How to Brew a Proper Cup of English Tea: The British Way 🇬🇧
For the past few weeks I’ve been making my way through the darling British detective series The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries - I’m enthralled with the characters of Fiona, Sue and Daisy, (along with Simon Le Bon the dog) who are volunteers at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes.
The story is set in Southbourne, on the south coast of England, near Bournemouth but takes the ladies all over England in the pursuit of clues, killers, and more.
While Fiona, Sue and Daisy keep busy taking trains, scoping around corners, and organizing their charity shop - they never miss the opportunity for a cuppa and a slice of classic Victoria Sponge.
There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic cup of English tea. Whether it’s served with breakfast, enjoyed during a mid-afternoon break, or sipped while winding down in the evening, British tea is more than just a drink — it’s a ritual.
With all their tea drinking I got to wondering - how do you make a proper cup of English tea? While Fiona, Sue and Daisy usually put a kettle on to boil and then pour the water over tea - there is a fair amount of discussion in Death at the Dog Show about whether the kettle should be allowed to cool for a few minutes, or whether you should just pour the boiling water into cups straightaway.
Why English Tea Is So Special
English tea — particularly black teas like English Breakfast or Earl Grey — is known for its strong, bold flavor and its connection to tradition. It's often enjoyed with milk and sugar, served in fine china, and paired with biscuits, scones, or toast.
Learning how to brew it correctly ensures you’re getting the full experience: comforting, flavorful, and distinctly British.
What You’ll Need
Before we get into the brewing steps, here’s what you need to make tea like a Brit:
Loose leaf black tea (English Breakfast, Assam, or Earl Grey) or high-quality tea bags
A teapot (preferably ceramic or porcelain)
Freshly boiled water (I like this kettle)
Milk (semi-skimmed or whole milk is traditional)
Organic Sugar or Local Honey (optional)
A tea strainer (if using loose tea)
A proper tea cup (bonus points for matching saucer)
Step-by-Step: How to Brew English Tea Properly
1. Boil Fresh Water
Start with cold, fresh water. Bring it to a rolling boil (212°F or 100°C). British tea benefits from fully boiling water to extract the full flavor from the black tea leaves.
Tip: Avoid reboiling water, as it reduces oxygen levels and can affect the taste.
2. Warm the Teapot
Pour a little hot water into the teapot, swirl it around, and discard it. This warms the pot and helps maintain the right brewing temperature.
3. Add the Tea
If using loose leaf tea: Add 1 teaspoon per cup (plus one extra “for the pot” — a classic British touch).
If using tea bags: Use one bag per person.
4. Pour the Boiling Water
Immediately pour the freshly boiled water over the tea. The water must be hot to properly infuse black tea.
5. Steep the Tea
Let the tea steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Don’t stir or squeeze the bag — this can make the tea bitter.
6. Add Milk (The Great Debate: Milk First or Tea First?)
The traditional British way varies, but many prefer:
Tea first, then milk — so you can control the color and strength.
Add a splash of milk (not cream) to taste.
Fun Fact: In the past, milk was added first to protect delicate china from cracking due to hot tea!
7. Add Sugar or Sweetener (Optional)
Some Brits enjoy their tea with a spoonful of sugar or a drizzle of honey. Stir gently.
Serve and Enjoy
Pour your tea into a proper teacup, serve with biscuits, and enjoy your moment of calm. Traditional accompaniments include:
Digestive biscuits
Scones with jam and clotted cream
Toast with butter and marmalade
For the full experience, try enjoying your tea during afternoon tea or elevenses — two beloved British traditions.
Final Thoughts
Brewing tea the British way is more than just following steps — it’s about creating a moment to pause, relax, and connect. Whether you're new to tea or looking to bring a bit of the Charity Shop Ladies into your home, mastering the art of British tea-making is a timeless and satisfying ritual.
