Image credit: Tilman2007 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · 2025-06-15 ↗
Twinings 216 Strand: Three Centuries of Tea on One Site
Strand / Temple · Temple → Fleet Street → Lincoln’s Inn · Historic shop / tea history / Georgian commerce
Story
Twinings has such a narrow frontage that it is surprisingly easy to miss, yet it represents an exceptional continuity of trade. Thomas Twining bought Tom’s Coffee House here in 1706 and began building a business around tea as well as coffee. In an era when coffee dominated the male-centric coffee houses, Twining also championed tea, selling it for home consumption. In 1717 he opened the Golden Lyon on this site, the direct ancestor of today’s shop. Study the entrance before going in. The gilded lion recalls the Golden Lyon, while two Chinese figures flank the pediment, representing 18th-century tea merchants. You will also see the familiar TWININGS wordmark, a typeface the company has used since the late 18th century and often cited as one of the oldest continuously used commercial logos. The shop itself is free to enter and combines retail with displays about the company’s past. Tastings and masterclasses are paid experiences. The important point is that this is not a themed reconstruction: you are visiting the same remarkably small Strand site that has been associated with the business for more than three centuries.
What to look for
Look for the gilded lion above the door, the two Chinese figures flanking the pediment, and the historic "TWININGS" wordmark, which has been in continuous use since the 18th century.
Secret detail
The real secret here is the extraordinary continuity. Twinings' commercial association with this precise site on the Strand dates back to 1706, and the 'Golden Lyon' shop to 1717.
Where exactly
Find No. 216 Strand, opposite the Royal Courts of Justice. The entrance is much narrower than the global brand might suggest.
Orientation
On the Strand, look to the south side, just east of Temple Bar and opposite the Law Courts.
Why it matters
This site is a living testament to London's commercial history. It illustrates how tea gained popularity, transforming the city's social habits and customs from the 18th century onwards, and how a family business can thrive for centuries in the same location.
Access & opening
Current hours vary by day; in Aug 2026 the shop generally opens late morning to early evening. Recheck before routing.
Shop entry free; tasting experiences/masterclasses cost extra.
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Ground-floor shop access; contact venue for detailed access needs.