Review of Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea (Loose Leaf)

Miss Windsor's Delectables - vintage Brown Betty Teapot and Miles West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea!
​Photo by Miss Windsor. Darling Brown Betty, and Miles West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea!

Hello, darlings!

Following my frightfully fabulous scone munching, tea tasting experience at Mr Miles Tearooms, Taunton, Somerset; I must say I’ve become rather enamoured with Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea.

You see, because I’m a West-Country lass at heart, naturally my new “amour”, namely a cup of Miles Tea, is now a joyous addition to my daily tea break routine.  ​

Miss Windsor's Delectables - Mr Miles Tearooms, Taunton, Somerset.
Photo courtesy of – Mr Colin Barrell – Mr Miles Tearooms, Taunton, Somerset!

Just in time for British National Tea Day, and accompanied by one of my vintage, loyal, earthenware Brown Betty teapots, I wished to nourish my palate with a selection of Miles Tea. Then, of course, scribe a detailed recount for the pleasure of the ardent tea drinker, for those who enjoy a brew or two, and for the connoisseurs’ of tea.

Miss Windsor's Delectables - vintage teapot by Prices (made in England) and Miles West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea!
​Photo by Miss Windsor. Vintage teapot by Price, and Miles West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea!

Darlings, now I wish to fortify your mind with a few thrilling facts about Miles Tea & Coffee:  

Miles Tea of Porlock, Somerset, merchants of the finest tea and coffee from the West-Country, was established in 1888 and was previously known as Henry Miles & Co. Then in 1971, Mr D J Miles purchased the business from his grandfather, whom since then, and now at the ripe and ravishing age of 86 years old is still tea tasting and buying three days per week (How spiffing!).

Miss Windsor's Delectables - Mr D J Miles - Miles Tea & Coffee - Porlock, Somerset.
​Photo courtesy of ‘Visit Somerset’ – Mr D J Miles – blending tea!

Moving swiftly on, Mr Sam Burton of Miles Tea & Coffee very kindly treated Miss Windsor to a selection of tea via our trusty Royal Mail service.

Upon receiving my treat, I immediately shuffled through my goodie bag, and decided to sample the delights of Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea, including my new amour – West-Country Original Blend Tea (loose leaf). Of course, I was quite intrigued to find out how the loose leaf would fare against my customary teabag!  ​

Miss Windsor's Delectables - goodie bag of Miles Tea - from Porlock, Somerset! West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea & bags, Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea, Earl Grey & Chun Mae Loose Leaf Tea
Photo by Miss Windsor – goodie bag of Miles Tea – courtesy of Sam Burton

Naturally one will start with Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea Loose Leaf Tea – an exquisite fusion of fourteen Assam and African teas.

You’ll be pleased to know, as per the “brewing notes” on the back of the frightfully fragrant smelling packet, Miss Windsor followed suit, and pre-warmed Brown Betty’s rotund trunk with a burst of heat – just a quick swirl of boiling hot water prepared her for action! 

Miss Windsor's Delectables - tea blending - Miles Tea of Porlock, Somerset.
​Photo courtesy of ‘Miles Tea & Coffee’ – tea blending!

After 4 to 5 minutes, the time had arrived to indulge in a delightful dose of West-Country LOVE – to be served in dainty English bone china teacup!

You see darlings, although my preference is to take tea with milk, on this occasion, I was immediately lured by the resplendent tone of tawny and bronze, and by a pleasant whiff of the West Country – so naturally, I enjoyed a huge slurp of this enchanting blend (How thrilling!).

Miss Windsor's Delectables - 'brewing notes' - for Miles West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea - Porlock, Somerset.
​Photo by Miss Windsor – ‘brewing notes’ – for Miles West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea.

As my lips met the teacup, I was greeted by a slightly bitter but rather rousing explosion of the mellow, malty, sweet, and vibrant union of flavours. I must say the experience reminded me of my mum’s favourite powdered, night-time beverage of Horlicks!

Miss Windsor's Delectables - a cup of Miles West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea! Served in a vintage, English bone china cup n' saucer - by 'Paragon'!
Photo by Miss Windsor – cup of Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea! Served in a cup n’ saucer – by Paragon!

Darlings, I’m sure you’ll all agree, there’s something very special about making a proper brew from scratch. For me, I believe it’s the entire process from start to finish – pre-warming my beloved Brown Betty teapot, using loose leaf tea, an elegantly dressed table sporting a starched linen tablecloth, English bone china teacups and saucers, or it’s a moment to relish as one is swept back to a bygone era when ladies and gentleman of the “golden age” (like Grandmother Josie) enjoyed a spot of tea as a daily ritual – those were the days!  ​

Miss Windsor's Delectables - vintage Brown Betty teapot, English bone chine cup n' saucer by 'Paragon', and Miles West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea!
Photo by Miss Windsor: Brown Betty, cup n’ saucer by Paragon & Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea!

