English tea

British tea – England's proud tea tradition

If you were to describe the British people, the word "tea" would probably be one of the first to pop up. And there is good reason for that. The English are known for their great love of tea, and they drink it at almost all times of the day.

The history of tea in England began in the 17th century when it was first introduced to the British nobility. It was love at first sip, and soon tea became a regular part of English life. From the opulent salons of the 18th-century nobility to the cozy drawing rooms of the modern British home, tea has played a central role in social life and everyday life in England.

The British tea as a rallying point

One of the most loved British tea traditions is 'afternoon tea'. This custom became popular in the 19th century thanks to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. She introduced the idea of a late afternoon tea to satisfy hunger between lunch and the evening meal. This ritual quickly grew in popularity, especially among the English nobility and upper classes, and became an occasion to gather and enjoy delicious sandwiches, scones, and of course, tea.

Over the centuries, tea has played a vital role in British everyday life and has become synonymous with British identity. Teatime is not just a break in the day's routines; it's a moment of community where friends and family gather to share news, gossip, and of course, a good cup of English tea.

The assortment of English tea at Nordic Tea

At Nordic Tea, we are proud to offer a carefully selected range of teas that reflect the best of the British tea tradition. Our collection spans classic blends and finer varieties – each with its own unique character and history. Here is a selection of some of the most beloved teas that the English value so much.

Earl Grey: The aromatic classic

Earl Grey is perhaps the most famous of all English teas. Known for its refreshing and easily recognizable aroma of bergamot oil, this tea offers a perfect balance between strength and finesse. At Nordic Tea, you will find 15 different black Earl Grey teas, and there are also Earl Grey teas in both green and Rooibos versions.

English Breakfast: The morning tradition

No collection of English tea would be complete without English Breakfast. This is a robust, full-bodied tea that is perfect for starting the day. It consists of a mixture of different black teas, which results in a deep and satisfying taste experience. With its rich taste and invigorating effect, this tea is a firm favorite among tea lovers.

English Breakfast tea is perfect with milk and sugar, as the English love to drink it. At Nordic Tea, it is available both in the more traditional small-cut version and in a larger-leaf version, which we call English Breakfast Luxury. The latter is blended with 50% Ceylon and 50% Assam tea.

Ceylon: The afternoon invigorator

Ceylon, a tea grown on the hillsides of Sri Lanka, is an essential part of any English tea collection, due to the former colonial ownership of Sri Lanka – which was called Ceylon before. With its light colour, fresh aroma, and subtle citrus notes, Ceylon is an exquisite tea for the afternoon. It is particularly suitable for traditional 'afternoon tea' and pairs well with both sweet and savory snacks.

Tanzania CTC BOP

This tea is also extremely suitable for the English way of drinking tea, when you love milk and sugar in your tea. This tea is a so-called very "black" tea, which indicates that it has a strength so the tea tastes very clearly through both milk and sugar, without being bitter in any way.

Irish Breakfast

The Irish take on a Breakfast tea is also highly recommended for the English tea tradition with milk and sugar. A blend of Assam teas that also gives a strong taste.

Buy English tea at Nordic Tea

Discover your next favorite in our selection of English teas at Nordic Tea. Let yourself be seduced by the rich aromas and enjoy a cup of tradition