Exotic Cuppa

Walking into the room, you're hit with an irresistible urge to sink into on eof the huge bean bags or spacious sofas lined with blue, brown and orange cushions. Do not hesitate to make yourself comfortable-that's exactly what Ancherie, the tea room's manager wants his customers to do. "You can totally be relaxed, feel like you're at home, take a rest, lie down", he says. "I want it to be like that because very often when you go to a café or a tea room, the mood is comfortable but the surrounding are not. Tiny tables, seats with no back and so on".

But judging by the luxurious surroundings, some might be wary of enjoying themselves too much here, lest they end up spending too much money. The good news is you don't have to worry-pieces are reasonable. A pot of tea will set you back only Bt80.

Al Majlis carries a sophiticated selection of black teas imported from London, like classic Earl Grey, Russian Caravan, which has a lovely lightly smoked flavour, and Ancherie's personal favourite Rose Pouchong. Or better still, if you want to match the surroundings with your beverage, go for Moroccan Mint fresh mint tea-or Lebanese Mint tea. They also have green tea. You can pour yourself several sups using the same tea leaves- a sign is quality is high.

If it is your first experience with min tea, let the helpful staffs assist you when filling your glass because it is important to let the tea flow from high above the cup so that its passage through air enriches its taste. You can choose from the teas, juices and finger foods available here from a menu that arrives like a message in a bottle, ready to be discovered. A bestseller is the Arabian pitta pizza (Bt160), prepared with yoghurt, cumin and feta, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, plus pork, chicken or vegetables as the main topping. The pizza goes well with cucumber salad (Bt100). If you prefer something sweet, there's chocolate or white chocolate cheesecake (Bt105).

If you come after tea time, you might be delighted to find out that Al Majlis actually is two sanctuaries in one: at sunset oil lamps are lit to illuminate the garden and turn it into an outside wine bar. If this is not enough to help you recover from a busy day, have tea or wine while being pampered with a foot massage (Bt350 for one hour; advance bookings required).

- Miriam Rossius

Al Majlis

Praduu Spa Club

83/8 Soi

Charoen Chai, Ekamai Soi 10

BTS: Ekamai 4.30pm to 12.30am

Monday to Saturday

(02) 392 2345