Tag: National Tea Day

Brits’ rate TEA BAGS as a top ‘Must-Pack’ item for their holidays

  • New research from Ambassador Cruise Line finds that over half (60%) of Brits take tea bags with them on holiday
  • For more than a third (41%), a good cup of tea is what holidaymakers miss most while away, beaten only by their ‘own bed’ (54%)
  • On National Tea Day on 21 April, Master Tea Blender for Tetley Tea, Sebastian Michaelis, reveals why we have an unmatched love affair with the nation’s favourite brew – and his thoughts on the perfect recipe for a great cup of tea

OUR love affair with tea goes beyond borders, it seems – new research from Ambassador Cruise Line has found tea to be an absolutely essential packing item for British holidaymakers, with over half (60%) admitting to having packed tea bags alongside their swimming costumes and sun cream when preparing for a holiday.

The survey of 2,000 respondents commissioned ahead of National Tea Day on 21 April by the UK’s leading premium-value, no-fly cruise line in partnership with its onboard tea supplier, Tetley, reveals the unshakable bond between Brits and their beloved brew.

As a nation that drinks 100 million cups of tea a day*, the fact  we struggle to part with our favourite blends while away is understandable. It seems there is no substitute for a quality cuppa, even when abroad; our love of tea even trumps family bonds it seems! 

The research found that, two in five (41%) of Brits miss English Breakfast tea most  whilst on holiday, topped only by missing their ‘own bed’ (54%). Just 21% put ‘missing family’  on the home-sickness trigger list.

Despite the many variations of tea available today, Brits remain unwavering in their loyalty to a classic cup of English Breakfast tea, with over half (56%) stating that it is their preferred choice , followed by Earl Grey and Green tea (both at 8%).

The survey found that one in 10 (10%) drink more than five cups a day, with the average being two (23%) to three (18%) cups a day.  For more than a third (36%), it is the first thing to be done in the morning,  with 21% postponing breakfast until they have enjoyed their first cuppa. Just 5% seem to enjoy a tea after their evening meal or before bed.

So, how do we as a nation make our tea? Just 8% of us use a teapot these days, with the vast majority of Brits putting the tea bag directly into a mug (84%). 82% opt for water before milk, with only 14% championing milk first .

Most commonly, more than half (59%) brew their tea for less than two minutes; one in ten (10%) leave the bag in for five minutes; and 3% brew for over eight minutes.

The survey showed that people love a good cup or tea not only for its taste: it’s also about the familiarity and friendliness a good cuppa provides. 

More than half of those surveyed (63%) say tea is the first thing they would offer when welcoming tradespeople to their home. Similarly, tea is the ‘go-to’ pick-me-up for friends or family that are feeling stressed (49%) or sad (43%), with females (50%) more inclined than males (36%) to offer comfort with a cuppa.

Commenting on the findings, Seb Michaelis, a Master Blender from Tetley, Ambassador Cruise Line’s onboard tea partner, says: “It’s no surprise that tea is right up there on the ‘must-have’ packing list – tea lovers know their teas and love their brands.

“Tea is a natural, comforting beverage, a social glue that delivers a perfect ‘me moment’ when needed. However, just as a holidaymaker seeks out new experiences, I would urge tea lovers to explore the wider world of tea also.  

“Tea has come a long way since it first reached our shores, with different varieties and strengths available. From everyday black teas to flavoursome speciality teas, fruit and herbal infusions and decaf, there’s a tea to suit every mood and moment, from the first waking hour to the final wind-down time in the evening.”

Gordon Nardini, Ambassador Cruise Line spokesperson, adds: “Away from the business of our day-to-day lives, a holiday is a great chance to take time for a proper cuppa, brewed to perfection.

“Food and beverage plays an important part of the overall guest experience at Ambassador and we pay as much attention to the tea we serve as we do the outstanding cuisine our guests enjoy while onboard.

“With 2.7 million cups of tea expertly served onboard Ambassador’s two ships, Ambience and Ambition, last year, it looks like our guests’ own tea bags will stay firmly in their suitcases for many years to come!”

Making the Perfect Cup of Tea according to Tetley’s Master Blender, Seb Michaelis:

“I’m always asked how to make the perfect cup of tea! We in the tea buying and blending team are quite particular with how we make our tea, so much so that we’ve developed a formula for it! 

