Tate Britain Café, Millbank

Tate Britain cafe Darjeeling
Tate Britain CaféThe café at Tate Britain is having a refit. Meanwhile, there are two temporary tea places, each an improvement on the former facilities.

I entered the gallery from Atterbury Street, which is interesting as you can still see damage to the side of the Tate’s wall from WW2 bombing raids.

I was also excited to find David Tremlett’s Drawing for Free Thinking on the staircase – having first seen his work back in July while enjoying green tea at Fernandez and Wells splendid rooms in Somerset House.

The Manton Café is a light-filled space at the rear of the Duveen Gallery. Large windows, pots of orchids and posters for forthcoming exhibitions make it a pleasant place to enjoy a cuppa.

There is a choice of Jing teas’ loose leaf in biodegradable silky bags: English breakfast, Earl Grey, gunpowder green, chamomile and peppermint. I really enjoyed my jasmine tea – fragrant and refreshing – despite being served in a paper cup.

David Tremlett
Drawing for Free ThinkingAfter visiting the galleries, I discovered the Millbank Café and Bar which is in a marquee at the front of the Tate, overlooking the gardens.

There is a wider choice of teas, which are slightly more expensive, but are loose leaf and served in a pot.

Inside is lovely and light – being in a tent is a nice reminder of summer. Even though it was cold outside, it was lovely and warm and the Darjeeling was spot on.

The new café at Tate Britain is due to open later in 2013, and I look forward to visiting again.