Brits are a nation of tea lovers, but now a new Census Survey Study¹ from the UK Tea and Infusions Association (UKTIA) has revealed we love a sweet or savoury treat with our cuppas.
As Afternoon Tea Week kicks off on 12 August, tea lovers all over the world will be getting their teapots warmed. But as the new UKTIA Census Study of more than 1,000 UK adults shows, biscuits, savoury or sweet, will also accompany our cups of tea.
Dr Sharon Hall, head of the UK Tea and Infusions Association, says, “According to our new Census Study, almost eight in ten people have a sweet or savoury biscuit with their tea.
“Afternoon tea is all about enjoyment, so the UK’s favourite nibble to accompany a cup of tea is plain sweet biscuits, closely followed by chocolate biscuits. Other popular choices are cake, sandwiches and even crisps and samosas. Newer trends for afternoon tea in 2024 include quiche, savoury mousses or sushi.
“Getting the right food pairings can really make your cup of tea special. For some of the nation, Afternoon Tea Week is about enjoying a light, fluffy scone with raspberry jam and clotted cream—but I’m not going to get into the dangerous ground of whether you put on the cream first or second! Another firm favourite is serving tea with smoked salmon and cream cheese blinis.”
“Drinking tea may be quintessentially British, but the way we enjoy it is decidedly modern. Few people nowadays warm up a tea pot for loose tea, instead more than eight in ten prefer to use tea bags. More people also take plant milks or no milk. Herbal Infusions such as peppermint and chamomile are also popular, particularly with those people under the age of 30.”
But while the tea drinking ritual has evolved over time, there is still a love for tea memorabilia. Dr Sharon Hall notes: “A surprising finding from our Tea Census Study was that the under thirties were the group most likely to use tea-related items inherited from family members, such as teapots, teaspoons and even tea cosies!”
Afternoon tea at Buxton Crescent. Photograph by Jodi Hinds.
Afternoon Tea Week is a perfect excuse to celebrate this cherished British tradition and experience the elegance and charm associated with Afternoon Tea with friends and family of all ages. Hotels and restaurants will be offering discounts on their Afternoon Tea experiences, and many charities run fundraising and community events during Afternoon Tea Week.²
As we get together to put on the kettle for Afternoon Tea Week, many people will be wondering how to make the perfect cuppa.
Dr Sharon Hall has the answer: “It’s all down to using the right amount of freshly boiled water – Smart Boil only what you need – and the right amount of tea brewed for the optimal time. As a crucial part of enjoying a cuppa is having a moment of calm, I always say that tea is best drunk with your feet up or having a chat in good company”.
Dr Sharon Hall’s top tea tips for making the perfect cuppa are:
Fill your kettle with fresh tap water, but only use the amount you need, as it wastes money to boil a whole kettle for just one person. Check out the UKTIA’s Smart Boil tips to save on energy.
Add a good-quality teabag to your mug or make a pot with 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per person. Warming the pot beforehand helps keep the tea hot for longer.
Brewing time is a personal thing, but I always think that 3-4 minutes for regular black tea brings out the best flavour. Herbal infusions can be brewed slightly longer.
Finally, add a dash of milk if preferred, which can be dairy or plant milk – oat works best as it has a neutral flavour and doesn’t separate. I don’t recommend adding sugar, not least because it masks the wonderful refreshing taste of a good cuppa, but again, it is up to you. Have tea your way.
To discover more about tea, visit https://www.tea.co.uk/.
References:
¹Perspectus Global; 1010 UK-based adults, Summer 2024
²https://afternoontea.co.uk/features/afternoon-tea-week/
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