Britain’s Love Affair with Tea: A Brew That Built a Nation

By Andrew Hall October 21, 2025

Ask someone abroad what Britain is famous for, and tea will inevitably make the list. Right up there with red phone boxes, sarcasm, and soggy weather. But while some stereotypes fade with time, our collective obsession with tea remains steadfast. It’s not just a drink here — it’s a gesture, a comfort, a shared language. At St Martins, though we’re known for our coffee roastery roots, we also tip our hats to tea. Because in Britain, to love tea is to understand the rhythm of the nation.

But where did this affection come from? And why, even today, does the simple act of brewing tea hold such emotional and cultural weight?

Let’s boil the kettle and dig in.

A Brief History of British Tea Obsession

Tea wasn’t always a staple in British life. It arrived in the 17th century, originally marketed as a medicinal tonic. Back then, it was a luxury enjoyed by the elite — the kind of thing you sipped with a raised eyebrow and a cravat. But its popularity exploded in the 18th century when the British East India Company began importing it on a mass scale.

By the 19th century, tea was no longer a status symbol. It was a national necessity.

Afternoon tea, made fashionable by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, became a full-blown ritual. The Industrial Revolution further embedded tea into the working-class day — a restorative break between brutal shifts, accompanied by bread, jam, and the solace of boiling water.

By the time we reached the post-war period, tea had become something else entirely: a symbol of resilience and recovery. A stiff upper lip in a cup.

Why We Love It (And Still Do)

There’s something uniquely British about how we lean on tea. In moments of celebration, we brew a pot. In grief, we offer a cup. When conversation dries up? “Shall I put the kettle on?”

It’s a drink that does more than hydrate. It connects.

From the first bleary-eyed cup at dawn to the late-night wind-down infusion, tea anchors our days. It offers structure in an unpredictable world. And in a culture famously uncomfortable with confrontation, it serves as a social glue.

It’s Not Just ‘Tea’ — It’s Teas

Let’s not forget: tea isn’t one thing. It’s many.

At St Martins, we stock a wide variety of loose leaf and bagged teas, each chosen for flavour, provenance and purpose. Each tea has a time, a mood, a person it suits best.

English Breakfast

Strong, dependable, familiar. The builder’s brew. The backbone of many mornings. Malty, rich and utterly classic.

Earl Grey

Aromatic, citrusy, elegant. The tea of writers, thinkers, and afternoon dawdlers. Infused with bergamot, it offers a fragrant escape from the ordinary.

Chamomile

The antidote to chaos. Light, floral, and calming. A hug in a mug. Perfect for Quiet Sippers seeking some peace at the end of the day.

Rooibos

Caffeine-free and full-bodied, with notes of honey and spice. A modern alternative for those wanting richness without the buzz.

Green Teas, Herbals and Beyond

Fresh, earthy, vibrant. For those looking to explore, our wider collection includes Sencha, Peppermint, Lemongrass & Ginger and more.

Because tea doesn’t just fit into your day — it shapes it.

Tea vs Coffee: The Truth (and the Myth)

There’s often an unspoken rivalry between coffee and tea. But let’s be honest — they serve different roles.

Coffee is about ignition. It's bold, energetic, a spark to start the fire.
Tea is about continuation. It carries you through. It’s the exhale after the deep breath.

And many people love both — often at different times of the day. A flat white at 9am. An Earl Grey at 3pm. A chamomile before bed.

We don’t believe in choosing sides. We believe in choosing moments.

Brewing It Right

Brewing tea is deceptively simple. But as with coffee, small tweaks make a big difference:

Water temperature matters. Don’t pour boiling water onto green tea — it scorches the leaves. Let it cool to around 80°C first.
Loose leaf > tea bags. It’s not snobbery. It’s flavour. More room for the leaves to unfurl means more depth in the cup.
Steeping time is crucial. English Breakfast? 3–5 mins. Chamomile? 5 mins. Rooibos? Let it linger.

And always — always — use fresh, filtered water. It’s the base of your brew.

Tea Rituals Around the UK

Across Britain, tea culture shifts with geography and upbringing.

In Yorkshire, tea means strength. Builders’ brews served dark and sweet.
In Cornwall, cream teas reign supreme. Jam, scones, and delicate cups.
In Scotland, it’s often enjoyed with shortbread or oatcakes.
And in busy cities, it’s the office lifeline. “Anyone fancy a brew?” can spark friendships faster than Slack ever could.

Tea isn’t just regional — it’s personal. Everyone has their way of making it. Their preferred mug. Their steeping time. Their milk order (before or after? We won’t judge).

Why We Stock Tea at St Martins

While we’re deeply rooted in the world of coffee, we recognise that tea deserves its own spotlight. Because good tea follows the same principles as good coffee:

Thoughtful sourcing
Quality leaves
Careful preparation

It’s why we’ve built a curated tea offering that spans the classics and the contemporary. Whether you want a morning kick or a bedtime calm, we’ve got the leaves for the job.

And just like our coffee, we don’t overcomplicate it. No gimmicks. No strange flavours. Just properly sourced tea, brewed right.

Final Thoughts: It’s More Than Just a Brew

To love tea in Britain is to participate in a tradition older than most of our buildings. But it’s more than tradition. It’s emotion. A signal to slow down. A way to offer comfort. A small, daily ceremony.

At St Martins, we believe every drink has its place. And while coffee will always be our first craft, we have nothing but respect for the leaf that built a culture.

So go ahead. Put the kettle on. Refill the pot. And raise your mug to the brew that keeps Britain steady.