Before you pop off to Sainsbury’s and stock up on Miles Tea, I must say, Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea is extremely versatile, and can be enjoyed on any occasion with or without milk – breakfast, elevenses, brunch, tea break, afternoon tea, or as the perfect steaming hot companion whilst you snuggle up on your sumptuous sofa in readiness for another riveting episode of “Corrie”!

​Darlings, one is feeling a trifle weary now, so must retire to my boudoir with my new “love” – a glorious cup of Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea – loose leaf, of course! Only the best will do for Miss Windsor.  

Photo by Miss Windsor - Miles West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea, and my trusty teabags!
​Photo by Miss Windsor – Miles West-Country Original Blend Loose Leaf Tea, and my trusty teabags!

I’ll see you back here back very soon, with my fabulously fruity review of Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea – the very best of West-Country fayre!

Toodles,

Miss Windsor x

Photo 9: vintage Brown Betty teapot decorated with gold gilding & flowers. I purchased from Etsy.com – CybelsVintageHome ! 

18 thoughts on “Review of Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea (Loose Leaf)

  1. Zoe-ann Kettles-Bird says:

    Oh my dear what a lovely write up! I can’t wait to hear about the Miles Berry Berry loose leaf tea, sounds yummy… Mmmm. Thank you so much for the mention too, It’s sooo appreciated darling! X

    • Miss Windsor says:

      Hello, darling!
      Congratulations you have won a packet of Miles Tea! I will be in contact for your details!
      Thank you for your comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed my article!
      How did you celebrate National Tea Day?
      Cheerio for now,
      Miss Windsor X

  2. Michelle Newman says:

    There is nothing better than tea in a proper bone china mug. It makes the taste so much nicer and makes me feel grown up. I’ve not tried loose tea as I always seem to be busy as a tea bag is more convenient. I’m loving the colourful packaging too.

    • Miss Windsor says:

      Hello, darling!
      Congratulations, you have won a packet of Miles Tea! I will be in contact for your details.
      I absolutely agree, darling, always serve tea in a proper bone china mug!
      In fact, its a real experience to use loose leaf tea; as one will revel in the pleasures of a bygone era by preparing and serving tea in the correct manner – using a tea pot (preferably a vintage Brown Betty!) a tea strainer, laying the table, then sipping tea from an English bone china teacup – How spiffing!
      Give it a go, and please do let me know how you get on!
      Cheerio for now,
      Miss Windsor X

    • Miss Windsor says:

      Hello, darling!
      Congratulations you have won a packet of Miles Tea! I will be in contact for your details!
      Oh, I do love a good cuppa too! Yorkshire Tea is fantastic, but of course, Miss Windsor favours tea from the West-Country!
      You see, Miles Tea is made with a pure dose of West-Country LOVE – something I’m quite smitten by!
      Darling, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your sample box of tea! If its too your satisfaction, then one may make a purchase directly from Miles Tea – http://www.djmiles.co.uk Amazon, or pick up a pack from Sainsbury’s!
      Enjoy!
      Miss Windsor X

    • Miss Windsor says:

      Hello, darling!
      Thank you very much for your comment.
      Well, one may purchase a box from a vast selection directly from http://www.djmiles.co.uk , Amazon, or just pick up a pack from Sainsbury’s!
      I believe you can also order online from Sainsbury’s.
      Happy tea drinking!
      Cheerio,
      Miss Windsor X

    • Miss Windsor says:

      Hello, darling!
      Thank you for your lovely comment. Glad you enjoyed my post.
      Yes, I certainly agree Miles Tea is just FABULOUS! Nothing beats a pure dose of West-Country LOVE – in every cup!
      Cheerio for now,
      Miss Windsor X

  3. Marian Millicent Miller says:

    A really good read/article. I’m going to go out and buy some Miles tea for two reasons
    a) I enjoy a really good brew.
    b) Miles is my sons name… Lol.
    On a serious note, I’ve just come back from Yorkshire. On arrival, I fancied a cuppa so, I popped out to the local corner shop and the range was limited so, I bought the cheapest, unknown brand. Returned to my lodgings, put the kettle on to make a brew and ‘by George’ it was ‘blooming marvelous…!!’ I think the water helped enormously as it’s much softer than the water we have here in the ‘smoke’.
    Very interested in trying the Berry Berry as well.
    Thanks for the legs up.
    Toodle Pip.

    • Miss Windsor says:

      Hello, darling!
      Welcome to my new website, and thank you for your lovely words.
      Your son is also called Miles – Well, what do ya know!
      Oh, goodness me, the tea making conditions we have to bear in London are totally unacceptable – so one may try boiling the kettle with Harrogate Spring Water! Please do let me know how you get on.
      Marian, darling, yes the water is definitely softer in Yorkshire!
      Review of Miles Berry Berry Tea coming very soon!
      Cheerio for now,
      Miss Windsor X

  4. Mrs Simkins says:

    My dear! What a fabulous read! So interesting and informative and with wonderful nostalgic images! I’m going to treat my own tea pot to some ASAP. As you say, perfect for snuggling on the sofa with the latest Corrie escapades!

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