Kokova Magazine

Tea is officially still the nation's favourite drink but what is the best cup of tea to have as your day progresses?

The East India Company's Tea Master Lalith Lenadora offers you his recommendations for the perfect cup of tea, whatever the time of day.

The East India Company brought tea to Britain, placed its first tea order in 1664 and was instrumental in popularising tea in this country.

Today it stocks over 120 authentic, seasonal, rare and exclusive teas and each tea in the range is personally selected by Lalith Lenadora.

Morning Tea Teas

Royal Breakfast Tea - It was customary for the East India Company to bring gifts on returning ships for the sovereign. In 1664, the Company was distressed to find that no provision of a gift for King Charles II had been made. Accordingly, two pounds of tea found on board were presented to the King, and so began a long Royal tradition of tea drinking. This rich, robust tea has been developed to celebrate this royal patronage and it compliments a hearty English breakfast perfectly.

Assam 2 - First Estate Assam - A bright, rich, strong tea usually enjoyed with milk and sugar. This bold brew is great to wake you up every morning.

Teas to Drink After Meals

Dragonwell Lung Ching - This bright and lively green tea is great as an after-meal beverage as it aids in digestion and is rich in antioxidants.

Peppermint Infusion - If you indulge a bit too much, try a cup of this beautiful peppermint brew. A striking and strong infusion that refreshes and aids in digestion.

Chakra Balance Infusion - This blend is perfect for after meals or when the body is feeling out of balance or sluggish as it helps bring the body into equilibrium by aiding digestion. The soothing peppermint base note of this infusion is balanced with the sweet, aromatic notes of aniseed, cinnamon and fennel.

Afternoon Teas

The Staunton Earl Grey - The East India Company's Earl Grey is based on the authentic Chinese recipe with Neroli in addition to Bergamot making it a rich, smooth tea that combines zesty, floral flavours. Ideal as an afternoon treat to recharge your batteries.

Darjeeling First Flush - A refreshing tea, highly rated by tea connoisseurs, that is ideal to sip through the afternoon. As this is a deliciously light tea you can drink multiple cups to keep your spirits up through the afternoon hours.

Mi Lan Dan Cong - A light and elegant black oolong from China, this baked tea produces a rich liquor with floral, lychee and honey notes. An exceptional quality tea that goes well with afternoon treats.
Sacred Heart Blooming Tea - Orange, lily, and jasmine have been woven around the flower of the Globe Amaranth to create this stunning blooming tea. With scents of jasmine and orange this tea not only makes a beautiful gift but is a stunning centrepiece to any afternoon tea, perfect to share with family and friends.

Teas for Throughout The Day

Silver Cloud - Grown where 'the heavens touch the earth', Ceylon’s Namunukula Mountains, this flavourful white tea offers lingering notes of melon, honeydew and cantaloupe. An ideal tea for drinking throughout day when you want something a little bit special.

Teas To End The Day

Jasmine Pearls - Green tea infused with beautiful and aromatic Jasmine, this tea is a truly delightful way to end the day. Offers a smooth, relaxing and light brew.

Chakra Bliss Infusion - Whole chamomile and rose flowers impart wonderful floral notes whilst lime balm helps to gently calm and soothe the senses in this evening elixir perfect for those who struggle to relax and are disturbed at bedtime by a head crowded with too many thoughts.