Laura's (Fantasy) Tea Christmas.

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat (well, morbidly obese actually if the geese I saw in Norfolk the other day is anything to go by - those fella's were HUGE!) so I was thinking what would my fantasy Christmas day be? Which tea items (if I were lucky to be brought them, of course!) would make the day absolutely perfect.

Well, actually there are loads of things that I'd really love to own. So here are a few of them! Hopefully this (tongue in cheek, by the way) blog may give your partners or family members, some idea's for the perfect present for you!

1. Heston Blumenthal Sage Tea Maker

This is the gift which would make me love the person giving the gift for the rest of my life. It's absolutely fantastic. But, just use a kettle, I hear you say .... oh, no. If you think that you've underestimated the power of this baby.

The Sage teamaker does boil water, obviously. However, it also serves as a teasmaid. You can set the water temperature depending on what tea you are brewing (and we all know we don't use boiling hot water to make green tea, don't we?) and according to what tea you are using, this automatically lifts the tea leaves out of the water after the set time, therefore making you the perfect cup of tea. It's fabulous.

It's also expensive, so it's top end (well of me anyway) and there is no real chance of me getting this from Santa, but, a girl can dream, right? please visit the Sage website for more information.

2. Perfect Stocking Filler: Yellow Submarine Infuser.

Being a Beatles fan and tea obsessive this is a ideal gift. How cute is this? It's just beyond funny and is perfectly suited for the Beatle nut.

It's available from Amazon and comes in at just under £4 so it's a really good little stocking filler.

I'd like to say there are some really fun infusers out there from those shaped like a man to those shaped like a shark's fin which helps turn your tea infusing experience into a mini scene from Jaws. Who knew that brewing up could be such fun!

3. Teasmaid

 

Everybody in my tea drinking life, from my mum to my ex-partner has cruelly denied me the chance to own a teasmaid. The reactions to the suggestion that I may buy one has ranged from hysterical laughter to sheer panic. Frankly, I do not understand the anti-teasmaid feeling. I mean, if you're like me and don't have anyone to gently wake you up in the morning with a nicely made brew, then you have to rely on items such as these. And, in all seriousness, when I manage to find my own home it will literally be the first item I buy. Unless of course I hit rich and are able to purchase the item featured on the top of this list!

I think they're fab and I love the kitch 1970's element to teasmaids.

4. Twinings Luxury Gift Hamper

Sadly, I couldn't source a photo for this item, however, I got a email from Twinings the other day in which they featured this hamper.

It costs £84 - I know it's a lot, however, included within the hamper there are such delights as the new Plummy Earl Grey, several infusions, cakes, biscuits and a teapot.

I think there is something really, really lovely about receiving a hamper with all your favourite things.

For more information, please visit the Twinings website.

5. Matcha Making Kit

 

Matcha Making Kits are fantastic gifts for those people in your life who like ... well, matcha, obviously! I have been sent two separate samples of matcha and no matter now I whisked and stirred, the matcha never frothed up like it was meant to. I asked a tea friend of mine, who told me, quite bluntly that normal whisks and forks "... won't cut the mustard ...". 

As the festive season is fast approaching, funds are tight, but I will be investing in a matcha making kit in the New Year. I'm really interested and excited about matcha and can't wait to give it a go. Roll on the new year!

So here are a few things from the tea world that I've been lusting over. But, I can honestly say there are some awesome tea and tea accessories out there. I think the tea world, instead of being staid and boring, which a lot of people think it is, is actually really good fun. 

Of course, this is a light hearted blog, mainly because I'm just starting to get into the festive spirit. 

But, on a rather more serious note, never more then this year have I fully understood the joy of having family and friends in your life during the festive period. It doesn't matter what people get you, big or small, it's the thought that counts.

However, a girl can dream can't she? And whilst a lot of my friends are drooling over the latest handbag or pair of shoes, I can quite happily stare at the Sage Teasmaker for hours. But, that's the kinda girl I am!

Slightly Off Topic But .... Don't Forget It's Small Business Saturday

I know this is a little off topic, but, just wanted to spread the word that today is Small Business Saturday.

We all love chain shops and we need them to be successful so that our high streets flourish. We also know what large businesses do for the economy, too.

However, there are plenty of small, local and independent shops and businesses that provide good service, good value for money and fantastic products.

Relating this to tea, there are so many good small tea companies out there that provide not only unique and excellent customer service but most importantly sell good products.

I expect a lot of people like to drink the brands of tea they are used to. But on Small Business Saturday why not google some of the smaller companies out there and give them a go. You will, I can assure you, be pleasantly surprised.

