If you’ve ever spent any time in England, lived there, or have British friends, you’ll quickly learn one universal truth — we love our tea. It’s not just a drink, it’s a national obsession. From morning brews to late-afternoon pick-me-ups, tea is woven into our daily rhythm and social life.
As a born-and-bred Brit (and self-confessed tea addict), I’ve learned that drinking tea isn’t just about the beverage itself — it’s about ritual, comfort, and connection. Whether you’re cozying up with a cuppa on a rainy day or learning how to navigate the wonderful world of British tea culture for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
You’ll discover how tea became Britain’s drink of choice, the etiquette behind a proper brew so you can enjoy your tea like a Brit, and the little quirks that make our tea habits delightfully British. So grab your favorite mug, pop the kettle on, and let’s explore what makes a good old cup of tea such an essential part of life in the UK , no matter where you are.
A Brief History Of British Tea Culture
The history of tea in the UK is a fascinating story of trade, royalty, and national identity.
Before tea arrived in Britain, it had been enjoyed in Asia for thousands of years. Records suggest that it may have hit British Shores as early as 1598, or it may have been first introduced in 1615. But the first recorded sale of tea in Britain wasn’t until 1657 when it was purchased by Thomas Garaway, a tobacconist and coffee house owner.
The tea plant is only grown natively in China and Northern India and it was the Chinese who first sold its tea to Britain. To begin with, only Chinese green tea was sold in the coffee houses of London.
During the early 1800’s the discovery of the Camellia sinensis plant in Assam, Northern India by the East India Company was the beginning of the famous tea trade between India and Britain. Gradually Indian tea became more popular than Chinese tea thanks to this Indian-British trading relationship.
Fun Fact: The first recorded sale of tea in Britain was in 1657 — in a London coffee house, not a tea shop!
What Did The British Drink Before Tea?
Before tea became Britain’s favorite drink, coffee, gin, and beer ruled the day depending on a Brits class status in society. Many lower-class Brits home-brewed their own beer and gin. Coffee on the other hand was seen as a luxury product that was served to the higher classes.
When tea came along, it was sold in coffee houses in London as an alternative to coffee before tea rooms started to open.
The Gin Craze And The Rise Of Tea In The UK
Gin was extremely popular in Britain. In the 1700’s people drank an average of 2 pints of gin per week. This period in history is often referred to as the ‘gin craze’. There were more than 7000 legal gin shops in London, and numerous illegal gin sellers and brewers as well. In 1751 the Gin Act was passed which meant that gin production now attracted high taxes so people switched their attention to the new and exotic tea in the country.
How Tea Is Made
All types of British tea — from English Breakfast to Earl Grey — all come from the same Camellia sinensis plant (tea plant). The leaves from the top couple of inches of the plant are harvested and then withered by steaming them. Then they are shaped and oxidized by rolling and crushing them before being dried and packaged.
| Type Of Tea | Description | Flavour Notes |
| Black Tea | The traditional British tea – The most Popular in the UK | Strong, full-bodied |
| Green Tea | Gained popularity for its health benefits | Light, grassy |
| Herbal Tea | Caffeine-free options like chamomile | Floral, soothing |
The Queen Who Made Tea Popular
Tea became a symbol of elegance and refinement within British tea culture, thanks largely to Queen Catherine of Braganza. She was the queen-consort of Charles II of England, and very influential in making tea fashionable and popular.
Fun Fact: Catherine of Braganza is also credited with popularising orange marmalade in Britain!
Why Tea Became Britain’s National Drink
Tea became more popular than coffee as well as chocolate and alcohol due to the British East India Company. They had a monopoly over the tea industry in Britain. Tea was seen as inherently British and the British government encouraged its people to drink it because they gained revenue from tea taxation.
This shift marked the point where tea became Britain’s national drink, shaping everything from afternoon tea to modern-day elevenses.
Can you imagine Britain today without a kettle always on the boil?
Why Brits Love Tea So Much
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the sound of a kettle boiling in a British home. In British tea culture, that simple act signals a moment to pause. It’s a tiny ritual that keeps the country running. Whether it’s elevenses, afternoon tea, or a quick pick-me-up before dinner, the British day runs on tea.
Tea isn’t just loved for its taste or the traditions that go with it – it’s part comfort, part conversation. The caffeine provides a gentle energy boost, while the L-Theanine in tea has a calming effect that helps us stay relaxed yet focused. It’s also known to have health-boosting benefits like antioxidants. No wonder we reach for a cuppa when we’re tired, stressed, or just need a bit of warmth.
In Britain, tea isn’t just a drink — it’s a daily pause, a moment of calm, and a shared language.
A British Tradition That Brits Learn As Kids
For most Brits, from childhood, tea is a small act of self-care woven into daily life; a simple therapeutic way to take a time out. Something bad has happened? Have a cup of tea. Feeling under the weather? Put the kettle on. In fact it is the go-to way to handle literally any crisis – a familiar ritual that brings a sense of order to chaos. It’s just as social as it is personal. From friendly chats with neighbours to afternoon tea with friends, sharing a pot of tea is how Brits connect.
This is where British tea culture and daily life truly blend. Tea brings comfort, clarity, and community — all in one humble mug.
Quick Guide: How To Drink Tea Like A Brit (Step-by-Step)
Want to make tea the proper British way? Here’s a quick recap of everything you’ve learned:
- Use freshly boiled water — not reheated.
- Brew for 3–5 minutes depending on how strong you like it.
- Add milk after the tea (but if you prefer milk first, we won’t judge).
- Always use a ceramic mug or teapot — never metal.
- Pair your cuppa with biscuits, cake, or conversation.
