Tea for Two or More at the new 51 Avenue

Usnisa Sukhsvasti
July 12, 2022

Tea culture arrives in Bangkok with the opening of 51 Avenue in Soi Lang Suan

Bringing the global tea drinking culture to Thailand were good friends Pimchanoke (Balangkura) Subhadrabandhu and Top Nathasedh Poonsapmanee. Growing up together in England, tea naturally became their beverage of choice, so it was just a matter of time that they indulged in their passion for tea by opening a tea salon, 51 Avenue, at Velaa Sindhorn Village.

Stunning interiors featuring a magnolia tree

The tea salon offers not just English tea but teas from all over the world. Pimchanoke herself created her own tea brand in 2006 in an effort to elevate Thai teas to an international level. It wasn’t long before her teas were being sold at London’s luxury retail stores Harvey Nichols and Harrods. Creating the branding and packaging design was none other than her good friend, Top. Their travel experiences also opened up a fascinating world of tea cultures—for Europeans, tea offers a chance to relax and chat, while for the Japanese, tea is a meditative experience.

51 Avenue draws upon various memories and experiences in its design concept; from the purple door reminiscent of Pimchanoke’s residence in England, to the Parisian sidewalk cafes, and the magnolia tree from which comes the brand’s magnolia tea.

Pimchanoke Balankura and Nathasedh Poonsapmanee with Polpat Asavaprapha (centre)

The tea salon offers over 200 different teas from around the world, and apart from an All Day Breakfast, its signature “Royal Tea” is the ultimate in luxury tea experience.

Called the No.51 Special Tea Set, the three-tier afternoon tea provides a champagne pairing, starting with the top tier: Oyster Fine De Clair served with Rex Ventus Assam Iced Tea paired with Charles-Heidsieck (Brut Non Vintage). The second tier: Scones with Clotted cream and Ispahan jam and Rose Macaroons served with White Magnolia Signature Hot Tea, paired with Charles-Heidsieck (Rosé). The finale is also one of the restaurant’s signature dishes—Assam Avalanche/Assam Ice-cream with Earl Gray Tea poured over the ice cream.

This is undoubtedly going to be the place to see and be seen for afternoon tea.