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Tea is part of the British fabric — a comforting ritual, a pick-me-up between meetings, and a way to slow down after a long day. But today's tea scene in the UK is far more adventurous than a simple cuppa. From delicate white teas to earthy mate and trendy matcha, infusions have broadened the palette. If you love exploring new flavors, the UK offers specialist shops and mainstream stores that stock exciting blends and handy kits to make café-quality drinks at home.
Whether you want a boutique tin of single-origin matcha or a practical bubble tea kit, here are the stores worth checking out. Some are specialists that focus on artisan tea, and others are lifestyle retailers that stock quirky, fun products.
Coffee Friend stocks an eclectic range of teas and infusions that lean into flavor-first blends. Highlights include a white tea and herb blend called Pure Beauty (about 1.6 oz), a couple of mate teas in roughly 1.8 oz jars, and a hefty mate option at about 17.6 oz (just over 1.1 lb) for serious yerba mate fans. If you like sampling seasonal herbal sets or fruity infusions, their 60-count herbal set and 15-count fruit infusion boxes are great for variety without committing to a full tin.
Menkind is a fun place to shop if you want to make bubble tea at home or give a playful tea-related gift. Their Bubble Tea Making Kit serves three and brings the café vibe into your kitchen, while fruity selection boxes deliver ready-made flavor combinations that are ideal for parties or experimenting with layering flavors.
Beyond the two stores highlighted above, the UK tea landscape includes heritage brands and modern boutiques. These retailers offer everything from traditional loose-leaf black teas to single-origin matcha and organic herbal blends.
Twinings is an iconic British brand that makes it easy to find classic black teas, flavoured varieties, and herbal infusions in mainstream supermarkets and online. If you want consistent quality for everyday drinking, Twinings’ range is a reliable starting point.
Teapigs has reimagined loose-leaf tea in convenient sachets that still deliver full leaves and bold flavor. They’re great for people who like loose leaf taste without the fuss. Expect bright matcha, restorative herbal blends, and playful fruit infusions perfect for iced tea.
Whittard focuses on experience, with beautifully packaged teas, indulgent blends, and gadgetry like teapots and mugs. If presentation and ceremony matter to you, their selection of single-origin teas and flavoured black teas will not disappoint.
For luxury and rare finds, Fortnum & Mason and higher-end supermarkets like Waitrose or organics-focused shops such as Planet Organic stock premium tins and curated seasonal selections. These are excellent places to discover rare single-estate infusions and carefully blended herbal collections.
Let’s zoom in on a few kinds of teas and infusions you’ll come across at the shops listed above and what you can expect on the palate.
White tea, like the Pure Beauty white tea and herb blend from Coffee Friend (about 1.6 oz), is delicate, lightly sweet, and often floral. It’s perfect for quiet mornings or when you want a low-caffeine option that still feels sophisticated. Brew gently: cooler water and shorter infusions keep the delicate flavors intact.
Mate teas — several of which show up in Coffee Friend range — are robust, grassy, and energizing. A 1.8 oz tin is ideal for sampling, while a 17.6 oz bag is for regular drinkers who love that sustained, tea-like buzz. Mate steeps shorter than black tea and pairs nicely with citrus or simple sweeteners.
Matcha is powdered green tea prized for its bright color and concentrated flavor. A 1.8 oz tin of ceremonial or culinary matcha will last longer than you think because a little goes a long way. Whisk it with hot water for a frothy, umami-rich tea or blend into smoothies and baking for a green boost.
Fruit infusion boxes (like a 15-count fruit berry set) are ideal for iced teas, mocktails, and bedside relaxation. Herbal sets with 20 to 60 servings provide variety — berry blends, calming chamomile mixes, and zesty hibiscus — all bright and caffeine-free.
Black teas are the workhorse of British tea-drinking. Look for raspberry or bergamot-flavored black teas if you want a twist on tradition. Sachets or loose-leaf options give you flexibility: bag convenience or full-leaf depth.
With so many options, I always ask a few quick questions before buying: Are you looking for caffeine or caffeine-free? Do you prefer floral or fruity notes? Is this for everyday use or for special occasions? Answering these helps narrow choices fast.
