Black tea. Starting with the winner, black tea is by far is the most popular tea amongst Brits. Black tea and blends of black tea are often enjoyed with milk and the finer particles make for a stronger, distinctive flavour which set it apart from other more delicate and subtle teas.
1. Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Tea. Yorkshire tea is often regarded as Britain's most popular tea type, and Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Tea is no exception.
The Brits prefer robust black teas like Earl Grey or English Breakfast. And you may use either tea bags or loose tea; both are perfectly acceptable. If you choose loose tea, you'll need a strainer for your cup or teapot.
Five times layered with rose petals. A favourite of Princess Diana.
A typical afternoon tea is usually loose tea in a teapot with milk and sugar. Along with the tea, you will find traditional British style sandwiches such as cucumber, egg and cress, tuna or ham. Cakes, pastries and the very British scone with butter, clotted cream and jam is also a part of British tea culture.
Twinings of London Earl Gray Black Tea
You might as well try a cup of the queen's favorite. It's been reported that Her Majesty often enjoyed Twinings of London Earl Gray Black Tea — a classic and all-natural selection that includes notes of citrus and bergamot — with a splash of milk and no sugar.
Although typically served with milk, it is also common to drink certain varieties black or with lemon. Sugar is a popular addition to any variety. Everyday tea, such as English breakfast tea, served in a mug with milk and sugar is a popular combination.
Tea time remains an important tradition in the royal family today. Queen Elizabeth II was known to enjoy a cup of Earl Grey tea in the morning, while King Charles is a fan of Darjeeling tea. The royal family also hosts an annual garden party at Buckingham Palace, where guests are treated to tea, sandwiches, and cakes.
Scones with jam and clotted cream
English tea scones regularly appeared in Queen Elizabeth's afternoon tea selection, and they were always served with jam and clotted cream (cream heated rather than whipped to thicken).
King Charles Sips Darjeeling Tea Throughout The Day
The health-conscious monarch, however, hydrates himself with tea. Throughout the day, the King sips his favourite Darjeeling tea. He drinks it with milk and a dash of honey.
Twining's also holds the title of being the oldest brand of tea in the UK. It was established in 1706 – making it over 300 years old! Twining's also claim to be the inventors of Earl Grey tea. According to their website, Richard Twining created this iconic blend in 1831 for Prime Minister Charles Grey.
In the evening the British are going to dinner with their family. During the big meal they discuss the events of the day, politics and sports. At that time of the day especially popular are soft, soothing teas flavoured with bergamot. The most famous «evening» tea is «Earl Grey».
People from around the world often wonder why the English drink milk with their tea. The answer is that in the 17th and 18th centuries the china cups tea was served in were so delicate they would crack from the heat of the tea. Milk was added to cool the liquid and stop the cups from cracking.
Every May, the Queen holds a garden party at Buckingham Palace. The tea that is served is a long time favorite and delicious medley specially selected for this occasion. Intriguing hints of a high-grown Earl Grey flavored Ceylon effortlessly complement the soft jasmine notes of a China green tea.
It's a careful process which layers the complimentary flavours of individual teas on top of each other to build a more complex flavour, and a great blend can achieve a balance and depth which single origin teas can't, along with a taste profile which is uniquely its own.
PG Tips – The best known and most popular brand of tea in the UK for over 75 years and is stronger than most Indian and African teas.
Queen Elizabeth and Her Favorite Tea
Her Majesty's royal butler, Grant Harrold, says the Queen “enjoys her Assam or her Earl Grey the traditional way, made with tea leaves in a teapot and poured into a fine bone china teacup.
Royal biographer, Katie Nicholl, has previously said: "HRH typically starts with a simple cup of tea and biscuits, followed by a bowl of cereal." (The Guardian previously reported she likes to keep it in Tupperware to preserve its freshness.)
After famously sharing the royal scone recipe, Buckingham Palace then moved onto her favourite sponge cake. They said: “The Victoria Sponge was named after Queen Victoria, who regularly ate a slice of sponge cake with her tea, each afternoon!
Prince William: English Breakfast Tea
"As a personality, drinking regular breakfast tea suggests stability and consistency, not for someone taking too many risks.
Queen Victoria's favourite tea is recorded as Earl Grey tea, a China black tea infused with Oil of Bergamot, and served with her favourite shortbread biscuits.
Prince of Wales tea blend is a blend of Keemun black tea, Gunpowder green tea and a dash of currant juice or infused with dried currants. This produces a full-bodied cup with a bright liquor and strong aroma.
While it's hard to validate this theory, tea before milk is the preferred pouring order of the British Royal Family, who are likely to take an opportunity to boast their riches. Regardless of its origins, almost all guides and sources now agree that tea should be poured into a cup first and milk (if desired) second.
Clotted cream is a staple on British tea-time tables. You'll find it served in a little dish right alongside your scones (or very traditionally, Cornish 'splits', a type of yeast bun).
It is impossible for you to get caught… until you make tea. Believe it or not, this is not something I made up. In general, the British custom is to pour milk in your cup first, then tea.