Red River Tea Room, Hanoi

Was happy to discover the Red River Tea Room was alive and kicking in late 2018 after it shut down in its original West Lake location. The new venue is also in Hanoi's West Lake expat area and has a relaxed outdoor vibe (there’s an indoor space too). It takes a little more effort to find.

Tea doesn’t seem to feature very highly in the list of potions administered here.

Photo: Mark Bowyer Jim and the team - Red River Tea Room, Hanoi

The Red River Tea Room is the work of long-time Hanoi-phile Jim Brennan. He serves up a good range of beers (including local craft beers), wine and spirits.

Jim, who is from the US, has a connection with Hanoi that dates back to the 1990s. He's been a volunteer pharmacist, a teacher and involved in other NGO projects since then. He told me he was "tired of the paucity of quiet, relaxing local pubs, and decided to create a space that was smoke-free, TV-free, and free of loud music.” He’s done a great job.

The Red River Tea Rooms is a friendly, unpretentious little spot for a drink and a chat. Jim’s a great host too.  They serve some food and they’re happy for customers to order take-out from surrounding eateries. Head down the alley that runs by the Intercontinental West Lake Hotel.