British Food and Travel

No matter where you go in the world, a Brit can be sure of one thing. People will assume that you drink tea. It’s one of the ultimate stereotypes of Britishness – afternoon tea. And the ultimate chance to celebrate that love for the hot beverage is on April 21, otherwise known as National Tea Day.

Tea is one of the main stays of civilisation in this country.

– George Orwell

How Tea Got Its Start in Britain

Believe it or not, coffee was available in Britain before tea. So was hot chocolate. Although it was a close race. All three drinks arrived on Britain’s shores in the mid 17th century, with the first coffee house opening in Oxford in 1650. Tea was introduced a few years later. In 1658, the Sultaness Head at the Royal Exchange became the first place to sell tea. There was only two varieties and it people drank it mainly for medicinal reasons. They believed it would protect them from the plague. Oliver Cromwell placed heavy taxes on it, making it a popular target for smugglers.

Tea, though ridiculed by those who are naturally coarse in their nervous sensibilities, will always be the favourite beverage of the intellectual.

A lot happened in 1658, for just as tea became commercially available and Cromwell started taxing it, he died and the monarchy was restored. King Charles II married Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese woman who had quite a love of tea. She reportedly brought chests of it to England with her. Suddenly the drink’s popularity soared as society ladies all rushed to emulate the trends set by the queen. They stored their prized leaves in locked tea chests, and drank out of delicate china cups.

By the 18th century, tea had spread to the masses. A splash of milk was usually added, along with some sugar. Prices fell as its popularity grew, so much so that by the late 18th century, the staple diet of the poor was white bread, cheese, and tea with sugar. By then, tea was definitely the British drink, replacing gin and beer.

Tea Facts

Time for a few fun facts about the nation’s favourite hot drink, courtesy of the folks behind National Tea Day:

• Brits drink an estimated 165 million cups of tea per day! Keep those kettles boiling!
• Experts claim that 4 cups of tea per day is optimal so that you can get the most health benefits.
• Those health benefits apparently include a dose of fluoride to protect your teeth. Tea is a natural source.
• Other purported health benefits include protection from cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.

National Tea Day

National Tea Day falls on April 21. Look out for a tea party near you. For the ultimate celebration, head to the Fes-Tea-Val at London’s Chiswick Gardens. The two-day event attracts 30,000 people and features live music, entertainment, and, of course, plenty of tea. Kids can enjoy a Mad Hatter Tea Party while you attend a masterclass on tea mixology. Take lessons in afternoon tea etiquette, and don’t forget a slice of cake or two.

If you want to find something closer to home, Tea Near Me has listings of events and teahouses around the country.

So whether you prefer Earl Grey with a squeeze of lemon or a traditional mug of Yorkshire Tea with milk and three sugars, put the kettle on and enjoy one of today’s 165 million cuppas!

Wouldn’t it be dreadful to live in a country where they didn’t have tea?

– Noel Coward