The East India Company Covent Garden

This is a fantastic place to pick up some treats to bring home as souvenirs for your foodie friends. The shop is sweet and there are deals to be had if you are fortunate enough to stop in after the holidays. Otherwise, it is a bit pricey. The staff was really friendly and I can’t wait to share my prized goodies with friends… seriously cool biscuits and savory crackers to go along with that quintessentially British tea.

As an American, I cannot help but to search out the most well-​known British tea company that isn’t Twinings — the East India Company! As the unfortunate target of the famous Boston Tea Party, the East India Company has revitalized itself to a chain of fine tea stores, which ironically does not have a single store in America. Therefore, not only is it a cool «attraction» for American visitors, this store is also a legitimate place to get your bloody American friends the same British tea that their ancestors threw overboard centuries ago!
After all, you can get Twinings in the state anyway.
When I first walked in the fancy store, I thought I was in for an expensive shopping. However, I found the prices to be reasonable with three loose-​leaf caddies for £20 or a 20-​pc tea bag pack for £4−5. Aside from the classic choices like English breakfast and earl grey, the selection also includes many tea mixtures, one of which is actually named «Boston Tea Party»!
The staff was extremely friendly and helpful in finding the tea I want, and the store was a pleasant place to remain as the tea fragrance filled the air. I highly recommend picking up a pack of tea not only for yourself but also for your friend! No gift is more stereotypically British to American than an East India Company tea!
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tl;dr version:
1) Modern continuation of the Boston Tea Party target
2) Fine tea (bags or loose leaf) at reasonable price
3) No store in America so perfect, unique, British gift!