Day Three: Tea Master Class

Still blogging about my London trip! I've got several more days to go. :-)

Day three was the Tea Master Class, sponsored by the UK Tea Council. The class was held at the lovely Chesterfield Hotel. I wish I had a photo of the staff. The young guys "in uniform" - that is, tuxedos with tails and a red carnation, were very handsome!














The class was led by Jane Pettigrew and Tim Clifton. Jane has written over 12 books on tea and is known worldwide. Tim is a highly-trained tea taster and previously Chairman of one of London's leading tea brokers.















Jane Pettigrew and Tim Clifton

















Stephanie with two classmates















Tea Tasting - Black Teas

The class covered the following topics:

• The history of tea in Britain
• What is Tea?
• Why all teas are different
• The manufacture of black, green, white, oolong, pu’erh and flavoured teas with samples and tastings
• Tea growing regions
• From the plantation to the cup
• Loose tea & tea bags - different types, advantages & disadvantages
• Perfect brewing
• Tea and health

We also had a delicious lunch. I had a great rhubarb crumble with fresh cream on top for dessert!
Later in the day, we enjoyed a full afternoon tea (tea sandwiches, scones and desserts). This was truly a special treat because we were only expecting a cream tea (scones and tea).














Conservatory


















Scones and Clotted Cream
We also met other tea professionals from around the world. It was a very international and mind-expanding day!