Laura's Tea Rooms First End Of Year Awards Ceremony .... And The Winners Are ...

As we reach the end of 2014, and with Laura's Tea Room almost being a year old, now is the perfect time to reflect on what a totally awesome tea year this has been. I cannot even begin to describe how much fun it has been to try so many different tea's and to meet so many fantastic people.

I'd also like to take the chance to thank some people who have made this blog what it is. Firstly, all the tea companies who have happily and willingly sent me tea's to sample. In particular, those companies who showed a little trust in me at the beginning when I had nothing to sample and who kindly sent me out so many samples. For the readers of the blog, and thankfully there are many, who make this all worthwhile, and fellow bloggers who have supported me and have kindly spread the word that this blog existed.

Sadly, there are no awards being sent out in the post, however, each of the winners get a virtual kiss on the cheek and a hug!

So, let the fun begin ....

1. Tea Company Of The Year - Winner - Northern Tea Merchants 

Northern Tea Merchants are based in Chesterfield. Not only is there a shop where you can buy tea but there is also a tea room that you can visit to and treat yourself to a piece of cake and cup of tea or coffee. Northern Tea produce fine quality loose tea and produce their own house blend teabags. They are the winners of the category because, quite frankly, their Keemun is second to none. Also, James Pogson is a walking encylopedia of tea knowledge and I hugely appreciate the time he has spent answering my many tea questions. And, Northern Tea kindly sent me my second ever box of samples and helped me establish this blog.

2. Best Green Tea Of The Year - Kensington Tea Company - Jasmine Pearl Superior

(photo sourced from kensingtontea.com)

Kensington Tea Company are specialists in green tea (though they do sell other tea's too). They are the winners in this category because their Jasmine Pearl Superior is second to none. It's a deliciously smooth, gentle and exquisite tea and a joy to experience. I have tried other JP's and often get a strange plastic like taste from it. This is wonderful, pleasant and feels very healthy to drink. A worthy winner!

3. Best Black Tea Of The Year - Northern Tea Merchants - Keemun.

 There could be no other winner in this category. Northern Tea Merchants wins hands down because their Keemun is second to none. It's smooth, rich and flavoursome and incredibly fresh. Keemun has taken over where Assam once stood as my favourite black tea simply because it's so easy to drink without milk or sugar. I have tried one or two Keemun's which were seriously lacking, so well done to NTM - quality win's over everytime.

4. Best Herbal/Fruit Tea - Wise Owl - Bali Bamboo

Wise Owl Tea are a funky, fun and seriously cool tea company. I love my social interactions with them on Facebook and Twitter, the staff are really lovely. But their tea is also delicious too, so the Wise one's are winner of this category with their uber tasty Bali Bamboo tea.  From the moment I tried this tea I fell totally for it, because it's so different. I'm not normally a herbal tea fan but this is tasty. It's blended with nettle and has a nice, strong, robust taste to it. It makes a pleasant change if you want something lighter then black tea and don't fancy green tea. It has a almost nutty taste to it and has hit the spot with me!

5. Best Seasonal Tea - Marks And Spencer - Mulled Fruit Tea

Marks and Spencers are not the first company I immediately think of when I think about tea, but this year they have come up with a hit. Their Christmas tea, Mulled Fruit Tea has been a sure fire hit, as I have since been totally unable to source (after purchasing a pack in Bluewater)it in any M&S that I have visited. It's a unique blend of different fruits (spiced apple, cranberry and sweet clementine) and makes a lovely change from the normal Christmas tea's that are usually black tea, which some of my readers find hard to drink as they are overly spiced. This is light and perfect to be served on Christmas afternoon when you or your guests, may need a slight break from the heavy food that is normally served on Christmas day! A refreshing change from the normal.

6. Best New Product Launch - Twinings - Gingerbread Indulgence/Caramelised Apple/Salted Caramel

There is no doubt that when Twinings launched their new range of green tea's earlier this year, it was a massive hit. These three flavours proved almost impossible to be found for some of us and the reaction to the tea's in some parts of the tea world was extraordinary. I have never sensed such excitement at a new product launch. The tea's themselves are great and are a fab replacement for desserts. Well done to Twinings as there was nothing quite like it when these were launched!