Black tea and matcha are higher in caffeine, making them good morning choices. Mate has a sustaining stimulant effect — excellent for afternoons. Herbal and fruit infusions are perfect for evenings since they’re naturally caffeine-free.
If you like loose leaf but hate strainers, try quality sachets (Teapigs-style) that use full leaves. If you want a ritual, buy loose leaf and a simple infuser. For trendier drinks or entertaining, consider a bubble tea kit from Menkind or a variety pack of fruity infusions.
Tea brewing doesn’t need to be intimidating. A few small changes can make your cup taste noticeably better. Here’s what I usually do to help my tea sing.
Use fresh water and avoid reboiling it repeatedly. Delicate green and white teas do best with slightly cooler water; black tea and mate tolerate near-boiling. As a rule of thumb, steep green and white for shorter times than black to avoid bitterness.
Measure your tea by eye: about one rounded teaspoon per cup for loose leaf, or use the recommended pouch count on boxes. Shorten or lengthen steeping time to taste. If you like stronger tea, add a little more leaf instead of over-steeping, which can introduce bitterness.
Cold-brewing tea in the fridge for several hours produces a smoother, less bitter infusion — excellent for fruity and herbal blends. Use a larger measure of tea and steep overnight for optimum flavor. Serve over ice with a slice of lemon for a refreshing drink.
Want café-style bubble tea or a proper matcha whisking experience at home? The right kit and a little practice go a long way.
A bubble tea kit typically includes tapioca pearls, syrup or powder, and sometimes a shaker. Menkind Bubble Tea Making Kit serves three and is a good way to get started. Cook the pearls exactly as instructed — timing is crucial — and use a sweet syrup or brewed tea base to balance the texture and sweetness.
For matcha, all you need is a small whisk and a bowl. Sift a half teaspoon or so of matcha into the bowl, add a few tablespoons of hot (not boiling) water, and whisk in a quick “M” or “W” motion until frothy. For lattes, heat milk and pour over the whisked matcha for a creamy treat.
High-quality tea doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few simple ways to save while still enjoying top flavors.
Sampler packs and small tins — like the 1.6 oz and 1.8 oz sizes you’ll see at specialty stores — let you test flavors without buying large quantities. They’re perfect for discovering whether you love a blend enough to purchase a larger bag.
Supermarkets and specialist retailers often run seasonal offers on iced tea blends and gift sets. Buying a multi-pack or a larger bag (for everyday staples like black tea) usually gives better value per serve.
Many tea buyers now care about sourcing and sustainability. Certified organic teas, fair-trade labels, and plastic-free packaging are increasingly common, especially among boutique brands and premium retailers. If these issues matter to you, look for certifications on the label or the retailer’s product page.
Loose leaf tea in paper tins or compostable sachets reduces waste compared with non-recyclable blends. Save tea leaves for compost or use spent leaves to scent your home — they’re surprisingly versatile.
Online shopping gives access to rare blends and international brands; in-store shopping offers instant tasting and advice. For most people, a mix of both works best: visit a specialist shop for guidance and try new products online for convenience and selection.
Order a small sample or sachet to see if a flavor suits you. If it does, bulk up with a larger bag or subscribe for regular deliveries from online vendors to save money and ensure you never run out.
Exploring tea and infusions is like wandering through a flavor market: there’s always something unexpected to discover, and small experiments lead to big rewards. Start with a sampler, brew mindfully, and enjoy the process. Whether you’re drawn to the calming notes of herbal infusions or the bold kick of mate, the UK’s mix of specialist shops and mainstream retailers makes it easy to build a tea wardrobe that suits your taste and lifestyle.
From Coffee Friend curated tins to Menkind’s playful bubble tea kits, the UK’s tea scene covers every mood and moment. Mix and match stores, try small tins or sampler boxes, learn a few brewing tricks, and you’ll be sipping better tea in no time. Treat your tea drinking like a monthly adventure — your cup will thank you for it.
| Tea & Infusions | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Black Tea G’tea Sweet Cherry Dream - 20 Pcs. | £ 1,79 | |
| Green Tea G’tea Fantastic Mango - 20 Pcs. | £ 1,79 | |
| Bubble Tea Making Kit By The Teashed - Serves 3 | £ 15,- |