There’s no wrong way to enjoy tea, but following these little traditions will help you experience it the British way — wherever you are in the world.
How Much Tea Do Brits Drink?
Statistics show how deeply ingrained tea in the UK really is. More than 80% of the British population drink tea every day. In fact, over 100 million cups of tea are enjoyed every day in the UK. Black tea with milk and sugar is the most popular way to enjoy tea, and about 98% of tea drinkers in Britain enjoy it with milk.
Fun Fact: In comparison, Americans drink about one-tenth as much tea per capita.
Tea Bags & Loose Leaf Tea
Both play an important role in how us Brits drink tea today.
The main difference between teabags and loose-leaf tea is the quality of the tea. Teabags are made from tea “dust,” which are small particles of low-quality tea that are inexpensive and easily available whereas loose-leaf tea is made from whole leaves of tea, which are much better quality. So tea brewed with loose-leaf tea has a more nuanced flavour than tea bags.
| Tea Bags | Loose-Leaf Tea |
| Convenient and quick | Richer flavour |
| Made from smaller tea particles | Made from whole leaves |
| Perfect for daily use | Best for special occasions |
England’s Favourite Tea And Tea Brands
The most popular tea in England is black tea which you will find in all supermarkets. It is the most common tea beverage at home as well as in cafes and tea shops.
If you go to any British supermarket you will see that there are lots of different types of tea and tea brands to choose from.
There are popular brands such as PG Tips, Tetley, and Yorkshire Tea as well as supermarket own brands. For convenience, Brits tend to prefer drinking their tea in tea bag form rather than as loose-leaf tea.
The nation’s favourite brand of tea is Twinings which has a Royal seal of approval from the Queen. Twinings became the Royal tea supplier back in 1837 when Queen Victoria was on the throne and it has retained their royal warrant since then. Pg Tips is the nation’s second favorite tea brand followed by brands including Yorkshire Tea and Tetley.
Fun Fact: Yorkshire Tea is so beloved that it’s often referred to as the builder’s brew — strong, bold, and no-nonsense: “Yorkshire Tea, like Tea used to be”.
The Tradition Of Elevenses
Elevenses is a wonderfully quirky traditions that sums up British tea etiquette perfectly.
Elevenses is an informal short break in England at 11 a.m. for a cup of tea or coffee, and biscuits.
Think of it as a late-morning pause: Tea, biscuits, and a moment to recharge before lunch.
Why Brits Add Milk To Tea
This small ritual is a cornerstone of how to drink tea like a Brit.
Back in the 17th and 18th Centuries, tea was drunk in fragile china tea cups. People added milk to the cup before the hot tea was added to prevent the hot drink from cracking the cups. Even today many people add milk before the tea whereas many others add the milk last.
Adding milk to tea also began to balance out stronger, darker black tea blends like English Breakfast. For the lower classes, it became popular because it also reduced the cost of drinking tea. Tea was extremely expensive so adding milk and sugar meant that fewer tea leaves were needed per cup of tea. It also masked the less desirable taste of using cheaper lower quality tea leaves. Finally, some people are sensitive to drinking tea on an empty stomach so a dash of milk eases any nausea that tea can sometimes cause.
Every Brit has their own firm opinion on whether milk goes in first or last.
How To Make Tea The British Way
There are two main ways to make a cup of tea. You can either brew the tea in a cup or in a teapot. The key is that you allow the tea bag or loose-leaf tea to brew.
To make it in a cup, boil water in a kettle, put a tea bag in your cup, and pour hot water once boiled into the cup. Leave the tea bag in the cup in the hot water for a few minutes depending on how strong (dark) you would like it. Squeeze the tea bag in the cup with a spoon and take it out. Then add any milk or sugar to taste.
To make a pot of tea, simply put one or two tea bags into the teapot (dependent on the size of the teapot) and pour in hot water. Leave it to brew for a few minutes, then pour it into cups and add any milk or sugar as desired.
Why British Tea Culture Is A National Obsession
From royal influence and colonial trade routes to the simple joy of sharing a cuppa with friends, tea has become so much more than just a drink in Britain — it’s a comforting tradition that connects generations. Whether with milk and sugar or strong and black, every Brit has their own way of doing it, and every cup tells a little story of its own.
If you’re visiting England, living abroad and missing home, or just curious about how to drink tea like a Brit, I hope this guide helps you bring a touch of British charm to your day. And whether you’re sipping Earl Grey in London or English Breakfast abroad, you’re taking part in a timeless tradition that defines British tea culture.
Now there is just one thing I have to ask you — how do you take your tea? Tell me in the comments below!
And if you’d like to dive deeper into British traditions, you might also enjoy these related reads:
- Everything You Need To Know About English Afternoon Tea & High Tea
- Best British Foods You Will Love When You Visit The UK
- How To Have Yourself A Very British Christmas
Learn More About England
- Everything You Need To Know About English Afternoon Tea & High Tea
- Best British Foods You Will Love When You Visit The UK
- How To Have Yourself A Very British Christmas!
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Gemma Lawrence is a British expat, solo female travel blogger, and the creator of This Brit’s Life — a travel and lifestyle blog that helps women explore the world confidently, live abroad independently, and stay informed about global issues.
Born and raised in England, Gemma has been living in British Columbia, Canada since 2016 and has been traveling solo for over a decade. With a background in journalism and over ten years of experience in digital marketing and communications — including leadership roles with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/BC) — she brings both storytelling and strategy to her writing.
Through her posts, Gemma shares practical solo travel advice, expat insights, and confidence-building resources, while also covering broader topics like women’s rights, democracy, and self-care. Her goal is to inspire independence, awareness, and personal growth — one adventure at a time