“But in all honesty the right way to make tea is the way you like it and enjoy it best. However you like it, my top tip for getting the richest brew at home is to use freshly drawn water from the tap and to pour it as soon as it’s boiled; don’t let it cool down.”

Spreading Positivi-tea! Care home hosts Tea Dance on National Tea Day

Strachan House care home in Blackall celebrated in style, by brewing up a wonderful afternoon for National Tea Day yesterday with a Community Tea Dance afternoon.

Supplied with a tasty selection of biscuits, sandwiches, cakes, and of course, teas for the event, residents and their families of Strachan House had an amazing afternoon together. 

Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House said: “In these unprecedented times with the cost of living, providing a range of community events for our local community and their families is more important than ever.

“Our residents really enjoyed the choice of teas, cakes and events for National Tea Day, and as a nation who truly loves their tea, it was great excuse for an afternoon brew and a natter”. 

May Lesueur, a wife of a resident at Strachan House said: “It was a lovely afternoon, and I love a cup of tea so it was a wonderful combination to end the week on.

“And it was lovely for the families and staff join in too. They always take such good care of us.”

 Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides 83 beds for nursing care, residential care, and respite care.

We’re drinking a cup of tea or more an hour, new research finds ahead of National Tea Day

  • Over half of us move away from Traditional English Breakfast Tea as our preferred blend new research finds ahead of National Tea Day 
  • With more than a quarter drinking around a cup or more an hour during an average working day  
  • 55% of Brits say they prefer a herbal or other leaf based tea blends over traditional English Breakfast tea 
  • Over a quarter (27%) drink tea purely for wellness. 87% drink tea as a source of comfort or to relax 
  • 60% start drinking tea from primary school age with 16% five years or younger  
  • Over 90% of Brits best like to pair their tea with a biscuit, cake or sandwich  

Despite the Nation’s long-standing love of English Breakfast tea, new research reveals ahead of National Tea Day on April 21st, that we are moving away from tradition with over half (55%) opting for a herbal like green tea or Rooibos, or other leaf-based teas like Earl Grey, as their preferred choice of blend.  

The findings, based on 2086 consumers, come just three weeks before the King’s Coronation and marks a shift away from the Traditional English Breakfast tea which has always been widely regarded as the UK’s hot favourite, accounting for 85% of sales in 2019 according to a Unilever report.  

This year’s research into Brits’ tea drinking habits by global tea specialists, The Tea Group, found that 55% of the nation now prefers a herbal brew with 22% choosing a green tea such as Matcha, and 11% picking a rooibos, ginger, peppermint, chamomile or fruit tea as their blend of choice. The remaining 22% chose Earl Grey or picked ‘other’ for their tea, other than Traditional English Breakfast.  

More than half (54%) like to take their tea in the morning with milk.  A quarter like it rich and malty, and 15% prefer aromatic and herbaceous, all made directly in a mug for most people (68%) as we opt for convenience over complexity. However, one in five agreed that the traditional way to serve tea – using loose leaves, served in a china cup and poured from a teapot – still makes the perfect brew.  

Drinking a cup an hour 

And it’s not just a cuppa a day. The Tea Group found that Brits are now drinking a sizable amount with 47% of the population consuming up to five cups a day, while over a quarter (27%) drink between six to 10 cups of tea a day which is around one brew an hour during the average working day.  

Nearly half (46%) of consumers use teatime as a chance to socialise with others, 37% see it as an opportunity for some ‘me time,’ while the majority (87%) say that tea makes them feel ‘calm and relaxed’ or ‘comforted.’ In fact, over a quarter (27%) of people drink tea purely for their wellbeing with 38% drinking tea for both wellness and taste.   

And there are some traditions that we are sticking to, with biscuit, cake or sandwich the nation’s top three favourite foods to accompany their tea.  

Commenting on the research, Díaz Ayub, Managing Director at The Tea Group, said: “It is wonderful to see how people in the UK are embracing the range of artisan tea, cold brews and herbal varieties available today.

