“Perhaps there can be too much making of cups of tea, I thought, as I watched Miss Statham filling the heavy teapot. Did we really need a cup of tea? I even said as much to Miss Statham and she looked at me with a hurt, almost angry look, 'Do we need tea? she echoed. 'But Miss Lathbury...' She sounded puzzled and distressed and I began to realise that my question had struck at something deep and fundamental. It was the kind of question that starts a landslide in the mind. I mumbled something about making a joke and that of course one needed tea always, at every hour of the day or night.” 

Barbara Pym's Excellent Women is hands down one of Paris Review deputy editor Sadie Stein's favorite books—sharp, funny, comforting, and keenly observed. What could be better than discussing it over a cup of tea? You ensure the table is set with tea and biscuits (and kindly pick up the tab) and Sadie will ensure the discussion is lively for you and up to five friends on a mutually convenient date.

A few suggested tea spots: Tea & Sympathy, Danal, or, further uptown, Kusmi.