The English tea ceremony, being the most famous of the British traditions and gaining a enormous influence far beyond UK, has its own approach and etiquette of true tea drinking. But whether it’s a classic way with biscuits, or an unconventional one with airy marshmallows, neither Englishman nor gourmand will refuse such a pleasure.
The creators of two genuine British brands, both reflecting the sophistication of British tea drinking — ACE TEA London and LA MAISON GUIMAIVE — are lifting the curtain to take you on an incredible journey through United Kingdom.
The English tea ceremony combines imperial splendor with the prose of everyday life. By the beginning of the 19th century in England, tea had become one of the most sought-after goods, and tea drinking, which was customary at five o’clock in the afternoon, had become an integral part of society.
Until now, this ritual has retained its popularity and is one of the most delicious and desired pleasures not only in England, but all over the world.
Simeon Blanck, the founder of ACE TEA London, created his brand by combining the finest and most aromatic teas with typical British style and revolutionized the traditional English tea drinking: these Award-winning teas are so good that they can be drunk hot, chilled or even mixed with cocktails.
“I wanted to create a far more flavoursome range of teas than is normally available. Having sold another tea company previously, I was well connected and knew that I only wanted to source from Sri Lanka as the quality of the teas and clarity of flavour was first class, — Simeon Blanck says. So Ace Tea London was launched. The “Ace” is the name of my son so what could be better than to call my brand ACE TEA London”.
Having become a daily habit, five o’clock tea soon acquired a host of rituals. Tea varieties are strictly regulated: strong ones, for example, like English Breakfast or Breakfast Marmalade are consumed only for breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Earl Gray with fruit flavors, Green Tea with different flavors, Fruit Cocktail are drunk in the afternoon.
The hallmark of traditional English tea drinking is crumbly biscuits, which must be dipped in tea for a few seconds before eating this delicacy. There is a mandatory rule in this ritual — the cookies should not be soaked so much that they do not fall into the cup. The range of flavors allows to find a favorite combination with a preferred tea: Brazil Nut & White Chocolate, Lemon Curd, Chocolate & Orange, Lemon & Stem Ginger, Gracked Walnut, Toyal Ginger, Chocolate Chip or classic Butter Crunch.
“We love tea and take it very seriously, and because the British love to “dip” cookies in tea, we have developed a line of really delicious biscuits called Tea Dunkers that perfectly complement our tea and bring it to perfection,” — Simeon continues. — In the busy world that we have created, where we expect almost ‘instant’ service, the appeal of taking time out to be social over delectable food and enjoy the sipping qualities of a fine afternoon tea is something to relish. I know I recall many wonderful afternoon teas with family and friends far more than a sandwich out of a cardboard box eaten between meetings”.
Taste is the number one priority for ACE TEA. All teas are 100% natural and each is packaged in a specially made, biodegradable tea stocking that holds loose leaf tea for exceptional purity of taste.
All teas and cookies have an excellent taste, as well as beautiful LED packaging with a bright design and can serve as a wonderful gift for any occasion.
Simeon Blanck: “What you need for the perfect afternoon tea experience is great tea, great cake, great company, and most importantly — take your time”.
To bring a new dimension to English tea drinking, LA MAISON GUIMAIVE offers lovingly hand-crafted sumptuous, lightest and most fluffy marshmallows that both look and taste amazing.
The founder of LA MAISON GUIMAIVE Sheila Harrington, traveling a lot in France and Belgium and tasting different guimauves (French marshmallows), realized that there is nothing like that in the UK. She spent several years trying to convey to British gourmets that her marshmallows are truly a delicacy and deserve a place next to the best French macarons.
“We Englishmen are very fond of tea drinking. Afternoon tea is such a delicious treat, — says Sheila Harrington. — We don’t often have time for elaborate sandwiches and a selection of cakes, at least not every day! However, an afternoon ‘pick me up’ is essential — this entails a freshly made cup of hot tea and a sweet accompaniment whether that is a biscuit, cake or marshmallow. I think most countries would agree that a sweet snack is an essential way of getting through the afternoon”.
Tea drinking with marshmallows looks very elegant and aristocratic and has won great love from the British.
Whether it’s classic range of Rose Petal, Classic Vanilla, Double Chocolate or Elderflower & Champagne or seasonal flavors, each taste will add its zest and originality to fragrant tea.
How nice is to drink tea with your family or make a visit with a wonderful gift set to enjoy an airy treat together. Or give it as a token of gratitude, gift for a birthday, anniversary, and just whenever you want to put a smile on someone’s face.
An ideal gourmand’s favourite, GIFT BOX of 24 Marshmallows, includes excellent flavors:
- Classic Vanilla
- Raspberry & Lemon
- Rose Petal
- Elderflower & Champagne
- Double Chocolate
- Toasted Coconut
If you want to bring a bonfire atmosphere inside, LA MAISON GUIMAIVE has prepared an amazing surprise. Now you can roast fresh homemade marshmallows over an open fire from lovely toasting tin and enjoy all the fun and goodies indoors without having to rely on the whims of the weather.
The Luxury Toasting Boxes are perfect for after-dinner entertainment, romantic evening or hanging out with a group of friends.
The perfection of taste, according to Sheila Harrington, depends on the quality of the ingredients and diligence. LA MAISON GUIMAIVE has been awarded Great Taste Awards Gold Stars 4 times, which is the company’s pride and commitment to creating the best marshmallow experience for its customers.
Sheila Harrington: “If you haven’t yet tried a French marshmallow or a guimauve, you’re in for a treat! Pamper yourself with a cup of fragrant tea with & little sweetness and you will feel the true pleasure of English tea drinking”.
ENGLISH TEA PARTY
ACE TEA London
Contacts:
T: + 44 (0) 207 096 1416
M: + 44 (0) 7958 541 498
E: simeon@acetealondon.com
Instagram: @lamaisonguimave
LA MAISON GUIMAIVE
To contact the brand, you need to fill out an application on the website and you will be contacted shortly.
Instagram: @acetealondon
Editor-in-chief: Patricia Kolari
Text Writer: Marina Timoshevskaya
Technical Director: Evgeny Fedorov
Photos: EATWEEK GUIDE