“The Traditional English Breakfast Tea has been a staple part of UK culture for centuries, and remains so for 45% of the tea lovers we surveyed. However, our findings reveal that the future of tea is much more diverse with a new generation of tea drinkers who are moving beyond the traditional brew to embrace a mixology of teas that inspire health and happiness.”  

60% of us drink tea from primary school age 

The findings from The Tea Group also found that nearly two thirds (60%) start drinking tea from a primary school age. A third had their first cuppa before the age of seven, and 16% were five or below.  

Diaz continued: “As our research shows, teatime is either ‘me time’ or an experience which brings people together to create memorable moments. It’s something to celebrate as a nation which is why we founded National Tea Day. T

“ea plays a role in so many cultures and can be enjoyed in so many ways, and we’re seeing this in the UK with more tea-lovers pairing various teas with different types of food. Try succulent scallops with Japanese Gyokuro tea served in a wine glass, or pistachio macaron with milky Oolong tea, or the traditional shepherd’s pie is great with an English Breakfast tea.

“It’s a drink that offers a world of opportunity for trying fresh delights and our study shows that Britain’s taste for tea is stronger than ever.”  

‘Self-Tea’ charity appeal 

As part of National Tea Day, The Tea Group, has also launched its ‘Self-Tea’ charity appeal in partnership with award winning British artist, David Arnott. The Tea Group is asking for members of the public to send in ‘selfies’ raising a cup of their favourite tea as a toast to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The selfies will be collated in a mosaic piece, capturing iconic moments from her reign and British history. Once completed, the artwork will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to its charity partner, Great Ormond Street Hospital.

To get involved, simply visit the National Tea Group Instagram page  https://www.instagram.com/nationalteaday/  

Tea and Food Pairing Tips from Díaz Ayub, Managing Director at The Tea Group: 

  • A rich savoury Shepherd’s pie can be perfectly paired with an English Breakfast tea. Definitely without milk, but with a hint of honey and served in a wine glass. 
  • A humble peppermint tea with a buttery shortbread biscuit for a “melt in your mouth” murray -mint like pairing. 
  • Risotto alla Milanese has a creamy texture which can be harmoniously uplifted by pairing with a complex and aromatic, malty Masala chai.  
  • Stilton cheese paired with Chinese Da Hong Pao tea. 
  • Elevate the classic cream cheese and cucumber sandwich by pairing with a humble green tea. 

Aldi: Avoid a soggy bottom with Dunkability Challenge!

The act of dunking a biscuit in a cup of tea is a proud tradition, with research from McVitie’s finding that 71% of people admit to doing the dunk when enjoying a warm cuppa. 

But as National Tea Day approaches (tomorrow – 21st April), Aldi Scotland has set out to uncover what happens when the mighty shortbread is plunged into a milky tea and reveals the products with the best ‘dunkability’. 

To help its customers create the perfect tea and biscuit ritual, Aldi Scotland has put its most popular Specially Selected All Butter Shortbread products to the test in the supermarket’s first ‘Dunkability Challenge’. 

Rated on its shape, taste, and its crunch vs crumble qualities, tea lovers can use the below review system to find their perfect Aldi Scotland biccy to complement their cuppa, all for under £2.

Star outlineSpecially Selected Orkney Caramel Shortbreads (£1.69, 5 pack)               5/5 Dunkability

Aldi Scotland’s Specially Selected Orkney Caramel Shortbreads, winners at the 2021 Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards, are once again topping the competition by scoring a perfect 5/5 in the dunkability scale.

Shape

The deliciously dunkable Orkney Caramel Shortbreads are two perfectly formed pieces of utterly-buttery shortbread sealed together with a golden caramel centre making them easy to hold for dipping down to the last bite.

Taste

These irresistibly buttery shortbreads are double-drizzled in Belgian chocolate and golden caramel. When dunked into warm tea, the caramel centre will become deliciously gooey, melting in your mouth. Made from a traditional family recipe, using the finest ingredients including Orkney butter, the Orkney Caramel Shortbread’s are truly indulgent at a wallet-pleasing £1.69.

Crunch vs Crumble

With a perfect balance of crunch and crumble, these chunky treats are the upper crust on the ‘Dunkability’ scale. Fully immerse in your cuppa for a gooey mouthful, or delicately dip for that satisfying snap.

