RSS Blog

Picture for blog post The Queen’s Jubilee 2022 - Tea Party Ideas

The Queen’s Jubilee 2022 - Tea Party Ideas

Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Ideas for your Queen's Platinum Jubilee bake off! What to prepare for your Queen's Platinum celebrations over the 4 day weekend.

Scone or Scon? Cream or Jam first

Wednesday, February 9, 2022
What must overseas folks think of us? I’ve never yet seen Americans arguing over the order of mustard or ketchup on their hotdogs. Yet, the number of man hours spent on debating whether this little cake is called a Scone or 'Scon' or whether the cream or jam goes on first, is ridiculous! How very British of us!
Picture for blog post How do English drink their tea?

How do English drink their tea?

Thursday, October 10, 2019

What tea do the English drink?

There is one clear answer to the question: what tea do the English drink?  Typically, the British are known for their Builder’s Tea!!  That is a fairly strong brew of English Breakfast tea (a black tea), with added milk and sometimes sugar.  Indeed, English Breakfast Tea is the most commonly enjoyed variety and if you were at a friend’s house in the UK and were offered a cup of tea, it’s extremely likely you would be brought English Breakfast variety.  

Another popular type here is Earl Grey - a more floral black tea, sometimes drunk without milk.  It’s said that Her Majesty The Queen drinks a tea that mixes in a third of Earl Grey with two thirds of English Breakfast.  

The consumption of green tea is rising as well as fruit teas and peppermint tea (or even fresh mint tea).  Also millennials are known for swapping their dessert for a non-fattening, naturally-sweet tea.  We sell examples of this such as our Apple Pie Tea or Custard Tart Tea - flavoursome, sweet by nature and just right to end your meal.

Picture for blog post What tea do the English Drink?

What tea do the English Drink?

Thursday, October 10, 2019

What tea do the English drink?

We Brits love our English Breakfast tea and lots of it!! Of course, some like it weak with lots of milk (and often, sugar too) and others like it so strong you can 'stand your spoon up in it' (not literally!).  Indeed, typically, the British are known for their Builder’s Tea - a strong brew of English Breakfast black tea (a black tea) with added milk.  This would more often be offered in a mug rather than a cup and saucer if you're in someone's home.


We've noticed in other countries that we'll be offered fruit tea, green tea and other varieties in friends' houses but over here in the UK, you will almost always be offered 'good ol' English Breakfast Tea'.  This might be made with loose leaf tea in a tea pot with a knitted tea cosy over the top to keep it warmer whilst it brews, too!!  That teapot might even be large and round and that's known as a Brown Betty!! 

 

Tea is an important punctuation mark throughout our day though and the phrase 'put the kettle on' can be heard throughout the land.  If there's a sadness, an occasion, a return from a trip, a friend visiting or just because....our answer is always to have a good British cuppa!

Picture for blog post What is served at a proper English Tea?

What is served at a proper English Tea?

Friday, October 4, 2019
What is served at a proper English Tea, including the difference between Afternoon Tea and English Cream Tea.
Picture for blog post Why is it called a Cream Tea?

Why is it called a Cream Tea?

Friday, October 4, 2019
Why a Cream Tea is called a Cream Tea - and it has nothing to do with pouring cream in your tea. Ugh!
Picture for blog post No Scone Burgers please (we're British)!

No Scone Burgers please (we're British)!

Tuesday, March 12, 2019
How to eat your scone (or is it a 'scon'?) is more than just deciding on the cream/jam order. British etiquette includes knowing how to open the scone, how to add the cream and jam and then what to do after that (not just popping it in your mouth!).
Picture for blog post Are you Miffy or Tiffy?

Are you Miffy or Tiffy?

Sunday, March 10, 2019
Have you ever heard that expression before? It refers to preferring milk first in your tea, or tea first and add milk (if using it) after! But which way is the correct way? Which way is the 'posh' way?
Picture for blog post The Uncivil History of Afternoon Tea (bad behaviour behind the teapot)!

The Uncivil History of Afternoon Tea (bad behaviour behind the teapot)!

Sunday, March 10, 2019
Nelson Mandela called our afternoon tea, Britain’s greatest export! I couldn’t agree more and treasure this tradition with its treats, manners and etiquette. However, when researching my book 'Scone or Scon(e) - the essential guide to British Afternoon Tea' there were shocking examples of bad behaviour behind the teapot to be found.
back to top