English Teas for a Truly British Cup

The history of tea in England dates back to the 17th century. Since black tea first arrived in London, the British have been drinking it from morning to night. English teas trace their roots to the former colonies of the British Empire, and today Indian black tea, English Breakfast and Earl Grey are enjoyed far beyond the UK. So which English tea deserves a place in your teapot?

From the 17th century to today: the story of black tea in the United Kingdom

Far more than a drink, the cup of tea, with its splash of milk, is a true English institution.

From coffee cup to cup of tea

In the 17th century, the British consumed coffee in large quantities. The opening of the tea route from Asia gradually brought the infusion to every corner of the country. At that time, England was buying loose-leaf green tea from China. Then one day, a shipment of leaves arrived in London. Poorly preserved during transit, they had changed in appearance. The unexpected brew won the British over, and the fashion for black tea was born.

The place of black tea in England

Towards the end of the 19th century, the United Kingdom took matters into its own hands by planting its first tea gardens in its colonies, in India and on the island of Ceylon. Today, black teas from Darjeeling, Assam and Ceylon remain the most widely drunk in London and across the country.

Black tea throughout the day

The cup of tea marks every moment of the English day. The early morning tea is taken straight out of bed, then a cup accompanies the English breakfast. Black tea is drunk during breaks, known as tea breaks. In the afternoon, the five o'clock tea, or Tea Time, calls for the teapot once again. And finally, a last cup may be savoured in the evening, at high tea.

The quality of Darjeeling black tea leaves

In the tea gardens of Darjeeling, the British crafted a refined and delicate tea with muscatel notes. Celebrated the world over, Darjeeling black tea has earned the nickname the "champagne of teas". The season of harvest shapes the character of each cup.

A Darjeeling black tea of rare quality

The spring harvest yields a pale, light infusion. The organic Darjeeling first flush is one of the most sought-after English teas. It shines on special occasions and at Tea Time, served with a proper teapot and porcelain cups.

A cup of Darjeeling black for the tea break

The summer picking brings more astringent teas, with ripe, rounded aromatic notes. The autumn harvest, meanwhile, yields softer, more understated cups. Summer and autumn Darjeelings make excellent morning alternatives to coffee, a good tea break companion at the office, or a reliable choice for Tea Time. An English tea to enjoy plain or with a drop of milk.

The British character of Assam black tea

This black tea is harvested in India. Its infusion carries the hallmark taste of the English cup of tea: strong, slightly bitter and spiced. Assam black tea also offers honey notes. The harvest defines the quality and aroma of this English tea. In the United Kingdom, Assam leaves are often found in blends, most notably in English Breakfast tea. It is also available on its own, as a loose-leaf tea. A cup of Assam provides a genuinely full-bodied start to the morning.

An infusion of Ceylon tea leaves

It was in the 19th century that English tea cultivation began on the island of Ceylon. Tea plants replaced the coffee plantations that had been devastated by a blight. Today, Ceylon black tea is exported across the globe. Its infusion delivers a structured, tannic flavour. Like Assam, this English tea is best enjoyed in the morning. In India, it is not uncommon to steep black tea leaves in milk rather than water. Add spices to the teapot or the cup and the result is Chai.

English Breakfast as a morning coffee alternative

For a proper English-style breakfast, reach for English Breakfast. This is a bold, full-flavoured blend of black teas, frequently combining loose-leaf Ceylon and Assam. A few minutes of steeping in boiling water is all it takes to brew a reviving English cup. In England, the blend rose to prominence thanks to Queen Victoria. Its popularity has never wavered, and the British still enjoy a cup every morning with milk or sugar.

A fragrant cup with Earl Grey

A waft of bergamot rising from the teapot? That is the secret of Earl Grey. This quintessentially English tea was brought back into fashion around 1830 by the Earl Grey himself. This bergamot-scented tea became a timeless classic in the United Kingdom. Beloved the world over, Earl Grey is built on a base of black tea leaves, most often Assam or Ceylon. Light and floral, this English tea is best enjoyed in the afternoon, over a Tea Break or Tea Time. Choosing a quality English tea means opting for an organic, loose-leaf product rather than broken leaves in individual tea bags. At our shop, we offer a carefully selected range of whole, flavourful loose-leaf teas, available in resealable pouches or metal tea caddies. Browse our full selection of finest black teas.