How to drink tea properly:


The kettle is brought to a rolling boil and water poured into a tea pot.

Water is swirled around the pot to warm it and then poured out.

Loose tea leaves, black tea usually, although tea bags are sometimes used.

Water is added to the pot and allowed to brew for several minutes while a tea cosy is placed on the pot to keep the tea warm. If the tea is allowed to brew for too long, for example, more than 10 minutes, it will become "over-steeped", resulting in a very bitter, astringent taste.

Milk may be added to the tea cup, the host asking the guest if milk is wanted, although milk may alternatively be added after the tea is poured.

A tea strainer, like a miniature sieve, is placed over the top of the cup and the tea poured in.
The straight black tea is then given to guests and they are allowed to add fresh milk and white sugar to their taste.

The pot will normally hold enough tea so as not to be empty after filling the cups of all the guests. If this is the case, the tea cosy is replaced after everyone has been served.

Lemons are sliced, no wedges, but usually without lemon.


God save the queen! And most important, God save the Tea!