It is no secret that I like tea. Actually, that’s a pretty large understatement. I love tea. I’m frequently rubbish at staying awake or alert at crucial moments in the day (early mornings are a good example, I’m so far out of my own routine at the moment that I’m probably borrowing someone else’s), and I’m a fair-weather enjoyer of coffee… the day has to be just right, the wind in the right direction, the planets aligned sufficiently for me to really enjoy coffee. Any other day and it’s just a bitter means to an necessary end.
But tea… now that’s different. It doesn’t matter which way the wind blows, the planets line up… the conditions are always right for a cup of tea. And over the years, I’ve been adventurous with the tea habits – I’ve tried countless different varieties and tastes, and there aren’t that many I don’t like. But relatively recently, I discovered a company I feel I ought to share… and they’re called Teapigs…!
A couple of weeks ago, I went to Coolings “Green and Pleasant”, in Knockholt… Green and Pleasant is basically a garden centre with a really nicely designed eco building, which they call an “outdoor inspiration centre” (in other words, there’s less plants, but more garden structures, furniture and landscaping stuff). But there’s also a 6 acre nature walk, with lots for kids to explore – which Luke loves charging round – newly-finished ponds stocked with fish and even some wallabies…
You can find out more about Green and Pleasant here, if you’re interested: Coolings Green and Pleasant
Anyway, it was there that I first came across teapigs. They sell their tea in the little cafe there, and having tasted some on a visit before, I bought some to take home this time. Two little packets, in fact… One was English Breakfast tea, and the other was Chamomile Flower tea. I’ve had chamomile tea before, years ago, and was disgusted by it. But this seemed like the right time to try again – anything that might help sleep when I need the encouragement is welcome. And, well, I was surprised. Because this stuff is lovely.
Teapigs have what I think marketing bods would call a “unique selling point”. And that, apart from the flavours and types they offer (popcorn tea anyone? Super fruit tea? Rooibos Creme Caramel?) or type of ingredients they use (finest organic loveliness as far as I can tell), they use “tea temples” instead of teabags. They’re tiny little pyramid-ish shaped pouches made from biodegradable mesh – designed to give you more of a loose leaf taste rather than grainy teabag. Like this one.
It sounds a bit snobby I suppose, but it really isn’t – I don’t like it because builders won’t be drinking it on their afternoon-long break; I don’t like it because the local greasy spoons are unlikely to serve it; I don’t like it because Stephen Fry drinks it (I should point out that I have no idea if he does – I shouldn’t think so though, it would ruin his Twinings ad campaign…). I like it because it tastes nice. And its a little different. But mainly because it tastes nice.
Go and have a look – they do handy little tester tin thingys which cost roughly £1, and you get three tea “temples” (and a swish little tin to keep your loose change or marbles in).
