Expert's tip

The Bridge Tea Rooms, Bradford on Avon
It might offer an acclaimed list of speciality teas - including England's first home-grown brew from Cornwall's Tregothnan Estate - but that's just one of the many charms of the Bridge Tea Rooms (above). Based in a 17th-century blacksmith's cottage, it also serves a nice hit of history with open fires, period photographs and uniforms of Victorian bonnets and aprons. The knowledgeable staff are part of an innovative approach that includes children's afternoon teas and a Japanese sencha green tea experience. Alison Hayward, an accomplished chef, and husband Roy, who took charge of the Bridge just over two years ago, have also established a growing reputation for home-cooked food.

• The Bridge Tea Rooms (+44 (0)1225 865537, thebridgeatbradford.co.uk) was awarded the Tea Guild's Top Tea Place 2009 this week.
Irene Gorman, head of the UK Tea Guild

Readers' tips

Attic, Bristol
An acronym for All The Tea in China, this cafe was inspired by visits to San Francisco and by a desire to "make tea sexy". They have an array of fresh teas that aren't straight out of a Twinings box bought at the supermarket. All the teas are for sale from the shop to take home.

• 115 Coldharbour Road, Redland, Bristol (+44 (0)117 909 0357, attictea.co.uk).
ourmaninbristol

Willow Tea Rooms, Glasgow
Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, with art deco interior, high-back chairs and delightful teas. Revive with afternoon tea served by waitresses in rustling black satin uniforms with white aprons and tiny headbands. Dr Finlay would have been at home here.

•217 Sauchiehall St (0141 322 0521, willowtearooms.co.uk).
daedelus

To find a local tea room go to tea.co.uk