There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a good, strong cup of tea.
Whether it’s enjoyed first thing in the morning, sipped during a midday break, or savored at an afternoon tea party, a ‘proper cuppa’ is a cherished tradition in Britain that brings comfort and warmth, one sip at a time.
So, let’s put the kettle on, have some tea, and explore some of Britain’s most well-known tea brands.
Table of Contents
Twinings
Twinings is a well-established and highly esteemed British tea company that has been providing a range of high-quality teas for more than 300 years. It is known not just in the UK but across the world, with its products sold in more than 100 countries.
Twinings was founded in 1706 by Thomas Twining. He opened Britain’s first known tea room at No. 216 Strand, London, which still operates today as a shop. The company has held the Royal Warrant of Appointment for tea since 1837, a mark of recognition of those who have supplied goods or services to the Royal Household.
The brand offers a wide variety of tea types including black, green, white, herbal, and flavored teas. Some of their most popular blends include English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Lady Grey, and Darjeeling, each with its own distinct flavor profile.
Taylors of Harrogate
Taylors of Harrogate is an iconic British tea brand, renowned for its premium quality teas and commitment to sustainable practices. Founded in 1886, this family business hails from Harrogate, one of Yorkshire’s most elegant destinations.
Known for their classic Yorkshire Tea, a robust and hearty blend that personifies the traditional British ‘cuppa’, Taylors of Harrogate’s commitment to excellence shines through. Yorkshire Tea is celebrated for its strong, full-bodied brew, making it a comforting and invigorating choice, particularly when enjoyed with milk.
One of the brand’s slogans is “Let’s have a proper brew”, which captures their commitment to creating a hearty and satisfying cup of tea.
However, their offerings are not limited to traditional black tea. Taylors boasts an impressive range of teas, including herbal and fruit infusions, green teas, and special blends.
Their specialty range includes delightful and adventurous options like the “Taylors Discovery Collection”, featuring rare and complex teas from around the globe. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Earl Grey or an exotic Green Tea with Strawberries & Cream, Taylors of Harrogate has got you covered.
PG Tips
PG Tips is one of Britain’s most popular brands and is known for its robust and full-bodied black tea.
Known for its strong, robust flavor, PG Tips is a blend of Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas. The brand is famous for its pyramid-shaped tea bags, which were introduced in 1996. The pyramid shape is not just a gimmick — it’s designed to give the tea leaves more room to move, freeing the great fresh taste and giving the tea a better infusion for a more enjoyable cuppa.
Typhoo
Typhoo Tea is a popular British brand that has been in the tea business for over a century.
The brand was established by John Sumner Jr. in Birmingham, England, in 1903.
Their classic Typhoo blend is a favorite of many.
Fortnum and Mason
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, Fortnum & Mason, known for their high-end department store in London, also produce their own line of teas, which includes a variety of black, green, oolong, white, yellow, and pu’er teas.
They also offer herbal infusions and their own unique blends. They have an extensive range, from the classics such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Darjeeling, to more unique blends like their famous Royal Blend, which has been popular since it was first blended in 1902 at the request of King Edward VII.
Whittard Of Chelsea
Whittard of Chelsea is another well-established British brand, known for their wide variety of high-quality teas, coffee, and hot chocolates.
Founded by Walter Whittard in 1886, the company started out as a small shop in Fleet Street, London, selling tea, coffee, and cocoa. Over the years, it has grown into a globally recognized brand with stores all around the world.
Clipper
Clipper Teas is a British, fair-trade tea company based in Beaminster, Dorset founded in 1984.
Some of their popular blends include the Organic Everyday Tea, a robust blend of the finest Assam, Ceylon and Kenyan teas, their range of flavored green teas, and a variety of fruity and herbal infusions.
Teapigs
If you prefer a more modern brand, Teapigs offers a wide variety of flavored and unflavored teas, both in loose-leaf form and in biodegradable “tea temples”.
They have a strong focus on ethical, high-quality ingredients.