FOOD + DRINK
Tea Time cont ...
Tea Time
TEA IS ONE OF THE WORLD ’ S MOST BELOVED BEVERAGES , AND TO MANY OF US THERE ’ S NOTHING BETTER THAN A PROPER CUPPA . WHETHER YOU SIP IT FOR A MORNING WAKE-UP OR INDULGE IN A MUG OF LATE-NIGHT COMFORT , TEA IS AN UNDISPUTED NATIONAL TREASURE .
Tea is also one of the oldest recorded drinks , originally discovered around 2700 BC in southwest China . According to legend , the emperor Shen Nung discovered the drink when leaves from a tree fell into his pot of boiling water . Almost 5,000 years later , China is the top global producer of tea , contributing approximately 40 % of the product worldwide .
In the early 17th century , European sailors brought tea leaves home to the continent , igniting the love affair between the British and their favourite beverage . With its hydrating , calming and anti-inflammatory properties , it ’ s no wonder that Brits collectively drink around 100 million cups of tea every day . In fact , potential health benefits of drinking tea include lowered cholesterol , improved sleep quality and enhanced focus - with scientists even linking the drink to a lowered risk of cancer .
On a larger scale , the tea industry has absolutely revolutionised in the last century , introducing specialist categories and varieties to the global market . From viral matcha boba to taste-bud-tantalising fruit blends , brands all over the world have been eager to keep up with the trends . In fact , there are more wonderful ways to experience tea than ever before . With tastings , factory tours and make-your-own blends , places all across the globe are popping up to showcase their own spin on the drink . Now that the British sunshine is in its full glory , there ’ s no better time to put down the cup you inevitably forgot you ’ d made and venture to the top 10 tea spots in Kent .
The Moat Tea Rooms , Canterbury www . moattearooms . co . uk
In the heart of the city of Canterbury lies The Moat Tea Rooms , a 16th-century building that displays an array of cakes and treats in its window . Stepping through the doors , you will be greeted by welcoming staff and the smell of freshly ground coffee . Their specialty tea menu is impressive , with over 39 varieties of loose-leaf tea and 15 kinds of coffee beans . Combining tradition with modernity , you can find refreshing pots of jasmine , Moroccan mint , blue lady and vanilla tea . The Moat Tea Rooms serves breakfast and lunch as well as afternoon tea , which guests can enjoy upstairs or in the secret adjoining tea garden . Pairing your favourite tea with their homemade cupcakes will make for a relaxing afternoon , though visitors can buy the tea room ’ s specialist tea and coffee to take the comfort home with them , too .
Chiddingstone Castle , Edenbridge www . chiddingstonecastle . org . uk
In the charming town of Kent ’ s Eden Valley stands Chiddingstone Castle , a house with 400 years of history and collections of objects dating back to Ancient Egyptian times . Within their 35 acres of grounds , there are gorgeous views of the Greensand Ridge , an avenue of Japanese cherry blossom trees and the historic house ’ s tea room . Guests can either dine in the Victorian Room , soak up the sunshine within the Grade II listed courtyard , or sit by the walled garden overlooking the south lawns . Wherever you sit , you ’ ll be
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