Result

A more modern take on the traditional Scottish shortbread, these double layered biscuits have earned their place in cupboards across the country and are guaranteed to add a certain luxury to any tea-break.

Star outlineSpecially Selected All Butter Scottish Shortbread Fingers (£1.19)             4/5 Dunkability

Shape

These Shortbread Fingers are the perfect shape for dunking in tea. The rectangle biscuits allow for controlled dunking, granting a tailored experience for each personal preference. It comes as no surprise these Shortbread Fingers won a star at the Great Taste Awards 2020.

Taste

Aldi’s All Butter Shortbread Fingers are slow baked, using a traditional Scottish recipe. Finished with a sprinkling of sugar, these shortbread biscuits will give you all the sweetness you need to balance out a strong brew.

Crunch vs Crumble

Upon dipping these Shortbread Fingers, you are sure to experience a soft crumble, while retaining a crisp crunch with each bite.

Result

A perfect all-rounder. Whether you’re a dunking aficionado, or simply trying out something new on your next tea-break, you won’t be left disappointed.

Specially Selected All Butter Scottish Shortbread Rounds (£1.19)             4/5 Dunkability

Shape

These fan favourites have a slim feel and circular form which deliver a delicate bite making them irresistibly moreish.

Taste

These Shortbread Rounds are available in All Butter, Sicilian Lemon and Chocolate Chunk. Whether you fancy a zap of zesty flavour, or a hint of luxurious chocolate, these All-Butter Shortbread Rounds work as well with coffee as they do tea.

Crunch vs Crumble

With a distinctive snap, these Shortbread Rounds will certainly give a satisfying crunch pre-dunk, while offering a soft crumble into your tea upon dipping. These are ideal for anyone who is not left disappointed by a soggy bottom.

Result

If you take pleasure in submerging your biscuit, then these Shortbread Rounds are most definitely for you, while the variety of flavour options, at the bargain price of £1.19 means there’s something for all tastes.

Dobbies celebrates National Tea Day with virtual tea event

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is marking National Tea Day (21 April 2021) with an exclusive tea-themed virtual event for Edinburgh residents, hosted by tea experts, Whittard of Chelsea.

With 165 million cups of tea consumed by Brits every day, National Tea Day is the ideal time to celebrate the nation’s favourite beverage. Dobbies’ Whittard of Chelsea virtual event will provide education and information about both the tea plant itself, and the drink that’s become such a huge part of British culture and our daily lives, as well as helping viewers to gain the expertise required to make a perfect ‘cuppa’ every time.

Hosted by Katy Woollard, product specialist at Whittard of Chelsea, the 45-minute expert event will start at 2.30pm on 21 April, and will cover the fascinating history of tea and how it came to be ubiquitous across the UK and around the world.

Katy will also present a demonstration of how to brew the perfect cup of tea, using both tea bags and loose-leaf tea, and will share expert insights on altering methods to suit the most popular brews, including English Breakfast and Earl Grey.

Alongside this, Katy will be on hand to answer those burning questions Edinburgh viewers may have, including advice on optimum temperatures, cups vs mugs, and even the age-old question: milk before or after?

Katy Woollard, Product Specialist at Whittard of Chelsea, said: “We are very excited to share our knowledge, passion and love for tea with Dobbies’ customers and we hope they will enjoy the journey into the Whittard world, as we celebrate National Tea Day.”

The Whittard of Chelsea expert event is part of a series of free virtual events that Dobbies is hosting this Spring.

Following a successful programme of Facebook Live sessions in 2020, they provide a virtual alternative to regular events usually hosted instore.

Further events have already been announced for the coming weeks, including a virtual event on lawns and garden wildlife hosted by Dobbies’ Horticulture Director, Marcus Eyles.

Advance booking is essential for the virtual events, which are hosted on Microsoft Teams, making it quick and simple for viewers to log on and join in the event from the comfort of their homes.

The sessions are free of charge and exclusively available to Dobbies Club members. For those who aren’t yet members of Dobbies Club, membership is free and signing up is quick and simple, giving access to a variety of benefits, special offers and exclusive events. To sign up visit dobbies.com

To sign up for the Dobbies virtual event with Whittard of Chelsea, visit: 

https://www.dobbies.com/content/events.html