British Tea Customs

BRITISH TEA CUSTOMS

Ahhh, tea. A British institution. Any self-respecting Anglophile understands tea and the art of making it properly!

The Brits love tradition, and few elements of British culture hold more tradition than tea-making. That said, any two Brits may hold different opinions about how, exactly, tea should be made. But their differences are usually subtle. (Pour boiling water over the tea leaves? Or water that is only near the boiling point?)

Want to delve into the world of tea? If you happen to live in an area where good, loose-leaf tea is difficult to find, you can order tea online. Online suppliers, such as Porto Rico Importing Company, here in New York City, offer vast varieties of teas.

PORTO RICO IMPORTING CO. (Check them out! You'll be impressed!)

Ready to make a proper cup of tea? INSTRUCTIONS

Take "Tea Drinker" Poll!

How to Make a Proper Cup of Tea

Zella's Comment: I've learned my lesson! I'll never buy another non-whistling tea kettle. I've now melted down two. They were identical. They were beauts, too! Graceful, curvy lines. Traditional English look. Heavy-duty metal. But no whistle. I loved my first one so much that I bought the same model when I had to replace it. Did you know that when metal gets hot enough, it makes popping sounds? And the odor is distinctive. If you've ever been inside a metal foundry, you'll recognize the smell. . . .

A Slice of Britain in NYC: My favorite British restaurant in New York City is the small, quirky Tea and Sympathy in the West Village. The decor is kitschy Brit--with pics of the Queen, mismatched teapots, and Anglophile paraphernalia adorning shelves and walls. They also own the British shop next door, which sells sweets, teas, and gifts. I've not had afternoon tea in any of the famous NYC hotels, such as the Ritz, the Algonquin, or the Plaza, but I must do so someday!

An Ode to Tea: Watch a very eccentric Anglophile laud his "cup of brown joy."