Hello, darlings!
Happy National Tea Day (Sunday 21st April 2019).
This luxurious fragrant tea is jam-packed with surprises! So, if you have a curious nature and wish to try something a trifle different, then please do join Miss Windsor for a “scent-sational” sup of this exquisite blend of Miles Lavender Limeflower & Rose Tea.
For those who have not had the pleasure, may I introduce Miles Tea of Porlock, Somerset, merchants of the finest tea and coffee from the West-Country. 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 87 years old is still tea tasting and buying three days per week.
Moving swiftly on, as I burst open the packet, I was greeted by the incredible fragrance of an English country garden, well more like the “potpourri-esque” version!
Nevertheless, I recall a mesmerising whiff of pink rambling rose, coupled with a sensual waft of lavender, plus an earthy touch of zing. I must say, my senses were aroused immediately, so whilst swept away in a floral haze, I envisioned a picture-postcard image of a quaint chocolate-box cottage, surrounded by a picket fence, nestled within a sleepy West-Country hamlet..
My beauteous vision was enwreathed by an almost wild, yet charming bounty of fragrant flowers, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, ornamental plants, and pink rambling roses. By Jove! darlings, by now Miss Windsor’s beloved Brown Betty teapot couldn’t wait to get a brew on.
So the moment I held one of those silky bags, I was instantly catapulted down memory lane to Grandmother Josie’s Victorian, Somersetshire abode in Clevedon. A trifle bigger than a sleepy hamlet dwelling yet boasted a vibrant coloured and beautifully kept cottage-like garden – the scent of rose, lavender, and tree bark sprang to mind, but no limeflowers, I’m afraid.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What the Dickens has Grandmother Josie’s abode got in common with a teabag, apologies tea kite?” Well, the moment one’s snout inhaled the aromatic tones of rose, lavender, and limeflower, one was drawn immediately to Grannie’s drawers (Oh, I say!). Of course, Miss Windsor is referring to a “chest of drawers”, not the cotton type commonly known as bloomers!
This wonderful blend of tea evoked fond and rosy memories of Grandmother Josie’s grand boudoir – parsley green carpet, rose pink drapes, a cerise satin bedspread and matching pillow shams, mahogany furniture, plus a vintage 1970s “Teasmade”, which I believe has been out of action since that very era! Oh yes, and Grannies drawers! a stupendous mahogany article, a bit dog-eared but still as robust and vivid as the day it was made.
As I pulled open one of Grannies drawers, I spied numerous, vintage, lacey silk, pink, and mauve drawer pillows that were oozing with floral freshness. I then drew an almighty snuffle, and was seduced by a scent-sation of English lavender and rose perfume created by the old-fashioned, English brand of Yardley. Throw a bit of earthy mahogany into the mix and BANG! it smelt exactly like Miles Lavender Limeflower & Rose Tea (How remarkable!).
Darlings, now moving on gracefully to my beloved Brown Betty teapot, which was sporting a fetching delicate pink tea cosy, she couldn’t wait to pour Miss Windsor a cup of tea.
My teacup now brimming with liquid, I lowered my snout and took a deep sniff, and rose from the teacup quite baffled. I must admit, it smelt very much like boiled dandelion stalks, with a touch of chamomile, plus a hint of dried rose petal – extraordinary, to say the least!
To be frank, it tasted a tad bitter, with a pleasant touch of rose petal, followed by a lingering aftertaste of zing – that must’ve been the limeflowers. You see, although it was a bit like supping on “eau de cologne”, I enthuse it was extremely delightful, flavoursome, incredibly refreshing, and I must say, following a day’s hard graft this tea would be the perfect tonic to help you unwind……
Darlings, if you fancy being swept away with Mr Miles (Oh, I say!) on a relaxing rendezvous, then why not treat yourself to a cup or two of this floral brew. Oh yes, and this fabulous tea is the perfect accompaniment to a slice of Mrs Beeton’s Rose & Lime Saucer Cake.
Darlings, please take a peek at my delightful version of MRS BEETON’S ROSE & LIME SAUCER CAKE!
Miss Windsor x
ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISS WINDSOR EXCEPT FOR PHOTOS OF GRANDMOTHER JOSIE & MR D J MILES.
“let’s leave Grandmother Josie’s spectacular drawers alone” … Just wonderful! I might have to seek out such a tea and try out Mrs Beeton’s recipe. Thank you for brightening my day.
Hello, darling!
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading all about Grandmother Josie’s spectacular drawers – Oh, I say!
My version of Mrs Beeton’s Saucer Cake is uttery divine – so easy to make, yet so flavoursome and scrumptious!
I hope to brighten up your day again very soon.
Cheerio for now,
Miss Windsor X
Miss Windsor
You’ve really excelled yourself here! What a fantastic post about tea. I really felt like I was being guided around grannie’s ‘boudoir’ – just great. Now I definitely would like to try this tea with a slice of Mrs Beeton’s cake.
Looking forward to your next post.
Josh
My dear Josh,
A pleasure to meet you here. Thank you so much for reading my review and huge appreciation for your wonderful comment.
Yes, I must say, I do have vivid memories of Grannie’s boudoir, including everything about her quaint Somersetshire abode. I’m so glad I can recount such incredible and warm memories through my food writing.
Cheerio for now,
Miss Windsor X
Hello, thank you for your very interesting, funny, and glowing review of Miles tea. I really go to know grannie’s drawers! I’m really taken by your style of writing. I felt as if I was there with you. You really did a good job Miss Windsor. Daniella
My dear, Daniella.
Your lovely comment is most appreciated. Thank you.
Oh, yes, I’m so glad you’ve become acquainted with Grandmother’s Josie’s drawers! Aren’t they just wonderful?
I must say, I’m chuffed to pieces that you “are taken” by my style of writing. You have certainly made me smile from cheek to cheek.
Cheerio for now,
Miss Windsor X