OUR GUIDING STARS WITH A SPLASH OF ECCENTRICITEA
In 1893 an entrepreneurial spirit and a splash of eccentricity brought Anna Maria Babington and Isabel Cargill together to open Babingtons Tea Rooms in Rome. The world has changed much since then, but their legacy has endured the many joys and tribulations to become a truly undeniable affair with tea.
Two women with a vision
“And in 1893, two young well educated English ladies came to Rome on the Grand Tour. Isabel Cargill, daughter of Captain Cargill, founder of the city of Dunedin in New Zealand and Anna Maria Babington, descendant of that Antony Babington hanged in 1586 for having conspired against Elizabeth I.
The two young women decided to invest their savings (100 pounds) by opening a tea and reading room in Rome, intended for the Anglo-Saxon community.
The venture entailed considerable risks especially because the custom of drinking tea, which was only sold in pharmacies at the time, was not widespread in Italy.
Babingtons tea room was an immediate success both because Italy was the destination of the Grand Tour for the English and because the Eternal City was celebrating the Jubilee and the silver wedding of the royals Umberto and Margherita….
Beniamino Placido 1993- Babington: A centenary
The 4th of December 1893, saw the opening of the Tearooms, in Via Due Macelli 66, only a short walking distance from Piazza di Spagna. They called it ‘Babington’s Tea Rooms’ because, between the two surnames, Babington’s was easier for Italians to pronounce.
Even before the first cup of tea was served an English-language weekly published in the city – The Roman Herald – had already announced ‘A long-felt want in Rome has at last been supplied, and that is, a Tearooms where ladies or gentlemen, hard at work sightseeing…..could go to refresh themselves with a comforting cup of tea or coffee with the necessary adjuncts…’ A place where the atmosphere of England was recreated and where, in peace and quiet, books and newspapers could be read. ‘We feel sure,’ the article continued, ‘ that many of our readers will jump at the good news, as it will prove a great convenience as a meeting place now that the distances in Rome have so much increased’. The journal added that, with a monthly subscription of two francs, it was possible to use the reading room between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Those who simply came to take tea could also use the reading room for a modest extra cost of ten cents. At the foot of the article the journal announced a great novelty: a small cabinet de toilette!
Carla Massi 2018- Babingtons: The First 125 years
the fourth generation
Today, we carry on the story of their Great Grandmother Isabel Cargill and her close friend Miss Babington, who defied the convention of the day and opened Babingtons Tea Rooms in Piazza di Spagna, in the heart of Rome, during the height of the Grand Tour.This was a time when women’s participation in business society was extremely limited and in a country where tea could only be found in pharmacies. Their determination made Babingtons a fixture of the city, welcoming artists, aristocrats, actors, and anyone in search of a quiet haven from the hustle and bustle of Rome. Of course, a mutual twinkle in the eye wry smile always helped. And in this salon in the center of the city since then royal families and personalities from the worlds of culture and entertainment have been meeting here, confident that they will be welcomed discreetly, as if they were at home.
Because tea harmoniously enhances the taste of every proposition, whether savory or sweet, indulges the mood, accompanies a conversation, and strengthens friendships. Beyond all cultures, all times, and all ages.
Who knows what Isabel and Anna Maria would think about it….
Promise
CHIARA AND RORY
In 1896, only three years after their arrival in the city, Isabel and Anna Maria took an important step up the ladder: Babingtons moved to number 23 Piazza di Spagna where it is to this day.
Over the years, we’ve seen politics, personalities and fashions change, but our promise of a unique experience story in a cup is a constant that never wavers. It offers a tranquil moment of quality time to reflect, to come together, to care for one another and of course to inhale and imbibe our wonderful, unique blends teas.
We also believe that enjoying fine tea in good company is more enjoyable when we take care of the environment as well as ourselves. So, we have made a pledge towards ethical and sustainable sourcing, preparation, and delivery of our teas.
Below are our commitments to…
QUALI-TEA
All our teas are hand blended and packaged in the UK and Europe to the highest standards and we select only the finest all-natural ingredients that can be traced to their source. We use no artificial flavourings or colourings in any of our Blends. .
INTEGRI-TEA
We recently launched a project that sits very close to our heart – The Babingtons Foundation. In Darjeeling we are helping young girls and boys, by funding their education commercial skills to help empower them and sustain their communities. The first 80 students received their diplomas in tourism and nursing and we are preparing for the next students. See you there!
SOSTENIBILI-TEA
We screen all the suppliers we work with to ensure they operate to our – and your – standards. We use only recyclable and 100% biodegradable materials for our packaging, and our range of re-usable caddies helps us reduce waste and cut down our carbon footprint.
WE DON’T JUST SELL TEA
PURVEYORS OF FINE TEAS
We’re mad about the details. Call us fastidious, discriminating, or perhaps even obsessed. We’ve been known to bring water from Rome to England for testing with our blends to make sure we know exactly how it will taste in the local environment. It’s that care that lies at the heart of everything we do.
In Rome, we created something new, not entirely British, not precisely Italian, but truly Babingtons. Our passion lies in bringing flavours, cultures, and people together. No matter where you find us in the world, British curiosities are enhanced with local fusions, resulting in an experience that is indefinably, ineffably Babingtons. We hope you will join us there.
