National Tea Day

National Tea Day History

National Tea Day celebrates the cultural significance and the historical prominence of tea in the United Kingdom. It is aimed at bringing together tea enthusiasts, experts, and novices alike to explore and share their love for this cherished beverage. Tea has shaped the social fabric of the UK for centuries, with the humble cuppa becoming a symbol of warmth, hospitality, and comfort for many.

The origins of National Tea Day can be traced back to 2016 when it was first officially launched in the UK, with the aim of celebrating the history, heritage, and traditions of tea within British culture. The day's inaugural event was attended by thousands, underscoring the beloved status of tea in the nation. To this day, the recognition of British tea traditions remains central to our daily life, with over 100 million cups consumed daily, making the United Kingdom one of the top tea-drinking countries globally.

National Tea Day is observed in various ways across the UK, showcasing the diverse range of tea types, flavours, and brewing methods. Traditional afternoon tea parties, tastings, workshops, and special offers at local tea providers are all part of the occasion. Social media platforms also play a significant role in connecting tea lovers, where they share their preferred brews, blends and newfound knowledge about tea. In the United Kingdom, National Tea Day is celebrated on the 21st of April every year.

National Tea Day Facts

• According to IBISWorld, in 2023, the tea market industry was valued at £990 million.
• According to freshtea.com, the most popular teas are:
  1) Darjeeling
  2) English Breakfast
  3) Matcha
  4) Chai
• Around the world, there are over 3,000 different types of tea.
• It is believed that tea has been consumed since 2700 BCE in central China.
• Despite the name, high tea actually refers to a working-class meal consisting of sandwiches, scones, and other savory and sweet items, often served with tea. The term "high" refers to the height of the table at which the meal was eaten, rather than the nobility often associated with traditional afternoon tea.
• All teas come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, but they are classified into six main types, depending on the processing methods: green, black, white, oolong, yellow, and pu'erh.

In the News and Trending for National Tea Day

National Tea Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Brew some tea. There are several different types depending on the desired effect. Popular teas include black, green, and chai.
• Learn more about the different types of tea.
• Visit a tea shop. Many shops have specialty drinks and teas available.
• Read Tea: Addiction, Exploitation, and Empire by Roy Moxham.