Loose leaf tea

[Sway]

I'm an avowed coffee drinker, however my other half adores her tea.

Bought her a loose leaf tea maker thing (teapot with strainer/plunger) and some twinings English breakfast loose leaf tea, and she's fallen in love.

However, being a PBCD, I've learnt the loose leaf stuff from the supermarkets is the equivalent of floor sweepings, and there's much better fayre to be had.

So, recommendations for good quality loose leaf tea, bearing in mind her current favourite tipple is the Twinings English Breakfast? She drinks with a splash of milk and no sugar.

Cheers!

[Funk]

A friend of mine loves Shibui for loose leaf tea: https://www.shibui-tea.co.uk/

[CSNY]

Have a look at this - https://dorothysteas.co.uk

The shop's not too far from me but she does mail order. Her teas are superb, and the Supreme Earl Grey is amazing (not cheap but .....)

[sunbeam alpine]

Don't know whereabouts in the UK you live, but if you're anywhere near Oxford there used to be a great place in the Covered Market. They offer small "tester" portions of all their teas.

I haven't been there since before Covid and I'm afraid I don't remember the name, but the Covered Market isn't that big.

[wyson]

Can you find a proper tea seller? I used to go to one in London, they had draws full of different types and gave free samples as well. Well worth developing a relationship, telling them what you like, going back and forth.

Christ, Twinings is horrible, wouldn’t touch that stuff if someone paid me. But would be a good place to start a chat with a proper tea seller. Let them open your eyes to a proper cup!

Edited by wyson on Thursday 5th October 11:27

[Ransoman]

I use teapigs - www.teapigs.co.uk

They sell most of their varieties in loose leaf big bags and their everyday brew is the nicest cup of plain tea I have ever had.

[wyson]

Yes, teapigs is the default option for me too these days, found they are the best option available in a regular supermarket. Since the little terrors arrived, don’t have the time to ponce about on a Sat afternoon in a teashop anymore

[wyson]

To push the experience to the next level, it’s worth buying a proper kettle where you can set the temp of the water to suit the tea. A proper tea shop would be able to advise.

[Sway]

We have a temp controllable kettle, as she uses a hot water bottle a lot. So that's one less expense!

We're in Chichester, but can't seem to find any tea sellers near us - all that's coming up is tearooms.

Completely understand Twinings is rubbish compared to what's possible, I don't mind a cuppa but other half adores it so it'd be nice to open her eyes a bit and let her get even more enjoyment.

Cheers for the recommendations, keep them coming - have ordered a sample box from Shibui but happy to explore more!

[dapprman]

I have had several 3 month subs with BRUU Tea Club plus had their last three advent calendars. Not the largest of selections but it is one of the cheaper options out there. Also you can tailor what you get as you can select what types of teas you do and do not want.

[LimaDelta]

Fortnum's do a decent selection of loose leaf.

[HotJambalaya]

https://www.mariagefreres.com/UK/addresses.html#uk

Their flag ship is in covent garden, but the other shop in the basement of selfridges has a huge selection too.

[Lynchie999]

Sway said:

We're in Chichester,

there's a Tea shop in Arundel if memory serves... "The Tea and Biscuit Club" ... not sure how the tea is though!

[The Gauge]

I buy loose leaf tea from Brew Tea Company

https://www.brewteacompany.co.uk/

[Mobile Chicane]

Jing.com

As served at The Fat Duck, etc.

[Slow.Patrol]

Mobile Chicane said:

Jing.com

As served at The Fat Duck, etc.

Second this, although I now use Teapigs for Earl Grey

[vaud]

Fortnum and Mason.

[tobythekid]

Fortnum and masons are good but pricey