1 September 2020
by Anju Munshi
Most of us have. Remember those sleepy wintry nights studying for examinations and how tea helped us stay awake or ease our waking up? And till now there is absolutely nothing better in the morning, than waking up to the smell of a freshly brewed, full bodied tea pot.
We grew up reading Charles Dickens with his portrayal of street vendors having tea, Sherlock Homes making his own tea in some episodes;Victorian literature is punctuated with afternoon tea ceremonies seen as social events and a way to discern whether or not the invitees were potential marriage material.
This indispensable, wonder beverage that enjoys a premium image of Victorian elegance, has a royal history and a strong culture that goes back in time. Tea plantations have imbibed this vibrancy of the Victorian times and incorporated in their lifestyles. A tea bungalow is a combination of taste elegance and proper etiquette.
From beautiful linen to silver-plated tea strainer, silver sugar tongs, tea timer ,gold and silver tea infusers, exquisite tea and milk cozies ,a kettle mat -all these and even more make an important part of the tea ceremony. And what could be more English than an accompaniment of ribbon sandwiches, scones and Victorian sponge cakes?
There is love and respect given to the tea pot, a reverence resulting out of an intense commitment to this beverage.
A legacy well preserved.