English Teas for a Truly British Brew

The history of tea in England dates back to the 17th century. Ever since black tea first arrived in London, the British have been sipping this beloved drink from morning until evening. English teas hail from the former colonies of the British Empire. Today, Indian black tea, English Breakfast and Earl Grey are enjoyed well beyond the United Kingdom. So which English tea should you reach for next?

From the 17th Century to Today: The Story of Black Tea in the United Kingdom

Far more than a simple drink, the cup of tea, with its cloud of milk, is a true British institution.

From the Coffee Cup to the Cup of Tea

In the 17th century, the British were avid coffee drinkers. The opening of the tea route from Asia brought this infusion to households across the country. At that time, England imported loose leaf green tea from China. One day, a shipment of leaves arrived in London, poorly preserved and noticeably changed in appearance. The surprising new brew delighted the English, and the fashion for black tea was born.

The Place of Black Tea in England

By the end of the 19th century, the United Kingdom gained independence from Chinese supply by establishing its first tea plantations in its colonies, in India and on the island of Ceylon. Today, black teas from Darjeeling, Assam and Ceylon remain the most consumed in London and across the country.

Black Tea Throughout the Day

The cup of tea sets the rhythm of the English day. Early morning tea is sipped on rising, then another cup accompanies the English breakfast. Black tea is enjoyed during breaks, known as tea breaks. In the afternoon, the famous five o'clock tea or Tea Time calls for the teapot once again. Finally, a last cup may be savoured in the evening, during high tea.

The Quality of Darjeeling Black Tea Leaves

In the tea gardens of Darjeeling, the British created a delicate tea, with elegant muscatel notes. Renowned around the world, Darjeeling black tea is often called the "champagne of teas". Depending on the harvest, the character of the tea varies beautifully.

A High Quality Darjeeling Black Tea

The spring harvest produces a clear infusion and a light, refined cup. Our organic Darjeeling First Flush is a much sought-after English tea. It is the perfect choice for special occasions and afternoon Tea Time. A traditional English service, with porcelain teapot and cups, makes the ideal companion.

A Cup of Darjeeling Black Tea for the Tea Break

The summer pluck yields more astringent teas with ripe aromatic notes. The autumn harvest, meanwhile, gives less delicate cups with a softer, mellower flavour. Summer and autumn Darjeelings make wonderful alternatives to your morning coffee, an ideal companion for a tea break at the office or for Tea Time. An English tea to be enjoyed plain or with a splash of milk.

The British Taste of Assam Black Tea

This black tea is harvested in India. Its infusion is the very essence of the English cup of tea: bold, brisk and spiced. Assam black tea also reveals lovely notes of honey. The harvest defines the quality and aroma of this English tea. In the United Kingdom, Assam leaves often appear in blends (mixtures of different teas), most notably in English Breakfast tea. This English tea is also available on its own as loose leaf. A cup of Assam is wonderfully awakening at breakfast, thanks to its full-bodied character.

An Infusion of Ceylon Tea Leaves

It was in the 19th century that English tea cultivation began on the island of Ceylon. Tea bushes replaced the coffee plantations, which had been devastated by a parasite. Today, Ceylon black tea is exported across the globe. The infusion of its leaves offers a robust, tannic flavour. Like Assam, this English tea is best enjoyed in the morning. In India, it is common to infuse black tea leaves in milk rather than water. Adding spices to the teapot or cup transforms the brew into chai tea.

English Breakfast: An Invigorating Alternative to Morning Coffee

For a truly English start to the day, reach for our English Breakfast. It is a blend of black teas with an intense character. You will often find loose leaf Ceylon and Assam in this mixture. A few minutes of infusion in boiling water are all it takes to enjoy a revitalising English tea. In England, this blend was popularised by Queen Victoria. Its appeal has never faded, and the British continue to enjoy a cup each morning with milk or sugar.

A Fragrant Cup with Earl Grey

A scent of bergamot drifting from the teapot? That is the signature of Earl Grey. This quintessentially English tea was brought back into fashion around 1830 by Earl Grey himself. The bergamot-scented tea has since become a great classic of the United Kingdom. Known and enjoyed all over the world, Earl Grey is made with black tea leaves, often Assam or Ceylon. Light and floral, this English tea is best savoured in the afternoon, during a Tea Break or Tea Time. To choose the right English tea, look for quality and organic certification. Always favour loose leaf tea over broken leaves in individual bags. In our boutique, we offer delicate, flavourful loose leaf teas, available in pouches or beautiful metal tins. Discover your favourite from our finest black teas.