The simple pleasures of tea.

Happily fulfilling another English stereotype, I have discovered a new found appreciation for tea since visiting the Tea House Emporium in Bath. I visited the underground tea shop with two friends from university last week after failing to find the fashion museum before closing time, and after one sip of their strawberry and cream tea I was smitten.

I have always been fussy when it comes to tea. I can't stand strong builder's brew, and if I must have regular tea I will drink it very weak with a generous splash of milk. My favourites until now were earl grey (with lemon, naturally) or fruit teas sweetened with a teaspoon of honey.

Thanks to the Tea House Emporium, I have discovered a new realm of tea. After my first encounter in their cosy little tea shop, I bought a bag of their strawberry and cream tea leaves (see photo above, left) and my very own infuser (bottom, left). Brewing my own tea is so satisfying and it tastes so much better than regular tea bags. The strawberry and cream tea is lovely and delicate, with slices of strawberry, pieces of white chocolate and little camomile flowers that open up whilst brewing. At first I didn't think that flavoured tea could work this way, but it's my new obsession and tastes delicious with milk and sugar. The bag cost me around £2.50 and will no doubt last me a while - great taste and great value!

I revisited today and bought another bag for my family, I'm going to try and convert them to the way of leaves and infusers! This time I chose earl grey (my mum's favourite) with blue cornflowers, if you look at the photo (below, right) you can see the little flecks of blue. Hopefully they'll open up upon brewing, I can't wait to try.

So yes, I am now a tea convert. No more tea bags for me, from here on out it's leaves and infusers! Now if you don't mind, I'm fancying another cuppa after writing this...