Tea Shops

Tea-shops began in London in the later 19th century. The first ABC shops were opened in 1880 and the first Lyons tea-shop in Piccadilly in 1894. These were the first places where WOMEN could have a meal on their own and so meet friends outside their own homes. Previously they had to go to restaurants escorted by a husband or brother. This was of considerable importance for the SUFFRAGETTES.