RHYS BOWEN: I am currently in England, enjoying my yearly visit to family and friends and enjoying all the things that were dear to me as a child. I’ve already had bangers and mash, fish and chips and a full English breakfast. I’ve strolled down Oxford Street, looking at my favorite shops. So much never changes in England. That’s one of the things I love. I go into a little shop in Cornwall and I’m greeted with “Hello, my lovey. What can I do for you?”
I go into the pub and it’s noisy and full of laughter and feels just right. And there is still bunting and flags from the Coronation, with everyone still on a high. But one thing there is not, any more, is the ubiquitous cup of tea.
When I was growing up there would be a kettle on the stove all day in case a neighbor dropped by for a cup of tea. If anyone came to call the first thing a host would do would be to offer that cup of tea. If you were in an accident, someone would bring a cup of tea (for shock). If you had a baby, after the child was born a cup of tea would be brought. During WWII a cup of tea solved everything: you were bombed, you lost your house? Have a cup of tea, love. It was the British equivalent of valium. Calming, comforting.
Now it seems that the British cuppa is no more. Oh, you can get one at most cafes, but now it seems the drink of choice is coffee. Costas coffee houses, Starbucks and if you go to visit: can I get you a coffee? The younger generations certainly prefer their coffee. I enjoy a coffee too but there are certain times of day when it has to be tea: first thing in the morning and then at tea time. Four o’clock and I must have my cuppa.
I own six tea pots, ranging from Georgian silver to Wedgwood to good old British earthenware. Does that tell you that I’m addicted? And not only me: husband John blends our own loose leaf tea. A mixture of Darjeeling, Chinese Keemun, a little Ceylon and a strong Indian fine leaf. Tea is important in our household.
So why has it lost favor in Britain? Two reasons, I suspect. The population is now so fluid. People from across the world live and work in Britain and they like coffee. Also the concept of tea time has gone. When I was a child most women did not work. They enjoyed their tea, with cake and biscuits because most husbands did not come home until quite late and it was a long while until dinner. It was a time for socializing after the days chores were done.Also children coming home from school wanted their tea right away.
My fond memories are of tea on the lawn in summer. Setting a proper table outside. Carrying out a plate of little cakes, or slices of a big cake and enjoying a rare moment of English sunshine, surrounded by flowers and bird song.
Now, alas, everyone is too busy for tea time. Women all work. Families arrive home and eat a meal together. Too often it’s take out. Or in upper class families the nanny serves children their tea–weak tea with lots of milk and sugar. And that lovely afternoon moment of serenity is lost. But here I am, enjoying it right now. There are still cream teas in Cornwall. And they are still wonderful.
Who is a fan of tea here? (I know Debs is addicted as I am and I'm hoping to see her in London)
