International Tea Day – Why Tea is great for us to slow down, reconnect, indulge …
Tea has long been more than just a drink. It’s part of daily routine, conversation, comfort, and community. On May 21st, International Tea Day offers a chance to celebrate one of the world’s most enduring traditions—and the role cafés continue to play in bringing people together around it.
Whether it’s a quick morning cup before work, an afternoon catch-up with friends, or a quiet moment alone, tea remains woven into everyday life in Britain. In Walton, local cafés help keep that tradition alive, offering welcoming spaces where people can slow down, connect, and enjoy a simple ritual that has stood the test of time.
Tea means time to slow down
While coffee culture often dominates headlines, tea continues to hold a special place in British homes and high streets alike. From classic English Breakfast blends to herbal infusions, green teas, and speciality loose-leaf options, the modern tea menu has evolved while still retaining its sense of familiarity and comfort.
International Tea Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the atmosphere that surrounds tea. Unlike grab-and-go culture, tea often encourages people to pause. Cafés provide that space—whether for conversation, reading, remote working, or simply taking a break from the pace of the day.
Tea and Cake? 11am or 3pm?
Tea also pairs naturally with many of the things people already enjoy at local cafés—fresh pastries, cakes, brunches, and light lunches. Afternoon tea remains a popular treat, but even a simple cup alongside a slice of cake can feel like a small luxury in the middle of a busy week.
Cafe time to reconnect
International Tea Day is a reminder that cafés are about more than food and drink alone. They create places where people can gather, pause, and reconnect—something increasingly valuable in a fast-moving world.
So what is the most popular Tea in Walton-on-Thames?
We asked a selection* of cafes in Walton, what was their best selling teas and here what they said:
- Cacao Route, High Street: Earl Grey
- Le Petit Cafe, Bridge Street: English Breakfast
- Esquires, High Street: Earl Grey, closely followed by Fresh Mint Leaf
- Romaan Kitchen, Bridge Street: English Breakfast
- The Walton Village, High Street: Birchalls English Breakfast
May 21st and beyond ..
So, whether you prefer a traditional builder’s tea, a calming herbal blend, or something more adventurous, May 21st is the perfect excuse to support a local café, sit down for a while, and enjoy one of life’s simplest pleasures or any day to be honest!
Explore More
Discover all the cafés, restaurants and takeaways in Walton town centre via our Food & Drink directory.
*we contacted all cafes on our independents map, a few did not answer.
WIN a voucher for TEA!
Share with us your favourite spot for Tea – on our social media feeds: @welovewalton on Facebook or Instagram to be in with a chance to WIN a £20 gift card so you can enjoy a few more cups, mugs or pots of your favourite tea in Walton-on-Thames!
T&Cs:
- To enter share a photo of your cup / mug / pot of tea, tag the local business you purchased it from and ensure you are following Love Walton’s social page
- The WINNER will be drawn at random at 3pm on Sunday 24th May 2026
- The prize is a Gift card for a cafe / pub in Walton Town Centre where you can sit in or takeaway TEA!