The art of consuming tea

In the 17th Century Great Britain saw a Great expansion of commerce world wide but particularly with China, Arabia and the Americas. Exciting commodities such as tea, coffee and chocolate became available to those solelyused to beer, wine, cider and water. The excitement this created was significant, it soon became very fashionable for people to be seen consuming tea.

This new pastime created the need for new containers in which to prepare and serve the new commodities. A whole new industry was created to meet this demand. New items such as tea sets, cream jugs, tea urns, tea kettles, sugar bowls, caddy spoons were the society must haves much like the Iphone and Ipod today.

By the mid 1600's tea was widely available in Europe but was very dear and initially enjoyed by the rich and wealthy. Coffee in comparison was being imported into Europe by the Venetians at a lower cost and became more readily available. This promoted a whole string of “coffee houses” being established across Europe and the UK.

The social nature of drinking tea and coffee was soon developed and continues just as strong today. Sadly the beautifully crafted tea services and coffee pots have given way to steam boilers and plastic cups for many.

The true taste of tea should only be experienced through the traditional tea leaf being brewed in the traditional teapot surrounded by a stunning antique silver tea service.