in 1886 by Walter Whittard. As far as tea shops go, it's a reasonably popular and trendy name, with over 80 stores in the country.

... The Stores ...

Most cities will have a Whittard's somewhere, though the stores are usually relatively small. I find the stores to have a welcoming feel to them, and aren't usually too busy so you can browse around in peace.

If you can't get to a store but want to see what they have to offer, they also have a website which is easy to peruse. Buying from their online store can be pricey as p&p is £4.50 which is why I've never used it for making a purchase, but if you have a larger order over £20 the delivery is free.

... The Products ...

Although most commonly regarded as a tea shop, Whittard's has a range of lovely products for presents and hot drink lovers. Their own range of drink-related products are very tasty and I find them to be of very good quality, and so I would definitely recommend treating yourself to something for when you want a good cuppa to indulge in. Their product range includes:

Gifts - A variety of gift sets and some more novel trinkets which all look very presentable and make good presents.
Tea - Whatever tea you're looking for, they're more than likely to have it here.
Coffee - I'm not a coffee fan, but there are different types of coffee to suit whatever you're after
Hot Chocolate - Very luxurious-looking hot chocolate
Equipment : Utensils & China - Some beautiful teapots, tableware, plates, cups & mugs (my favourite section), spoons, saucers, bowls, milk frothers, cafeterias, storage tins etc
Confectionary - Some yummy chocolate treats, including Lindor (often sold in single Lindor balls too so you can pick and choose exactly how much you want), sweets & biscuits

... Prices ...

I find Whittard's to be quite pricey so I wouldn't recommend them as a regular store from which to buy your tea bags and such. That said, anything you buy from here seems to be of good quality, well presented and feels like extra bit special. So, for special occasions, treats and presents, it's a good place to look if tea / hot choc / coffee float your boat.

... Overall ...

I've always found Whittard's to be a lovely shop to visit with a pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff, and lovely products. It's not the best-priced place, however, so although I'd recommend it for browsing, special treats and gifts, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for regular purchases.

Summary: I quite fancy a nice warm Whittard's hot choc in my Whittard's mug now =] Yum!