In this forum, I have been reporting on the state of tea in the United States. America is known as a nation of coffee drinkers but I hope my report sheds the light on tea's small, but definite presence in this country.

I am currently in London so instead of the usual installments of "New York Tea Report", I will be bringing you "London Tea Report"

England is, without a doubt, a nation of tea. Afternoon Tea, known as the "Fourth Meal" for the English, is still alive and well. Even now, you won't get into the more famous tea rooms without a reservation. You feel a distinct English-ness to the custom, believed to have started in mid-18th Century, as you sip the tea served with bite-size sandwiches and scones on plates, neatly arranged in tiers.

London's world famous double decker bus	One of the many cafes in the city. This building used to house a bank.

BUT... once you step out on to the street, you can help but notice the "CAFE" signs. Starbucks, no surprise here, and chains like it are everywhere. You can get tea at these coffee shops, but upon a quick look around, most people seem to be drinking coffee. Italian Espresso-type drinks such as cafe latte and cappucino seem to be especially popular.

Twenty years ago, visitors had trouble finding a decent cup of coffee even in a cosmopolitan city like London, so you can see things have changed quite a bit with the times.

The proper afternoon tea	Talking over coffee, even in the middle of the sidewalk. Notice the hat on the woman in the middle