7. Best Packaging - Wise Owl 

A second victory for Wise Owl! I love the tea but I also love the product packaging. Each of the caddies are made from thick cardboard. There is something really, really different and unique about the packaging and they are very eye catching, too. There is something a bit quirky about the packaging that really stands out for me! They really look fab when displayed in your kitchen. Well done Wise Owl!

8. Best Tea Shop - Wilkinsons Of Norwich

 (photo sourced from Google)

I visited Wilkinsons last month whilst on holiday in Norfolk. Their shop can be found on the nicely names Lobster Lane! Wilkinsons have won this award for many different reasons. Their selection of tea is varied and of a very good quality. The expertise the staff showed about their products was fanatastic. But above all the customer service is wonderful. Nothing was too much trouble for the lady who served me. I will certainly go back when I'm next in Norwich.

9. Best Mail Order Experience -  Kensington Tea Company

Kensington Tea Company win this category for several reason's. Firstly, I love the fact that they provide a loyalty scheme when you make a purchase from them. So when you order you get a certain amount of points which you can, at a later date, use towards payment on future orders. But the way they package their tea orders makes you feel really special when your order arrives. The enclosure of a free sample with orders always goes down well!

10. Best Supermarket Purchase - Teapigs - Mao Feng Green Tea

 

(photo sourced from Ocardo)

Teapigs win with their Mao Feng green tea because there is something really different about Teapigs. They are a great alternative to the standard brands you normally find in supermarkets - it's something completely different whilst at the same time providing decent quality tea. I love Teapigs because if you order tea online, you can try samples of other blends in a clever idea called Teapiglets. However, back to the supermarket. Their packaging is so clever and their tea, though appearing to be on the pricey side, is of a standard that surpasses some of it's shelf mates. Check out their website on the link above and have a look around. A brilliant company! Their Mao Feng green tea blend is tasty, subtle and I think is a absolute must try for the pure green tea lover.

11. Best Tearoom - Hazelmere - Grange- Over- Sands

(photo sourced from Google)

Earlier this year I was fortunate to visit Grange- Over- Sands, a really stunning place situated in Cumbria. It's very picturesque and the views are absolutely stunning. During my visit I was lucky enough to stumble on the Hazelmere tea rooms. What a enjoyable visit! The tearoom is clean, comfortable and the staff are friendly. The cakes (though I didn't partake, the other people in my party did) are apparently delicious. I tried the Chai Latte tea and it was beyond marvelous. A must have if you visit the tearoom! Even though we visited late in the day the tearoom was absolutely heaving. If you are in the area, please do visit, you wont be disappointed!

12. Best Tea Accessory - Floatea Infuser

This was a difficult category to choose. It was between the Floatea Infuser and my Bodum Travel Mug. However, Floatea won over. I purchased mine with some birthday money in July and did not look back. I love the Floatea as it's so convenient, making loose tea ever so easy to enjoy. I love the fact that it's easy to clean, unlike my one pot, and can be taken anywhere. It's tiny too, so can be popped into your handbag. I also love the fact it has it's own stand, making it less messy then some infusers. A accessory I cannot be without.

13. Best Tea Based Social Media - #teaclub

#teaclub can be found on Twitter, Facebook and here. It's run by two fantastic chaps, Michael and Benn whose love of tea and loyalty to Yorkshire Tea can only be admired. If you've had a bit of a rubbish day then it's fun to go onto their Twitter page where many laughs are had. A recent discovery of mine but I'm glad I found them! They have over 3,000 Twitter followers which says a awful lot!

14. Best Tea Company To Watch- Tea Huggers

 Tea Huggers is run by a lovely lady, Esther. The company was established in 2013 and specialises in herbal tea's. The tea comes in silky pyramid form and is absolutely delicious. I can highly recommend their Skinny Fit tea. With it's added chilli and aniseed, it gives you a real kick. I know that Tea Huggers have won taste awards for their tea, and that is a great achievement for such a young company. I really look forward to seeing this company grow and I hope one day to see their tea's in supermarkets.  It's certainly one to watch! You can tell that Tea Huggers have a real passion for their product and that comes through.

So, here are the winners for my first virtual tea awards. I cannot wait to see what happens in the tea world during 2015. I'm looking forward to some adventures ... and am planning on visiting as many tea rooms and tea shops as I possibly can.

Thanks to everyone who read's the blog and here's to a brand new year of tea filled frivolity. :-)