In a former life I was self-employed in a small business. I know how back breakingly hard it is to run your own business. It's hard and stressful, but rewarding to. So, we should try and support those small businesses and give them every chance to succeed.

After all, from small acorns, mighty oaks grow.

Drink Me: Tea Latte: Earl Grey

As regular readers may know, I do not take milk or sugar in my tea. This is for two reasons. Firstly, I'm a perpetual WeightWatcher and diary items are slightly too high in "points". Secondly, I suffer from eczema and too much diary can often bring on an attack of said skin condition. The last bout lasted about twenty months making me feel under the weather, stopped me from sleeping and left my legs looking as though they had been (un)lovingly caressed by Freddy Kruger. Thankfully, skin has cleared up and is now smooth, soft and peachy.

Sometimes though you just fancy something totally special and delightful and today, in a box of samples, I found it. Fellow blogger Rebecca kindly send me a sample of Drink Me  Tea Latte: Earl Grey.

Drink Me are tea's that come in tubs or packets and are a powdered tea. The powders also have dried skimmed milk contained within it as well as sugar (this is going to be a treat, so I don't mind it as a one off). But, it's a relatively low calorie treat at only 90 calories per 20g serving. (Most of the other range of drinks are available in tub form but Earl Grey is only available in sachets which are conveniently measured out in 20g's).

I was unsure about this product for the sole fact that the only other powered tea I'd tried was one by Whittards which, in retrospect, was less of a treat.

As you can see in the photograph below, the tea comes powdered and looks a lot like hot chocolate powder.

Already, when tipping the powder into the mug I could smell the lovely sweetness and aroma of Earl Grey, though subtle, is certainly present.

Making the Tea Latte is ever so easy. You simply add hot water and whisk it vigorously for a minute or so. This is all in the wrist action however, and it wasn't as frothy as I was expecting, however, it is really lovely to enjoy a latte, which are normally made from coffee.

After a rather frantic morning, I took a few minutes out to enjoy this tea. And I have to say, I was not disappointed with it. It's incredibly milky and, possibly due to my lack of drinking anything milky normally, it felt really indulgent and very, very lush.

The first sip was rather heavenly for me. It's so creamy and tasty and something really, really different too. It's almost like drinking your favourite hot chocolate, sweet and comforting.

The flavour of Earl Grey is very delicate indeed, but is easily detectable. It's reminds me rather of Twinings special edition Delicate Earl Grey which was released a year or so ago. It's a gentle, soft addition to the tea, not a full on flavour. But it's fragrant enough to make this tea something lovely.
I thought that making this a Earl Grey flavoured tea was unique. It was rather scrummy.

Strangely enough, I felt really full after drinking this tea, and the lovely sweetness remains in your mouth for some time after. I was quite disappointed when I reached the bottom of the cup, because I wanted it to last a whole lot longer!

Drink Me  have other tea's in the range, which I am now eager to try. These include Chai, Vanilla, Peppermint, Mango, Chocolate and a green tea version.

The Chai, I have seen in supermarkets, so think that is probably the next one I'll experience.

I was pleasantly surprised by Earl Grey Tea Latte. I wasn't sure what to expect from the drink and did not feel let down at all by it. It's really different and it's actually so different it's a hard review to write as I could'nt seem to find the right words to describe it.

However, due to the sweetness, which I am unused to, it's not a tea I'd drink several times a day. It may not be a tea I'd even drink on a daily basis. But for a rich, indulgent treat, I can't beat it.

When making the tea, just be careful to stir it firmly and for some time. It's very much like hot chocolate in as much as if you don't stir it correctly you can have lumps of sweet tea powder left in the bottom of the cup, which is what happened to me. I wasn't put off by this, but it is something worth noting for when you decide to make a cup (and when I make another).

If you'd like more information on Drink Me click here. For a direct link to Tea Latte: Earl Grey click here.

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. :-)

Laura's Tea Room First (Virtual) Annual Awards Ceremony

As we approach Christmas, and indeed, as Laura's Tea Room is heading for it's first birthday, I have decided to bring some levity to this blog and will be publishing the list of winners in my first, virtual, awards ceremony!

I have been mulling over the list of winners for the past couple of weeks. (Not sleeping well does have it's benefits).

Results will be announced here very, very shortly! ....

Twinings Mango Tango

 

I will admit from the get go that I did not buy this tea. It actually came through a Orcado order my mum made, so when she wasn't looking pinched a teabag and decided to make a cup so I could include it here!

Mango Tango is a mango flavoured green tea that has a hint of ginger. It consists of loose tea in a silky  pyramid and is part of their new range, which also includes ranges such as Plummy Earl Grey (which I'm keen to try), Popcorn Tea and Chocolately Assam.

The packaging for their new range is really lovely. As you can see in the photo above it's bright, interesting and certainly eye catching. The designs are really, really lovely. Also, rather conveniently, they are resealable so your tea stays fresh. It's certainly a clever way to package your tea and is far better then a cardboard box with plastic inner bag. 

The tea is certainly fragrant and the smell of mango is fresh and invigorating and is very reminiscent of when you open a tin of mango's, the fruity blast is really inviting.

The teabag is silky and within the tea is bright and colourful with pieces of mango adding a dash of colour to the tea.

I boiled the kettle, let the water cool a a little and let it brew for two minutes.

I let the tea cool down quite a lot, as rather strangely (and this is odd I will admit) green tea always seems to be hotter then black tea!

Mango Tango, as I said earlier is a green tea with mango and ginger. 

The tea is of a nice quality. It is a large leaf tea and the tea is a marvelous, lush colour.

Now, what about the added flavours. Well, I have to be totally honest, and say I'm a little disappointed in this blend.

I love mango, I love the juiceiness of it, so I generally love mango flavoured things such as ice cream, yoghurt or mango juice.  And if the tea were mango alone this would get the thumbs up from me. However, it's the addition of the ginger that left me slightly deflated.

I feel the ginger does not work with the lovely mango, and I'm not totally sure why it's been added. It's a strange combination and for me, anyway, it doesn't work. Maybe it's been added to counterbalance the sweetness of the fruit. Maybe not. But it just doesn't gel as a pairing for me, and I would go as far as to say it's rather odd. Ginger and lemon, yes, ginger and mango, no! Yes, the mango is sweet, but it's fine, it doesn't need something so sharp to offset it, in my opinion.

But, if I take the ginger as a lone ingredient, it's doesn't have as much as a kick as I'd like, so it's rather odd, but its been blended into the tea, yet somehow, hovers in the background like I do when in the midst of a large gathering - there and present, just not confident enough to make my presence fully known! So the ginger will forever be in the background, not really serving much purpose.

I tried this tea earlier on this morning and felt there was something just a bit "off" about it, something that just didn't work and about a hour ago it finally hit me, it was the fault of the ginger!

I really wanted to like this drink alot. Okay, it's far from awful, it's totally drinkable but it just didn't work for me. On the other hand my mum, who brought the tea, loved it and has enjoyed several cups so I guess it's down to personal preference. 

I am also baffled by the amount of tea you get in the pack. 12 teabags is rather a strange amount as most of Twinings special ranges come in 15's. It's currently on special deal, via Orcado at £3.00 for 12 but I think the original price is £3.50.

I do take my hat off to Twinings for creating some super flavours in the new lines they have recently released and it certainly won't put me off trying others in the new range - I'm currently obsessing over the Plummy Earl Grey. A must have for me!

Sometimes, we all come across a tea that doesn't quite work. This blend is just that. And as hard as it is to write a negative review, I feel I have to be honest. 

As I said earlier, though, it's down to personal taste. What one person doesn't like, another will fall madly in love with it. So why not give this tea a try and make your own mind up! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

My Special Delivery From Kensington Tea Company

 

A couple of days ago I ordered two teas (of which I both reviewed before) from Kensington Tea Company. I ordered Christmas Green Leaf which is a magnificent brew that features chocolate pieces and sugar snowflakes. I also purchased their Jasmine Pearls (which I have reviewed but such review seems to have gone missing). Anyway, needless to say, the tea is wonderful.

But this isn't a review of tea. This is a review of how lovely the tea comes packaged. As you can see in the photograph below, once opening the box you can see the tea is wrapped in a lovely green tissue paper. It's not only classy but there is something lovely and old fashioned about unwrapping tissue paper.

Inside the box, the tea is packed carefully and I also had a lovely couple of samples thrown in, just enough for a couple of cups of tea each. I love the idea of samples because it enables you to try something you may not of even thought about.

I love Kensington Tea Company. The tea is exceptional, the people are absolutely friendly and as you can see, they treat their tea - and your orders - with the upmost care.

If you'd like to know a little bit more about the company you can read my company profile or click here for their website.

They are such a lovely company and have a loyalty scheme too, so when you purchase tea or tea accessories from them, you earn points which you can spend on further purchases at a later point. What's not to love about that!